A sustainable building's MEP design includes these four features

Posted on 21 Dec. 2022

MEP solutions for your building's sustainability 

If you are currently designing a building, own an older one, or are interested in improving the operational procedures of your existing facility, it is vital to consider the benefits of MEP engineering services to achieve sustainability goals. These services can address your specific requirements and make your building more eco-friendly, resulting in significant cost savings. 

Here are four examples of how MEP engineering can contribute to sustainability and reduce expenses for your facility.

1) Energy reduction in HVAC & Lighting 

The design of a building can have a significant impact on its energy consumption for lighting, heating, and cooling. In commercial buildings, lighting alone accounts for 25% of energy use, while HVAC systems represent 32%. Therefore, optimizing the design and efficiency of these systems is crucial to reduce costs and minimize environmental impact.

BMI offers a range of HVAC solutions to improve efficiency, such as utilizing natural ventilation systems and heat sources, reducing energy loss in traditional methods, and incorporating innovative technologies. Additionally, there are various techniques to reduce lighting costs, including designing spaces that allow more natural light to enter and implementing eco-friendly lighting fixtures and bulbs equipped with sensors to maintain comfortable indoor environments.

2) Water Conservation 

Effective water conservation strategies are crucial for all types of buildings, regardless of location or access to water resources. Various approaches and designs can help reduce a building's water consumption and save money on water bills.

One of the most fundamental steps building owners can take is to install low-flow fixtures. These fixtures use about 40% less water than standard ones, with low-flow toilets saving approximately 2.2 gallons per flush.

In addition, greywater systems can play a significant role in water conservation. While most buildings use potable water for all purposes, some activities, such as irrigation or toilet flushing, do not necessarily require it. Greywater, which is wastewater from activities like washing that is still relatively clean, can be reused for non-potable applications.

3) Electric Consumption

Reducing electric consumption in buildings requires identifying opportunities and staying current with the latest best practices to minimize energy costs for building owners.

Various appliances, including lighting, computers, office equipment, and heating and cooling systems, can significantly contribute to a building's electric consumption.

Integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, optimizing power and unique systems coordination, and efficiently designing the required space can all help ensure electrical systems operate at their highest efficiency.

4) Carbon Emissions

Most carbon dioxide emissions from buildings stem from the combustion of fossil fuels that provide power for appliances, heating, cooling, and lighting. Manufacturing and transporting building materials for construction and demolition can also contribute to carbon dioxide emissions.

Compelling building design and planning can help reduce the carbon dioxide emissions produced by buildings. By utilizing the most efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and ensuring regular maintenance, buildings can perform at their optimal levels while generating lower emissions.

Furthermore, reducing water usage, utilizing locally-sourced building materials, and incorporating recycled content for building and interior materials can all decrease a building's carbon dioxide emissions.

Innovative mechanical design services that promote sustainable architectural building design do not have to be complex or costly. By collaborating with skilled and knowledgeable partners, designers, and MEP engineers at Buildmyinfra, you can construct a sustainable and low-maintenance warehouse and warehouse design that is prepared for the future.