A list of the top five MEP strategies for designing sustainable buildings

A list of the top five MEP strategies for designing sustainable buildings

Posted on 18, Sep. 2025

Around the world, there is a growing demand for practical measures to combat climate change, highly contagious diseases, and uncontrolled carbon emissions. One recurring theme in this movement is the importance of "getting in tune with nature." For this reason, modern building services, or MEP engineering design, must prioritize sustainability in its overall plan.

Green building design, or sustainable architecture design, seeks to minimize environmental impact while maximizing human comfort. To achieve this, national and state governments must regulate construction practices' water management and energy efficiency. This encourages using natural alternatives for energy and convenience derived from the building's surroundings, sustainable materials, and optimal methods for maintenance.

According to the US Energy Information Administration & Statista reports:

• Energy commercial buildings in India are expected to increase by an average of 2.7% per year between 2015 and 2040, more than twice the global average increase.
•  EIA projects that total delivered commercial sector energy use in India will increase by an average of 3.4% per year, the fastest growth rate among IEO regions.
•  The peak energy demand across India amounted to approximately 182 thousand megawatts in the fiscal year 2020. Among the different regions, the peak energy demand was the highest in the northern part, amounting to approximately 65 thousand megawatts.
• According to the Central Electricity Authority of India, renewable energy sources will generate about 50 percent of the country's power supply by 2030. 

Sustainable architecture construction has become the primary focus of MEP design services. This includes maximizing resource utilisation while minimizing waste. With that in mind, here are our top five picks for the most effective MEP strategies to promote sustainability in building design:

1. Minimise Energy Consumption

Lighting and HVAC systems account for about 25% and 32% of energy consumption, respectively, in commercial buildings. To decrease these figures, electrical and HVAC design services can implement the following measures:

1. Adhere to national and state building codes for energy efficiency, particularly for a building's "shell," which includes the roof, floor, walls, and windows.
2. Install motion sensors for lighting fixtures to turn lights on when people enter a space and off when they leave.
3. Utilise environmentally friendly light fixtures and bulbs.
4. Implement AI technology in HVAC BIM services, such as air conditioners, to automate and adjust processes for greater energy efficiency and waste reduction.
5. Use IoT data to forecast outdoor temperatures and monitor and adjust indoor temperatures accordingly.
6. Track human activity and presence using technology that measures heat levels and floor temperatures.
7. Install ventilation systems influenced by the natural environment, leveraging existing heating processes to minimize heat loss and provide the necessary airflow.

2) Water Management Process

The energy a residential building consumes for heating water varies based on location and local climate but averages around 33%. Implementing a greenhouse-efficient hot water system can decrease greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 80%. Here are some other strategies for effective water management:

1. Utilise solar, electric heat pump, or gas hot water systems.
2. Use AAA-rated showers, which use 9 liters of water per minute.
3. Install low-flow fixtures such as faucets (using 40% less water than standard faucets) and low-flow toilets (saving 2.2 gallons of water per flush).
4. Implement greywater systems, where filtered kitchen wastewater is utilized for irrigation and toilet flushing.
5. Reduce, manage, or treat stormwater runoff from the building using intelligent plumbing design.
6. Plan and implement a rainwater harvesting system.

3) Alternative Energy Resources

Mechanical engineering design services can benefit from technological advancements such as BIM, which can improve hardware and the BIM process for exploring and planning energy alternatives. BIM can enhance sustainability workflows, facilitate maintenance management, and lower carbon footprints.

1. Wind, solar, and geothermal sources are all great options for reducing carbon footprints. Consider the feasibility of implementing these sources in your building and evaluate which source will be the most effective in your location.
2. When installing solar panels, ensure they receive enough daylight to operate efficiently. Position them where they can capture the most sunlight and avoid shading from trees or buildings.
3. To increase the efficiency of solar panels, consider installing solar collectors with boilers and thermostats. These devices will help store and regulate the energy collected by solar panels, making them more effective at generating electricity.
4. Wind turbines also require access to the right amount of wind to operate efficiently. Make sure to consider the location of the building and the surrounding environment when determining where to install wind turbines.
5. Daylight harvesting and geothermal heating and cooling systems can also be great investments for reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainability. These systems can help reduce the need for artificial lighting and heating/cooling, leading to significant energy savings in green buildings.
6. It is important to coordinate between power and unique systems when planning the size of spatial requirements for alternative energy equipment. This will ensure enough space and resources to implement and maintain these systems effectively.

4) Implement Sustainable Building Practices & Materials

The first step towards sustainability is selecting an appropriate site and utilizing its natural advantages. An architectural design that considers factors such as direction, wind, and weather can help MEP services optimize energy efficiency.

To promote sustainability in building design, MEP services can take the following steps:

1. Select equipment and materials that are appropriately sized and made of suitable materials.
2. Use locally sourced materials to minimise the transportation and manufacture of building materials.
3. Use recycled materials for both buildings and interiors.
4. Install double-glazed windows to improve insulation.
5. Use roof vents to allow hot air to escape naturally, rather than relying on MEP services.
6. Install window shading to protect interiors from exterior heat and reduce the load on air conditioners.
7. Use natural light indoors to reduce lighting costs.
8. Install light-coloured roofs to reflect heat and reduce the load on air conditioners.
9. Place buildings near roads and orient rooms away from or towards the summer sun (depending on local climates) to save on HVAC loads and costs.
10. Design building orientation and landscaping to minimize their impact on local ecosystems.

5) Maintenance of Warehouse building life: Warehouse designing

Keeping maintenance costs down with reliable MEP systems is crucial for long-term cost savings after construction.

1. Passive design features and sustainable building materials generally have lower maintenance costs.
2. MEP systems should be designed with materials, equipment, and components requiring minimal water, energy, and toxic chemicals maintenance.
3. Customization of MEP systems to fit each building can help achieve maximum efficiency.
4. MEP systems should be designed to require simple maintenance.
5. Easy and unencumbered access to MEP systems is necessary for maintenance.
6. Installation of meters can help track sustainability progress and reduce life-cycle costs.

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.