Resources

Introducing embodied carbon to MEP manufacturers. Why it is important, what it is, and a case study.

These three complementary commitments by architects, structural engineers, MEP system engineers, and manufacturers work together to dramatically reduce the lifetime carbon footprint of buildings.

What’s the really big deal about decarbonizing MEP systems in buildings?

Template for a letter MEP design firms can use to request low-GWP refrigerants in MEP systems.

Template for a letter MEP design firms can use to ask subcontractors to help quantify BOM material lists for common building types, and help populate a database with the information to allow informed design decisions to design for a lower embodied carbon future.

Template for a letter that MEP design firms can use in requesting EPDs from manufacturers to promote MEP equipment product transparency.

By adopting this Challenge, each MEP engineering and design firm is confirming that it will establish a company plan to reduce operational and embodied carbon across MEP systems on all projects, targeting zero by 2040. Measure and report progress against that plan annually.

By adopting this Challenge, each MEP engineering and design firm is confirming that it will request low-GWP refrigerant availability when designing systems to reduce or eliminate GHG emissions from refrigerants.

By adopting this Challenge, each MEP engineering and design firm is confirming that it will request Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in project specifications for MEP system components

The initial MEP 2040 Quarterly Forum was held March 18, 2022. The opening presentation focused on how to understand, calculate, compare, and reduce the carbon footprint of MEP systems.

Exemplary reporting summaries from Kieren-Timberlake, TLC Engineering Solutions, Glumac, Mosely Architects, CMTA, and IMEG.

The purpose of this tool is to bring awareness to the impact that refrigerants can have on the environment. The total volume of refrigerant specified is not harmful – only the amount that escapes to atmosphere, hence the calculations of leakage rates when installed, on an annual basis and loss at end of life. Refrigerants like R-410A have an impact of around 2088 kgCO2e/kg. Considering the vast amount of loss for some equipment, the environmental impacts can quickly add up to a significant portion of the embodied carbon for an entire new building.