With sustainability standards ever-tightening, architects are under increasing pressure to design smarter, more energy efficient buildings. Gary Akers, Head of Utilities at Whitecode Consulting, reveals the vital role utility design can play. 

The government’s target of net zero by 2050 and the increasing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency is exacerbating the importance of effective building design and the implementation of low-carbon technology and renewable energy sources. 

This is especially important given the UK is currently facing the prospect of not having enough power supply to meet demand in the coming years. It’s therefore absolutely vital that ways of reducing demand and preventing the need for costly – and potentially unnecessary – electrical reinforcement are identified. 

Architects have a great opportunity to play a major role in exactly that – through the efficient and highly effective design of utilities and systems in commercial and residential buildings across the UK. Consequently, building owners, facility managers, and occupants, will be able to reduce energy consumption, cut down energy bills, and comply with major sustainability regulations – such as the Future Homes Standard (FHS). 

Substantial energy efficiency improvements

With reports suggesting that the built environment accounts for around 40% of the UK’s total energy use and carbon emissions, minimising energy consumption is absolutely paramount. 

Effective utility design and efficient heating, cooling, lighting, and power distribution, is a proven method of reducing carbon emissions, cutting energy expenditure, and lowering dependence on non-renewable energy sources. 

Exceptional water conservation

By incorporating effective plumbing and water management systems, such as greywater systems and low-flow fixtures, into the design of any commercial or residential building, architects can play a hugely important role in conserving water. 

Consequently, freshwater resources can be preserved, occupant and building owner water bills can be reduced, and energy use during water treatment and transport can be substantially lowered. 

Renewable energy integration

With the focus on sustainability and decarbonisation of the UK’s building stock increasing the importance of utilising renewable energy, architects must consider the implementation and integration of renewable energy systems in any building design. 

In fact, smart utility design that accommodates renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, and combines that with effective building automation, will not only help shift energy reliance towards renewables but also lower the building’s carbon footprint – and resultant energy bills – for the building owner, facility manager, or occupants. 

Future-proofing opportunities

In such a technologically-advanced age, it’s imperative that architects and building designers continually move with the times and adapt to any changes. Similarly, it’s crucial to plan ahead and ensure that any building design remains efficient and relevant in the coming years. 

Therefore, thoughtful and cohesive utility design and early planning will enable fast and easy upgrades and the integration of future technologies. Not only will this keep the building relevant over time, it will also reduce the need for major retrofits and ensure it remains compliant with major building regulations and legislation.  

Regulatory compliance

Building regulations are increasingly sharpening the focus on sustainability. Nowhere more so is this reflected than in the FHS – set to be implemented by the end of 2025. Mandating that new homes must be ‘zero-carbon ready’ and emitting 75%-80% less carbon compared to homes built under 2013 regulations, the FHS focuses on energy efficiency, low-carbon heating, and the use of renewable energy sources. 

As a result, architects and building designers must pay close attention to how effective utility design can impact sustainability targets and regulatory compliance. For example, efficient design should look to incorporate water-saving fixtures and reuse systems, low-energy lighting fixtures, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units that meet efficiency benchmarks, and renewable energy sources, such as solar PV panels. 

Similarly, the implementation of building controls and automation systems will help monitor energy consumption and enable data-driven decision making – another crucial aspect of ensuring regulatory compliance. 

The importance of collaboration

Like in any industry, speaking with and seeking advice from experienced specialists and sector leaders is paramount, encouraging better communication, advancements in innovation, and increased productivity. 

With sustainability and energy efficiency at the forefront of building design, and electrical reinforcement an expensive solution to the issue of demand exceeding supply, it is imperative that architects and building designers work closely with local power authorities to understand the implications of any power demands from the new building or development. 

Similarly, early consultations and collaborations with trusted industry specialists will ensure a stronger harmony between the electricity, power, and water demands determined during design and the actual demands during occupation. The end result will see more efficient energy use in the building and a lower carbon footprint. 

As utility design and sustainability consultants, Whitecode Consulting works closely with architects and building design teams to make it easier and more cost effective to implement a range of energy efficient and sustainable systems and utilities – ensuring a greener, and brighter, future for the built environment.