Building Code is a set of rules enacted by the local or state government that specify the minimum standards for construction or renovation of a building project. The goal of building codes is to promote environmental sustainability while providing a healthy and safe environment by improving the overall performance of the buildings.
There are many constantly evolving building technologies that could improve the performance dramatically. However, these technologies are often expensive and not a viable option for all buildings. Building codes aims to provide a balance that promote sustainability and is reasonable for the building sector.
It is now being observed that developers who aim for the highest performance level within the extent of their budget can drastically reduce the long-term building ownership costs. These measures also improve human factors like comfort, indoor air quality and fire safety in the building spaces.
Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation
When we look into operating costs of buildings, energy consumption expenses is always among the top 3 of the list. Depending on the building requirements and day-to-day operation, the energy consumption profile may vary. Factors like lighting, ventilation, air conditioning and fuel consumption are some of the common energy demanding aspects of every building.
Water consumption is often overlooked but it is often considered as an important factor of energy efficiency measures. Water conservation can reduce pumping and heating costs which ultimately means reduced building ownership costs.
Air conditioning, ventilation, space heating and water heating are included in the building codes. The latest technologies available for the application can efficiently improve the performance levels of these building systems, and also exceed the levels specified in the building codes. Since every building is unique and financial extent of every building owner may vary, it is highly recommended to consult to an energy consulting firm for identifying the best possible combination of energy efficiency measures.
Fire Safety Beyond Building Code Requirements
Depending on the type of building, the required fire protection measures are specified in the building codes. For low-rise buildings, fire protection measures may seem like an overinvestment, since the water supply has sufficient pressure to fight the fire. However, implementing fire sprinklers is strongly recommended for all kinds of buildings as they can help extinguish the fire much faster.
Apart from handling fire issues, fire sprinklers can bring some additional financial benefits as well. For instance, insurance companies offer better plans for properties with sprinklers and added safety makes it an attractive option for tenants looking for residential or commercial spaces.
Building owners can evade also legal issues in some cases. There may be property damage in case of a fire incident even though automatic sprinklers are not required.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality has always been an important factor that influences human comfort and health. IAQ was one of the factors that used to get less attention than energy efficiency. However, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, indoor air quality has become a necessity in all kinds of buildings. An efficiently designed HVAC system can focus on reducing energy expenses as well as preventing the accumulation of air pollutants including COVID-19.
For indoor spaces that periodically get a lot of occupancies, demand-controlled ventilation systems can respond effectively to regulating air quality requirements. For example, an indoor space with 100 people exercising would need more ventilation than other building spaces. Also, newly constructed buildings, new furniture, and construction materials often have higher levels of volatile organic compounds which can cause discomfort to people with respiratory issues.
Thus an effective indoor air quality strategy can improve comfort as well as respond to air pollutants.
