Embodied energy of mechanical services systems

 
This paper presents the findings of an Arup research project into embodied energy of mechanical systems. The project took a theoretical 80,000m² commercial office development, and developed two typical mechanical services designs to schematic level – a low-temperature variable air volume system (LTVAV) and a hybrid LTVAV/fan coil unit system. The team then undertook detailed embodied energy calculations for the two systems in order to quantify the embodied energy, using Arup-developed calculation tools. 

The intent of the work was to develop reference figures for use at a conceptual level, understand availability of metrics, and refine the process of calculation. The paper will outline the approach, methodology, and conclusions to this research work, and provide recommendations for further research and advocacy.

Nick Adams, M.AIRAH

Nick Adams, M.AIRAH
Arup

About Nick Adams:
Nick Adams is a multidisciplinary design engineer and senior Project Director with wide-ranging experience across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe. Drawing on more than 20 years of industry practice, Nick is passionate about integrating sustainability into building design. His approach is informed by a holistic understanding of the design and construction process, and a focus on user experience at the heart of the design. Nick is a past President of AIRAH’s Victorian Committee.

(LinkedIn)

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Tim Bowker

Tim Bowker
Arup

About Tim Bowker:
As a mechanical engineer at Arup, Tim Bowker develops HVAC designs from concept level and continues to manage these through construction. He works in a range of sectors, with experience in high-rise residential, education and mission-critical projects. Tim is an advocate for sustainability in the mechanical discipline and is eager to develop understanding within the industry and push the industry to make sustainable design the baseline.

(LinkedIn)