July 31, 2018 Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing needs are key requirements for the energy efficiency of modern commercial construction. Since buildings are a major consumer of energy, MEP companies can make a huge difference to meet the efficiency expectations of your project. The role of an MEP company is to ensure that all of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems are integrated seamlessly and efficiently into construction from the beginning.
Electricity and natural gas are the most common energy sources used in commercial buildings. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), “Of all the commercial building types, mercantile and service buildings use the most total energy. Other commercial users of energy include offices, schools, health care and lodging facilities, food establishments, and many others.”
Whether for hotel projects, high rise towers or office buildings, energy-efficient buildings require superior engineering designs, sustainable construction practices and quality operations. Here are four ways the role of an MEP company affects strategies for building sustainability and performance into any industry.
4 Ways the Role of an MEP Company Can Improve Building Sustainability
1. Controlling Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Commercial structures are directly associated with greenhouse (GHG) emissions due to cooling, heating, lighting and electricity. Even building materials, construction and maintenance can cause CO2 emissions. Thankfully, opportunities for improved efficiency are plentiful – that’s where the role of an MEP company comes in. Regardless of whether you’re in the development stage or retrofitting a historical building, the best MEP companies can address any needs and requirements to make your building more energy efficient.
Organizations can diminish the measure of carbon dioxide they emanate by utilizing effective HVAC frameworks, decreasing water usage, reducing construction materials and embracing dynamic building designs. And of course, the pinnacle standard in green building and energy efficiency is becoming LEED certified.
Read more: Maximizing Commercial Energy Efficiency
2. Reducing Overall Energy Consumption
As reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the major areas of energy consumption in commercial buildings include: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) at 35% of total building energy; lighting at 11%; major appliances (water heating, refrigerators and freezers, dryers) at 18%, and the remaining 36% in other areas including electronics. Every case presents opportunities for an MEP company to improve the building performance through system components such as lighting device efficiencies as well as through building system controls such as daylighting.
Through building energy modeling, KMB uses a virtual simulation of overall energy for existing buildings to identify areas of improvement and evaluate alternatives that will improve energy efficiency.
Read more: Finding Your Ideal Corporate Building Design and Engineering Consultants
3. Utilizing Sustainable Energy
Commercial buildings have large energy requirements which puts a big strain on the power grid, especially during peak periods. Considering the end-goal is to decrease the measure of power a building generates, it’s necessary to explore commercial renewable energy sources. With solar energy usage, businesses and organizations generate an infinite resource which allows them to independently create their own energy.
No greenhouse gas emissions, just clean, cost-effective energy.
Read more: How Solar Engineering Creates a Strategic Advantage with Eco-Friendly Power
4. Conserving Water Usage
Water conservation is essential in every part of the world, from dry desert locations to tropical regions. As the World Business Council for Sustainable Development puts it, water is cheap, scarce and, wasted. Protecting the available water resources is a shared responsibility. Considering that leakage accounts for a large part of water wastage, water efficiency can be improved with simple strategies, such as touch free faucets and low-flow toilets, before implementing more complex solutions, such greywater frameworks.
KMB MEP Engineering Services
As a full-service engineering solutions provider licensed in the United States and Europe, KMB Design Group provides commercial clients with complete engineering designs from concept development through troubleshooting and interfacing. We are a professional MEP engineering company dedicated to energy efficient designs for heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, electrical, plumbing designs, energy consulting, LEED consulting and more.
Our experience shows that proper planning, due diligence reporting, master planning and construction administration will produce positive results. As a recognized leader in commercial PV Engineering, KMB is also positioned to support our clients throughout the process of solar installation. Let KMB be part of your team!
Contact us to learn more about MEP engineering solutions that deliver results on-time and on-budget.