Navigating the Era of Electrification: Scaling Up Performance, Not Expenses
In recent years, the landscape of environmental policy and energy consumption has undergone significant transformation, with the 1970s marking the birth of environmental consciousness and policy in the United States. Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves in what historians may one day dub the era of electrification legislation.
For building owners, this era brings both challenges and opportunities. With more states passing laws and decarbonization targets to support net zero emissions goals, navigating the complex web of legislative changes can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are smart ways to decarbonize without breaking the bank. Understanding the legislative changes shaping decarbonization initiatives is key. From federal standards to state and regional examples, building owners must stay informed to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
This is where mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineers come into play. MEP engineering firms, like B&N, specialize in guiding building owners through the electrification process and identifying cost-effective strategies to reduce carbon footprints.
A Hybrid Solution
One strategy often recommended by MEP engineers is a hybrid approach to existing HVAC systems. By partially retrofitting traditional fossil fuel-based systems with heat pumps and/or heat recovery system options, building owners can take earnest steps toward decarbonization while maximizing return on investment.
An electric heat pump is a heat transfer system. Rather than generating heat from fossil fuels, it uses electricity to draw ambient heat from the ground, water or air (outside a building or sometimes from another piece of machinery). These units have a compressor and a valve that allow the system to draw the heat in, even when it’s cold outside, or to reverse the system and push the heat out during cooling. Leaving the traditional, fossil fuel-burning HVAC system in place and adding a heat pump in parallel creates a hybrid system that for many locations can run on the lower-GHG and more efficient heat pump system 90% of the time. The remaining 10% of the year, on worst-case-scenario winter days, the fossil fuel-using system will kick on.
Cost Benefits of a Hybrid Approach
Tearing out a traditional fossil fuel-based HVAC system and replacing it with an entirely electrified one is quoted to cost three times more than a condensing boiler plant. Another option is to add only the heat pumps needed to satisfy the building heating load on days when the ambient temperatures are above 30°F onto the boiler system. B&N designs the fossil fuel heating system to operate when the ambient temperatures fall below 30°F and satisfy the worst-case winter day design condition. This is the most financially responsible option for building owners, from both a first cost and an operating-cost standpoint. And because the fossil fuel system is running only during the coldest days of the year, local Building Performance Standards pertaining to decarbonization can be met or exceeded.
Embracing Decarbonization with Confidence
Ultimately, the era of electrification legislation presents building owners with a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both their bottom line and the environment. By partnering with MEP engineering firms to stay informed about legislative changes, building owners can navigate this era with confidence and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
So, while the path to decarbonization may seem daunting, with the right guidance and expertise, there are ways that building owners can leverage their existing systems to make steps toward a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.
