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Shifts in consumer attitudes and competitively priced energy-efficient products have pushed the sustainability needle to the center, turning the previously unique concept of a “green” building into the construction standard.
More owners are telling architects and engineers to design sustainable buildings, whether commercial or residential. We are seeing healthier buildings — with better quality of air for residents and consumers, water-saving features, renewable energy options, and better lighting in which to work, live and play. Undoubtedly the features are huge selling points for developer-owners as more and more consumers look to companies to act responsibly when it comes to the environment.
Water conservation, for example, is incorporated into commercial building designs from basic fixture selection to the more creative reuse of HVAC condensate as water for landscaping. When Moss & Associates built the University of Miami Biomedical Research Center, we devised a way to collect condensation from the air handling units to supplement water used to flush the toilets throughout the 182,000-square-foot lab and office space building.
To be relevant you have to stay abreast of the sustainability technology and products.— Jerry Fernandez, LEED AP
The construction industry took longer to come around to the innovation and technology of surrounding industries. But, in today’s market, it makes sense for everyone to be up to date. Now that we’re here, there’s no turning back. Plumbing and hydronic heating specialists are finding they are no exception.
“To be relevant you have to stay abreast of the sustainability technology and products,” says Jerry Fernandez, a professional engineer with LEED AP credentials.
As president of Tropic Mechanical Contractors in Miami, Fernandez and his team who install hydronic systems have seen the normalization of prices guarantee that products he installs for a project will be the most energy efficient and cost effective.
“We use local products that have low energy and low water usage, and we are conscientious about the environment when it comes to disposal and low toxic emissions,” Fernandez said.
Many firms hesitated to climb aboard the sustainability wave because of higher costs. As of five years ago, manufacturers still were at the beta stage of innovation and the cost of new equipment and processes were being passed down to the consumer. Naturally, most consumers did not want to pay for the increase.
While costs might appear higher at the front end, the resulting energy and water efficiency can bring positive returns in as little as seven years.
Today, manufacturers of material and equipment are providing cost-effective products built in sustainable factories. The products are made more quickly, function better, are more durable and perform smarter. Simple things like water-efficient faucets, large-diameter PEX piping with low environmental impact, and air conditioning units with higher SEER ratings are showing significant cost savings at the backend. Advancements have made tools available to see why and how energy is being used and whether equipment is working efficiently.
It’s rare to meet fellow subcontractors who are behind the curve. Even so, opportunities abound for self-improvement through online learning, publications and meetings with product developers.
Sustainability isn’t just about the money. It’s also because of our national social conscience.
One area where mainstream sustainability is evident is in buildings owned by the operator, such as education facilities, hotels and government buildings. Owners know from experience that green buildings typically have 20 percent lower maintenance costs than typical commercial buildings and green retrofits have 10 percent lower operation costs in just one year. In the same way, manufacturing products more efficiently reduces production costs and helps companies stay current with innovation and technology. Think about your car — would you buy a 2016 vehicle with 1990 technology?
Sustainability isn’t just about the money. It’s also because of our national social conscience. A 2015 study by Nielsen showed that Millennials and Generation Z are committed to improving the environment and will pay more to live a sustainable lifestyle. Combined with lone voices from previous generations, social awareness has gained the momentum to influence municipalities to include sustainability requirements in building compliance codes. Businesses are rising to the challenge to adopt sustainable practices to meet the codes — and even to beat them, pushing the envelope further.
You, as the plumbing, mechanical, or HVAC contractor know that you have contributed to reducing energy consumption, diverted waste from landfills, reduced water usage and worked to control greenhouse emissions. In the end, everyone benefits.
Stephen Chang, LEED AP BD+C, is president of the South Florida Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council and a project executive at Moss & Associates. Chang is an accomplished builder with more than 15 years of experience in the South Florida construction management industry. He works closely with developers, owners, architects, engineers and sustainability consultants. His building portfolio includes landmark mixed-use developments, luxury high-rise residential facilities, commercial office buildings, educational and higher learning institutions, and biotechnology and healthcare complexes.