Sustainable MEP/FP/IT Design: The Key to Energy-Efficient Buildings

The real estate sector is moving at light speed, where even a single day’s delay can lead to high costs and lost profits.  Slow or poor decision making can lead to costly mistakes that penalize stakeholders for the lifetime of the facility. Therefore, experts in this field must be vigilant and take proactive action to complete projects swiftly and sustainably, despite the fact that they are deadline-driven.  These designs must utilize the most efficient systems, both in terms of initial costs and long term operating costs, to achieve an overall sustainable result.

Water supply and waste piping, HVAC systems, electrical systems, fire protection systems, and information technology systems are all part of a structure’s basic infrastructure. For each of these systems to be perfected, from the design to the implementation, unmatched skill, technology, and a wealth of experience is required.

Even though some architects and subcontractors may employ MEP designers internally, their skills likely do not match those of a specialized MEP/FP/IT (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, and Information Technology) engineering company, whose only responsibility is to produce unmatched MEP/FP/IT designs using cutting-edge technologies like AI assisted design and BIM (Building Information Modeling). The best aligned MEP/FP/IT experts can address your needs and requirements for making your building more efficient and sustainable, regardless of whether you are in the development stage or in a time crunch to open your project or facility.

With that in mind, here’s how the best MEP/FP/IT firms can help make your designs more sustainable and environmentally friendly:

Utilize Equipment With a High COP (Coefficient of Performance)

MEP/FP/IT firms can specify equipment with a high COP. These pieces of equipment consume less energy and help lower total power consumption, while delivering the same or better performance of less efficient equipment. In addition, by using more efficient distribution system designs, improved installation techniques, and performing routine maintenance, systems can operate at high-efficiency levels for the life of the building, improving the functionality and the state of the entire environment, internal and external.

The best MEP/FP/IT firms help enhance overall system efficiency and contribute to the building’s performance, while promoting greater energy conservation.

Utilize Power Efficiently

In order to reduce the amount of energy a building uses, it is essential to evaluate potential energy-saving options and implement the most cutting-edge practices that can be combined to lower consumption costs for owners.  After all, optimizing the use of lighting, computers, office equipment, heating and cooling systems, and numerous other devices can significantly reduce electricity consumption and utility costs.

Implement Sustainable Power Generation

This is where MEP/FP/IT firms can choose between conventional and unconventional frameworks for delivering energy to the building.  It involves determining the area and size of the space required for sustainable power generation equipment and designing sustainable power sources such as wind-based or solar-based systems where appropriate.  Often, tax credits or rebate programs can play a major role in sound decision making when it comes to specifying renewable sources.  Careful study of the options will guarantee that the systems operate as efficiently as possible, utilizing and wasting less overall energy, thereby minimizing the impact on the environment. 

Reduce Water Usage

Water conservation techniques are crucial to ensuring building sustainability, whether your building is located in a dry or tropical area. That said, numerous techniques and technologies can allow a structure to reduce its water usage and the cost of water bills.  The essential first step is by specifying low-flow water fixtures and apparatus. These low-flow plumbing devices use roughly 40% less water than conventional fixtures, and low-flow toilets can save as much as 2.2 gallons of water per flush. Furthermore, systems can utilize greywater to reduce domestic water usage wherever applicable. Greywater is used where potable water is not necessary, like cooling towers and irrigation.  Greywater is still relatively clean after filtration, so with proper treatment, they provide safe “free” water for these uses.

Cutback Energy Consumption in Lighting and HVAC Systems

According to research, HVAC systems and lighting account for 61% of a commercial building’s total energy consumption. Therefore, improving the efficiency of these systems will reduce both costs and the environmental impact of buildings.

MEP/FP/IT firms can incorporate methods that utilize natural ventilation and geothermal heating/cooling sources, eliminating excessive energy use in conventionally designed systems.  Integrating new efficiency advancements into HVAC systems and operations and many other techniques, can increase both the efficiency and functional performance of the building. Doing so helps reduce energy consumption by up to 50% vs. baseline, code compliant designs.

Moreover, the most progressive MEP/FP/IT firms utilize technology such as AI assisted design to optimize HVAC systems for minimum upfront cost and long-term energy cost savings.

On the operations side, using IoT data, HVAC systems can forecast upcoming weather conditions and adjust the air conditioner’s settings appropriately.  Properly designed, today’s HVAC systems can automatically adjust on-the-fly to reduce energy consumption and decrease waste thanks to AI-learning technology.  Some sophisticated systems can even monitor human movement and respiration in an area and adjust the air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems accordingly to maximize energy conservation and provide the best possible indoor environment.

Progressive MEP/FP/IT firms can also help reduce lighting costs by adding in design technologies that let in more natural light, in different building areas, at the appropriate times and adjust lighting levels based on real-time occupancy and daylight conditions.  They do this by utilizing smart sensors and eco-friendly dimmable light fixtures, lowering the overall carbon footprint of a building dramatically.

Control Carbon Dioxide Emissions

The burning of petroleum products to provide cooling, heating, lighting, and electricity for various everyday appliances and electrical equipment is responsible for the majority of carbon dioxide emissions from buildings. The materials used in building development and maintenance are responsible for additional carbon dioxide emissions.  Carbon emission reduction plans must take into account both on-site operational carbon emissions as well as off-site carbon emissions, such as the carbon emissions of the utility generating plans.   In many cases, on-site carbon emissions can be more environmentally friendly than electrification, if the project is supplied by a fossil fuel powered grid. See our “Electrification: Six Common Misconceptions” post for additional information.

Cutting edge MEP/FP/IT firms incorporate designs that use innovative technologies that can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide they emit. Ultimately, using the most efficient heating, ventilation, cooling, and electrical systems, along with the right technical assistance, can ensure the highest performance levels, reducing CO2 discharges.

Optimize Operational and Maintenance Practices

The increasing need for sustainable building designs that balance safety, security, and environmental friendliness presents multiple challenges for building operators. However, this is where qualified MEP firms help incorporate systems and materials that lower maintenance requirements while simplifying operational practices. Establishing the appropriate monitoring systems and maintenance procedures will help keep your building operating at its designed peak efficiency for many years to come.   Optimizing these systems will help lower life-cycle costs while reducing the energy and water needed on-site and within the building.

Wrapping Up

Sustainable MEP/FP/IT designs are essential for creating energy-efficient and environmentally responsible buildings. Because achieving this can be challenging, it is critical to have a highly qualified engineering staff, utilizing the latest technology, to ensure success. Outsourcing your MEP designs to a qualified MEP/FP/IT firm can offer numerous benefits, including access to specialized expertise and increased efficiency. If you’re looking to achieve sustainable MEP/FP/IT design in your building project, consider partnering with Schnackel Engineers, Inc. Contact us today to learn how we can help.