As an MEP engineering service provider with over a decade of industry background, we can tell you that sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a real and urgent priority. When you think about it, it might be hard to believe, but the construction industry is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions.
We improve the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems constantly. We aim to ensure the buildings are functional, safe for their occupants, and energy-efficient. The process is generally far from simple, though. We often have to account for everything from HVAC systems to water heating, and as we work via the methods, we discover just how much energy each judgment could cost—both in terms of resources and carbon emissions.
It’s strange to think about how these critical systems contribute significantly to the problem. However, MEP engineers have a tremendous opportunity to change this. By focusing on sustainable design and energy-efficient systems, we can make a meaningful impact on reducing carbon footprints without compromising comfort or safety.
There is no doubt that the challenges of climate change are real, and the AEC industry is continuously looking for ways to improve its stand on the sustainability front. MEP engineers increasingly prioritize the decarbonization process in their designs to bring light to this challenging situation.
MEP professionals reimagine future buildings to operate while consuming less energy, ensuring that they contribute to a more sustainable and energy-efficient built environment. This is possible through the innovative technologies and strategies that designers incorporate. This commitment not only aims to reduce carbon footprints but also fosters a healthier and more eco-conscious society.
Decarbonization is crucial for MEP designers, enabling them to design sustainable designs significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. MEP engineers can optimize energy usage while fostering a more eco-friendly built environment by leveraging innovative technologies and integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. For instance, incorporating solar panels into building designs not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also contributes to a healthier environment. Using low-carbon materials in their designs is another noteworthy step for MEP engineering designers toward sustainable designs.
Carbon emissions in MEP occur primarily due to material extraction, processing, and distribution. If designers can control the whole process, they can significantly reduce carbon emissions. On the other hand, renewable energy sources are gaining popularity worldwide because they promise to maintain sustainable practices in various industries, including AEC.
The Environmental Impact of MEP Systems
Since the MEP design determines the functionality of a building, it is associated with the required and essential elements, such as energy, water, and material usage. A building’s HVAC and other mechanical parts cannot function without consuming substantial amounts of energy. Hence, the inefficient design of these elements can increase energy consumption, resulting in raised carbon emissions and contributing to weather change.
On the other hand, improper plumbing design can cause water waste. This not only contributes to increased water consumption but also increases the energy consumption used to repeatedly heat water.
Whether electrical engineering design services or overall MEP design, choosing the correct material plays an important role in sustainability. Weak plumbing fixtures can cause leakage in the pipeline and cause water wastage. Low-quality electrical wires increase energy consumption and pose a serious threat to electrocuted users. Besides, materials used in MEP design, like steel, PVC, etc., can cause extreme carbon embodiment.
Hence, we must first reduce the emissions produced while operating buildings to build more sustainably. We should also focus on lowering emissions from construction activities and the materials we use. This approach is vital to lessening the construction industry’s environmental impact and reaching our carbon reduction goals.
Objectives for Decarbonization Over the Coming Years
Net-zero buildings produce as much energy as they deplete annually. Realizing this goal involves optimizing MEP systems to use as little energy as possible while including renewable energy options such as solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal systems.
Net-zero energy construction generates an amount of energy equivalent to its annual consumption. MEP engineering services in the USA are trying to incorporate renewable energy sources while designing commercial and residential buildings. Designers integrate solar panels and geothermal energy systems in residential projects and can even design wind turbines for commercial buildings. These small steps toward creating a net-zero environment can prove fruitful in the long run, as these buildings generate their own energy.
In addition, using renewable energy for the HVAC system can save significant amounts of fossil fuel needed to boil the water using gas.
Many MEP design providers have also started incorporating recycled MEP materials into their designs to reduce their carbon footprint while improving the materials’ lifecycles. Combining recycled materials with new ones can reduce water consumption, energy use, and even the overall cost of the building.
Challenges Faced During Decarbonized Designing
Every positive comes with its share of challenges, and decarbonization is no different. The most pressing challenge for providers of MEP engineering services in the USA is the initial costs of the process. While using advanced materials can be costly, renewable energy technologies and smart systems can also incur initial costs. In most cases, building owners do not want to spend so much initially, especially for commercial construction projects.
On the other hand, building codes in the US are constantly changing. It can be difficult for designers to follow sustainability practices while maintaining green building licenses and compliance with energy codes like Title 24 energy calculations, ASHRAE 90.1, and other standards.
How National MEP Engineers Can Help
At National MEP Engineers, we understand the importance of sustainable building practices. Our team of trained and certified engineering designers helps you design sustainable MEP systems while maintaining building codes.
When you share project details with us, auditing a building’s energy usage helps us determine how much energy the occupants will consume. At the same time, it allows us to identify inefficiencies in the MEP design. Once we determine carbon usage, we can significantly reduce it through our MEP designs.
As your trusted MEP engineering service provider, National MEP Engineers offers customized MEP designs tailored to your specific and unique needs. Whether we work on a commercial building or a single-family residence, our priority is meeting sustainability goals.
Our expertise in using updated tools such as energy modeling, BIM software, and other design tools gives us a creative edge so we can optimize MEP designs to meet modern requirements with sustainable practices. Moreover, we bring expertise and experience and work with your team of architects and engineers to ensure a seamless execution.