In every environmental effort, no matter the project, sustainability is practiced. Improvements in MEP engineering and other construction services are now starting to prioritize energy efficiency. Energy efficiency measures are used to focus on necessary electrical and mechanical equipment. With new MEP techniques, more productive conservations can be met prior to MEP installation.
Lighting and HVAC systems account for up to 75% of total energy consumption. As a result, any design option that lowers the cost of these systems is always preferred. Variable refrigerant flow systems and LED lighting may help reduce expenses, but optimizing the building itself would be more effective.
Benefits of Energy Efficient Buildings
Sustainability and environmentally-focussed MEP design is the process necessary for the improvement of a building's energy efficiency. To preserve energy, older buildings with obsolete MEP engineering will require these types of MEP redesign services. This type of MEP design will maintain the building's original structure with minimal changes and interruptions.. When it comes to updating your building, here are some things to consider:
- Energy Modeling
Energy modeling is required before beginning the remodeling design in order to determine the total costs, potential risks, and outcomes of any approach. This procedure entails doing a virtual analysis to identify problem areas, the building's energy use, and assess and exam enhancement options.
- Retrofit Windows
It can be expensive to replace your outdated windows. However, retaining them could be both environmentally and energy inefficient. Using cellular shades, insulating shades, or storm windows to replace them can help to prevent air leaks and increase ventilation in the building. Caulking and weatherstripping are also excellent ways to start when it comes to conserving energy.
- Measuring Building Energy Quotient (bEQ)
The bEQ is a rating program that presents the standard, as well as ways to increase the operational performance of a building. With bEQ, it allows you to determine the expected performance of a building, how it consumes energy, and appraise the costs and reimbursement to improve energy efficiency.
- Upgrade HVAC System
There are different ways to achieve HVAC efficiency. You can upgrade to a free cooling system or thermal storage which uses sensors. This also allows you to automate HVAC operations for it to function optimally. Ductwork is also possible; and, it would require configuring, routing, and concealing some areas to maintain the building’s structure.
- Renewable Energy
If you are looking for something that requires minimal alteration on your building’s structure, then consider getting solar or geothermal energy. Solar panels will be placed on roofs to gather solar radiation which will then be converted to electricity.
Geothermal energy, utilizes less space, has fewer parts, and maintains great internal humidity levels. The unique thing about geothermal energy is that it uses the earth’s heat as its source.
MEP upgrades mean energy efficiency, but they can also mean enhancing the building’s architectural design. The best way to achieve and sustain your building’s performance standard is by hiring highly skilled professionals like our expert design team here at Source2Load Engineering & Consulting!
We have a highly skilled professional team that would provide you with quality MEP engineering and design services. Contact us now for consultations.
