Whether you’re in the early stages of planning a new development or wonder what it will take to properly retrofit your older property to help it become more efficient and comfortable, mechanical engineering plays a significant role in ensuring your success. As a practice, mechanical engineering is concerned with designing, implementing, and maintaining all elements that help with the generation, distribution, and use of energy on-site. Using critical analysis, modelling and design, and system creation methods, a skilled mechanical engineer can be the difference between a functionally comfortable and efficient space and a build that’s poised for disaster in the future.
At KD Mechanical Consultants, we know just how important it is to have access to the right information and plans to drive your project forward to success. With energy efficiency and utility costs being a front-of-mind issue with developers more than ever before due to the ever evolving code requirements for optimum energy efficiency, one of the most prominent services we offer is Building Energy Modelling. Building Energy Modelling is a key asset that can help you ensure a building that’s yet to break ground is ready to stand up to the task at hand and stand up to the test of time.
Below, we’ll take a brief look at what Building Energy Modelling means for your project, and why partnering with our team offers you a huge advantage when it comes to development. Read on to learn more.
Taking a Closer Look at Building Energy Modelling
Building performance and efficiency are some of the most important components of any build and require careful evaluation to ensure that all elements involved in construction are compliant with all relevant coding, as well as optimized for long-term sustainability. Building Energy Modelling is an extremely useful practice (as well as one that is now mandatory in many jurisdictions across Canada) that looks at how the building performs as a whole to allow for the optimization of the entire building performance.
By taking a closer look at how building systems like HVAC, thermal systems, electrical and lighting components, as well as the influence of the outside climate, you can garner a much better picture as to areas that a build may be insufficient and need modification to be up to current standards, as well as identify pre-construction improvements that your architects and engineers can address through a partnership with a mechanical engineering team. Generally speaking, there are 3 main “levels” of assessment you can conduct:
Pre-construction
Conducted during the early stages of design and development, this kind of modelling predominately involves estimation based on information, such as the type of wall insulation or windows that will be used, as well as external variables. This forms the basis of the construction documents as it determines the types of systems that will be required to ensure energy compliance.
Comparison Modelling
Uses at least a full year’s worth of data post-construction to provide more in-depth and highly accurate results regarding the effectiveness of building systems and more.
8760 Modelling
Uses a full year’s worth of data, as well as several additional sources of information like construction components, HVAC controls and operating parameters, specific building usage schedules, and more.
KD Mechanical Consultants is pleased to offer full-scale BEM services for developers, builders and designers across western Canada.
Partner With KD Mechanical Consultants
KD Mechanical Consultants is proud to be a leading force when it comes to mechanical engineering services across western Canada, with offices located in Abbotsford, Vancouver, and Edmonton. Since 2012 we’ve proudly partnered with clients spanning multiple sectors ranging from commercial to municipal, industrial, and more. In addition to building energy modelling, we also offer:
- HVAC system design and installation
- Plumbing system design and integration
- Fire protection system assessment and/or implementation
- Overview and support for construction and development including site meetings, observation, and project QC, and more!
The foundation of KD Mechanical Consultants’ practice is a dedication to collaboration and transparent communication. We understand the delicate balance of managing multiple stakeholders, and project contractors, and ensuring every element is properly implemented throughout development. Our team is here to guide you through the whole process, from start to finish.
Mechanical Engineering at the Krahn Group of Companies
With over 35 years of industry-leading experience, the Krahn Group of Companies is here to make sure your development has everything it needs to succeed. From Building Energy Modelling to designing effective HVAC systems, conducting property evaluations and more, our team, in partnership with Krahn Group ensures that you have access to the right information, resources and support to move forward with confidence. With full-scale services that cover you right from the start to the completion of your build, including project management, the Krahn Group of Companies has you covered.
Learn more about getting started with a building energy model assessment and working with KD Mechanical Consultants by contacting us today!
Looking to join a team built to excel? The Krahn Group of Companies is hiring across all locations and disciplines. Learn more here!
