Sustainability is more than a buzzword. Technically, it’s a way of creating a building that reduces the negative environmental impact on the earth. Familiarly, it is a way of making sure that the buildings designed by architects and companies like Yagla Engineering Services, Inc (YES) leave behind a safer, greener, earth. 

The science behind creating sustainable buildings takes into account engineering and the environment. The mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems in a building can be large consumers of energy. It is imperative for the design engineers to ensure that all systems selected for a building can provide energy savings measures. Different climates require a specialized approach and thought to the MEP systems. For instance, in warmer climates, architects might use strategies such as low level, sprawling buildings, and YES would complement by using renewable energy like light harvesting, multi-paned windows, optimize energy performance, and increased ventilation to power facilities. Renewable energy is especially important In cooler climates where heating systems drain the most energy. Click here to learn more about YES and sustainable design.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to set a standard for design, construction, and operation of sustainable architecture.

The U.S. Green Building Councilcalls LEED “the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building, community and home project types, LEED provides a framework to create healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.” Indeed, for a building to become LEED certified, it must meet rigorous criteria in 7 categories which include Materials and Resources, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, and Sustainable Sites.

YES strives to make every project earth-friendly regardless of LEED certification. Protecting the Earth’s natural resources and making sure the MEP systems are operating at peak efficiency is a win in every category.