Urban landscape featuring a curved pathway leading to high-rise buildings, including the CN Tower. The foreground includes grass, small plants, a bench, and picnic tables, contrasting nature with architecture.

The Importance of Sustainability in Modern Architecture

12 September 2022

At Varming Consulting Engineers Ltd., we understand that a sustainable built environment is key to combatting climate change. It’s why EU directives on sustainable development have been introduced over recent years, with building design professionals needing to adhere to ever-stricter regulatory requirements.

Naturally, when sustainable construction methods are adopted, they help to reduce a company’s impact on the environment. However, it also provides financial savings due to the reduced reliance on powered heating and cooling systems.

Why Sustainability in Construction Is Important

Sustainable construction focuses on reducing the ecological impact of the built environment. M&E engineers use a diverse range of different methods to achieve this goal, which typically includes the following:

  • Use of recyclable & renewable materials
  • Reduction of embodied energy in materials used
  • Minimising a building’s operational energy consumption
  • Reduction of on-site waste

There’s no getting away from the fact that due to both emissions and energy usage, the construction industry can have a huge impact on nature. Traditionally, fossil fuels have been heavily used in the construction of new buildings, with established legacy structures also relying on the same fuel source.

With the advent of Net Zero Energy (NZE) technology, it’s now possible for buildings to be self-sustaining. This means that they have almost no effect on their natural surroundings, resulting in our green spaces being protected for future generations to enjoy.

Here to Meet Your Sustainability Needs

The Varming team of mechanical and electrical engineers is able to provide expert advice and design services in a range of different areas that include:

  • Energy Efficient Design (IS399:2014)
  • BREEAM – the internationally recognised standards for sustainability principles. Our sustainability team offers;
  • BREEAM Accredited Professional (AP) advice
  • BREEAM International Assessments.
  • BREEAM UK Assessments
  • BREEAM International and UK in-use assessments
  • Building Performance Simulation
  • Passive House/NZEB
  • Home Performance Index (HPI)

So, if you need help from proven sustainability experts for your next building project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today. They can be contacted on 01 487 2300, where our experts are waiting to give you the assistance you need.

Alternatively, to find out more about us and how we operate, please visit us today at www.varming.ie, where you’ll also find details of our past projects that feature many types of sustainable building design methods.