Business Details
16 Years
experience
Your Partner for Building Commissioning & Sustainability
Founded in 2010, Whole Building Systems (WBS) specializes in advancing the performance of commercial, government, and historic structures through integrated engineering and sustainability solutions. With decades of collective expertise, our team of licensed engineers, LEED-certified professionals, and industry leaders delivers commissioning, MEP design, forensic consulting, and certification services that align with evolving environmental standards. We collaborate with architects, contractors, and facility managers to ensure buildings operate at peak efficiency while prioritizing occupant health and resource conservation.Our technical acumen is evidenced by partnerships on landmark projects like the International African American Museum and Lucy Beckham High School, alongside pioneering contributions to ASHRAE standards and the Charleston Green Plan. By combining innovative technologies with rigorous quality assurance, we empower clients to achieve long-term cost savings, compliance, and sustainability goals, establishing ourselves as trusted advisors in high-performance building systems.
Services
Commissioning
MEP Design Engineering
Forensic Consulting
Indoor Environmental Quality
Energy Audits
Sustainable Design
High-Performance Certifications
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We have over 46 years of combined leadership experience in building engineering and sustainability.
- Our team includes ASHRAE Fellows and LEED Accredited Professionals with industry-recognized certifications.
- Specialized expertise in historic building preservation and energy-efficient retrofits.
- Proven success in commissioning over 100 million square feet of commercial and industrial buildings.
- Active contributors to national building standards and sustainability guidelines.
Associations and certifications
- LEED
- Green Globes
- WELL
- Fitwel
- IFLI
What people say
Technical excellence
Reliable delivery
Proven expertise
Client-focused solutions
Industry-leading standards
Services
Commissioning
Commissioning ensures buildings meet design specifications through system testing and validation. WBS provides full lifecycle commissioning for new construction, retrofits, and re-certification. Our process reduces energy costs, improves occupant comfort, and ensures compliance with LEED and other sustainability standards.
MEP Design Engineering
We deliver mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design services for HVAC renovations and new builds. Our engineers use Revit and Trane Trace 3D Plus for precise modeling. Solutions prioritize energy efficiency, code compliance, and long-term operational effectiveness across commercial and historic structures.
Indoor Environmental Quality
Our IEQ assessments analyze building materials, ventilation, and water systems to enhance occupant health. We identify contamination sources and recommend remediation strategies. Services include air quality testing and compliance with WELL building standards.
Energy Audits
WBS conducts comprehensive energy audits to identify savings opportunities in existing buildings. We assess HVAC performance, lighting, and insulation to develop retrofit strategies. Clients receive actionable reports to reduce utility costs and carbon footprints.
Sustainable Design
We guide clients through LEED, Green Globes, and Fitwel certifications. Services include energy modeling, life cycle costing, and sustainable material selection. Our team ensures projects meet performance goals while minimizing environmental impact.
People
M. Dennis Knight
Founder
46-year industry veteran, ASHRAE Fellow, and LEED AP. Pioneer of ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force and Building EQ tool. Leads commissioning and energy modeling initiatives.
Susan E. Collins
Chief Operating Officer
35 years in sustainability strategy. Manages Charleston County School District design standards. LEED and WELL Accredited Professional with expertise in historic preservation.
Joel H. McKellar
Principal
LEED AP with 15 years in building performance. Directed Harvard University's sustainability program. Specializes in air quality testing and recommissioning.
Barret R. Williams
Principal
25+ years in MEP design. Former HVAC equipment specialist. Oversees engineering coordination for complex projects across education and healthcare sectors.
Tom Smith
Commissioning Specialist
20-year HVAC and automation expert. Certified in Green Globes and ASHRAE controls. Manages commissioning for data centers, laboratories, and large commercial spaces.
Questions
What building types do you specialize in?
We focus on commercial offices, government facilities, historic structures, and educational institutions.
How can you improve indoor air quality?
Our IEQ assessments identify contamination sources. We recommend ventilation upgrades and material replacements.
Do you offer LEED certification consulting?
Yes, our LEED AP professionals guide clients through documentation and performance verification.
What geographic areas do you serve?
Primarily Charleston and surrounding SC regions, with select projects in Savannah, GA.
How do you handle historic building retrofits?
We balance preservation with modernization using tailored energy solutions compliant with historic codes.
Can you assist with energy rebate programs?
Yes, we help identify and document utility incentive programs for efficiency upgrades.
