Codes and standards focus on energy efficient university buildings

 

University insights

• Engineers must meet stringent energy codes that drive advanced HVAC and energy-efficient designs. 
• Updated codes like IECC 2021 and the shift to all-electric systems add complexity to building design.  

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Respondents:

• Matthew Goss, PE, PMP, CEM, CEA, CDSM, LEED AP, MEP + Energy practice leaders, CDM Smith, Latham, N.Y.
• Abdullah Khaliqi, PE, CPQ, Academic market leader, Fitzmeyer & Tocci Associates, Inc, Woburn, Mass.
• Stephanie Lafontaine, PE, LEED BD+C, Lead mechanical engineer, RMF Engineering, Boston
• John Mongelli, PE, Associate, Kohler Ronan Consulting Engineers, Danbury, Conn.
• Jeff Wurmlinger, PE, HDR, Mechanical Section Leader, Pheonix

Please explain some of the codes, standards and guidelines you commonly use during the project’s design process. Which codes/standards should engineers be most aware of?

Stephanie Lafontaine: Projects are now being designed to meet multiple codes, standards and guidelines including specialized energy codes, Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Green Globes and WELL. Engineers need to understand the requirements for all standards and design to the most stringent code, standard or guideline for each element of the project.

Matthew Goss: In general, engineers reference their common codes and governing bodies. Beyond the codes from the International Building Code (IBC) suite, they use industry standards developed by ASHRAE and others when appropriate or applicable. Notably, within the IBC suite of codes is the International Energy Conservation Code, which incorporates a points-based system for design compliance.

Abdullah Khaliqi: During the project design process, we commonly use codes, standards and guidelines such as NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC), IBC and local energy codes. Engineers should be particularly aware of stretch codes, which are increasingly stringent, especially in states like Massachusetts. These new energy codes focus heavily on reducing energy usage and improving efficiency. Compliance with these standards is crucial for meeting sustainability goals and ensuring that buildings are both energy and cost-effective.

Stephanie Lafontaine: Some best practices to ensure a project meets or exceeds codes and standards are to have early planning sessions so that the entire team understands the goals, open communication throughout the design process, build an accurate energy model early and maintain that model as the design solidifies.

John Mongelli: Most colleges and universities have their own design standards that are typically tailored to the specific location and environment. Often, the academic institution’s standards are above and beyond locally adopted code minimum requirements.

What are some best practices to ensure that such buildings meet and exceed codes and standards?

Abdullah Khaliqi: Best practices to ensure a building meets and exceeds codes and standards include conducting thorough code reviews and ensuring all members are aligned on applicable codes early in the project. Incorporating energy-efficient design strategies, such as advanced heat, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and high-performance insulation, also helps exceed code requirements. Regular coordination meetings and continuous updates on code changes ensure compliance and address any issues proactively.

John Mongelli: Bringing a code or LEED consultant (where applicable) on board early in the design process helps ensure that buildings are meeting the adopted codes along with the owner’s goals.

How are codes, standards or guidelines for energy efficiency impacting the design of such projects?

Matthew Goss: Codes, standards and guidelines for energy efficiency require engineers to constantly communicate and discuss designs with one another. To achieve truly energy-efficient design and operation, systems need to be coordinated and integrated.

Abdullah Khaliqi: Codes, standards, and guidelines for energy efficiency significantly impact project design by enforcing stricter requirements for reducing energy consumption. Adherence to updated energy codes, like stretch codes in Massachusetts, drives the incorporation of advanced HVAC systems, high-performance insulation and energy-efficient technologies. This focus on energy efficiency not only ensures compliance but also enhances overall building performance and sustainability, aligning with regulatory requirements and long-term operational goals.

John Mongelli: The energy code has become more stringent, and a growing number of institutions are demanding all-electric buildings. The combination of high-performance, all-electric systems, with additional air-side energy and water-side heat recovery components, adds levels of complexity to the design. This complexity, and its associated challenges, need to be fully understood by the college and the facilities staff. Incorporating these types of systems requires more space and knowledge of how these systems operate.

What new or updated code or standard do you feel will change the way such projects are designed, bid out or built?

Matthew Goss:  IECC 2021 will change how projects are designed and built by introducing enhanced requirements that drive overall energy efficiency and higher building performance.

Abdullah Khaliqi: The Massachusetts Stretch Code is an updated standard that will significantly impact the design, bidding and construction of such projects. This code affects all new construction and renovation, emphasizing stricter energy efficiency requirements. It mandates advanced energy-saving measures and higher performance standards, which will drive changes in design strategies, increase the focus on sustainable building practices and influence bidding processes by incorporating these enhanced requirements into project specifications.

John Mongelli: The mechanical code requirements for the next generation of refrigerants will have a big impact on how variable refrigerant flow and similar split direct expansion systems are designed and monitored. Similarly, if states start adopting the International Green Construction Code, then there will be a major shift in approaches to design and construction.

What are some of the biggest challenges when considering code compliance and designing or working with existing buildings?

Matthew Goss: Some of the biggest challenges in a building’s mechanical space involve the use of new refrigerants and equipment efficiency requirements. Although these changes are important and necessary, they often lead to larger equipment sizes, which make replacement in existing spaces more difficult.

Abdullah Khaliqi: Some of the biggest challenges when considering code compliance and working with existing buildings include limitations in electrical service capacity and integrating new energy-efficient technologies. Existing buildings often have outdated electrical systems that may not support modern upgrades, requiring significant modifications. Additionally, balancing code compliance with energy efficiency improvements can be complex, as retrofitting older structures to meet current standards often involves overcoming infrastructure constraints and implementing costly upgrades.

John Mongelli: Often, a renovation to existing buildings changes the original intended function of that building. For example, a dormitory with only hot water radiation may be renovated to include mechanical ventilation and cooling. Or, a classroom building may have a wing converted to research laboratories. The biggest challenge with these types of renovations is finding the space necessary for equipment and distribution as well as devising creative solutions to work with unforeseen conditions once demolition is complete.

When designing school laboratories, what code or standard must engineers understand most?

Abdullah Khaliqi: When designing school laboratories, engineers must understand ANSI Z9.5: Laboratory Ventilation, which addresses laboratory design and safety. It is critical to involve owners and users early in the process to ensure that the lab design meets their specific needs and expectations. Incorporating energy-efficient technologies and practices is essential to optimize operational costs and environmental impact. Early collaboration helps define lab usage requirements and ensures that the finished capabilities align with operational goals, safety standards and efficiency targets.

John Mongelli: It depends on the type of laboratory. A very basic instructional lab may only need to follow the adopted building code. On the other hand, a laboratory with more advanced chemical research may need to consider NFPA 45: Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals, the ASHRAE Laboratory Design Guide or the Facility Guidelines Institute. If the laboratory is a vivarium, then we would consider the Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Eighth Edition. The engineer should have these discussions with the owner early on to determine what standards best suit the owner’s intent.

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