Matt Downing, a Principal at HEAPY and leader of the firm’s Cincinnati office, has been named an Under 40 Award Winner by the Building Commissioning Association (BCxA). This prestigious recognition highlights professionals who are making significant contributions to the commissioning industry.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition from my peers and colleagues,” Matt shared. “What I enjoy most is being able to witness firsthand how our efforts improve building performance, energy efficiency, and ultimately impact the community. It is extremely rewarding to work on projects that create lasting value.”
Matt’s leadership and technical expertise have been instrumental in delivering high-performance buildings for clients such as Procter & Gamble and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
“Matt’s calm, steady demeanor sets the tone for the entire team, especially in high-pressure situations,” Ryan Hoffman, Building Optimization Practice Director, said. “His positive energy and technical expertise have made him a true leader not only at HEAPY but within the industry as a whole.”
Promoting the Commissioning Profession
Matt has consistently demonstrated a commitment to promoting the commissioning profession through education and advocacy. He regularly leads training sessions for clients, architects, and code officials, helping them understand the critical role commissioning plays in achieving high-performance buildings.
In his role as Cincinnati Office Leader, Matt has also expanded HEAPY’s co-op program, working closely with local universities to attract new talent to the field. Additionally, he guest lectures at the University of Cincinnati and University of Dayton, helping to inspire the next generation of commissioning professionals.
Matt’s dedication to mentorship inside and outside the firm reflects his passion for creating a sustainable future for the industry.
Innovating to Create High-Performance Buildings
Matt’s approach to commissioning is marked by innovation. He spearheaded the digital transformation of HEAPY’s commissioning practice, transitioning from traditional paper-based methods to an integrated electronic system using tools like CxAlloy. This shift has significantly enhanced project efficiency and communication, allowing real-time issue tracking and resolution across multiple platforms.
In collaboration with Texas A&M, Matt is also overseeing the development of a new software tool that provides real-time analytics and fault detection during building start-up and functional testing. This cutting-edge technology not only accelerates commissioning timelines but also reduces costs and enhances building performance outcomes for clients.
Additionally, he has played a pivotal role in improving how HEAPY supports clients with specialized regulatory and validation requirements in sectors like R&D, laboratories, clean rooms, and cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) facilities. By developing an integrated approach that incorporates regulatory compliance into the commissioning process, Matt has helped ensure that projects in these highly regulated environments meet stringent industry standards. This approach has resulted in more efficient project delivery and cost savings, allowing HEAPY to better serve clients in complex, controlled environments.
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Matt Downing’s recognition as a 40 Under 40 Award Winner underscores his contributions to the commissioning profession and his impact on HEAPY and the industry at large. His technical expertise, innovative mindset, and commitment to mentorship ensure that he will continue to shape the future of building commissioning for years to come.
