www.psam.uk.com showcase
CONSTRUCTION & engineering
Nationals Park was the world’s fi rst major professional stadium to become LEED Certifi ed.
economic, climatic, and ecological parameters for the site.
The building envelope (including size, type and orientation of fenestration) is one area that often plays a much bigger role than mechanical systems in determining the longevity and energy effi ciency of a building. Thoughtful design and exploring how design decisions will affect effi ciency is really important. MEP systems and equipment are selected based largely on the demands of the architecture, so the whole design team needs to work together to minimise energy use and environmental impact. For our systems selections as MEP engineers, we make sure to explore many different solutions. We have also had success incorporating smart building technology in stadiums. When combined with some data analytics it improves effi ciency and reduces carbon footprints, signifi cantly reducing operational costs year after year.
What part does location play?
Mehta: Location, location, location – is the key consideration that we like to begin every discussion with when it comes to energy effi ciency, reducing energy bills and carbon impacts of these venues. The location determines the weather conditions, what infrastructure is available, even the uses, both planned and future, of the venue. Obviously a stadium in Qatar requires signifi cant cooling and dehumidifi cation, while a venue in Sochi would focus more on heating. Our approach can be summed up by the following ‘Order of Operations’: reduce energy demand through aggressive load reduction; use free energy resources available to us depending on the
location and passive engineering; use the most effi cient technology possible; recover waste energy; and incorporate renewable resources and energy. In our experience, success is best achieved if each step is exhausted before moving to the next step.
Regarding self-generation technologies like wind turbines, waste heat to power technologies, microturbines, gas turbines, fuel cells, and advanced energy storage systems, we always research the feasibility of these options for each unique project. Using self- generation can be especially helpful if peak-load reduction is of value in a particular location. Often we fi nd utility-based incentives that may help offset the cost of some of these innovative approaches.
Is LED technology going to come to the rescue?
Reiher: LED is a very energy effi cient light source that is fi nally becoming a feasible option. Indoor sporting venues that replace metal halide fi xtures will reduce their energy consumption for lighting by at least 30% and maintain the same light levels. LED sports lighting for outdoor venues is behind the indoor market, but will likely become viable in the next couple of years as technology and manufacturing methods improve. LEDs have a lamp life many times longer than a metal halide light fi xture. Despite all of the advantages to LED lighting, the biggest drawback has been initial cost. LEDs still cost two to three times more than traditional metal halide fi xtures. For indoor venues as a whole, LED lighting can be comparable or even less expensive: the lighting and control systems required are simpler,
the lamp life is longer and maintenance is reduced, and they use less energy. This lowers operating power costs, but it also helps reduce the overall electrical energy demand, which ultimately sets the electrical energy cost in venues where energy costs are based on peak demand. Munn Arena on the Michigan State University campus recently upgraded their existing event lighting to LED. The payback of the initial investment in the LED system is expected to be less than nine years.
Is outdated equipment a factor in the build new versus renovate debate?
Hart: Outdated MEP equipment generally does not drive the new vs. renovate debate, but it really depends on what a community is looking to improve in a venue. Labour and design costs can be higher in a renovation, because the design requires so much more investigation and coordination, but those costs can be offset by reusing some of the pieces or infrastructure. It can be hard to justify replacing ineffi cient equipment unless it is nearing the end of its service life, just because of the large initial investment. But the ineffi ciencies of outdated equipment like chillers, boilers, water heaters and air conditioners makes continued efforts to refurbish and ‘limp along’ even less desirable. The energy ineffi ciencies often outweigh the initial savings over time.
Jones: Many existing stadiums are doing smaller renovations, things like adding the latest IPTV, wi-fi , and DAS systems and applications to improve fan experience. While these systems require additional equipment rooms and distribution rooms that most older buildings don’t currently have, they can usually be added. Technology should defi nitely be considered early in the design process regardless of new or renovation. Equipment rooms and distribution rooms need to be neatly integrated in the overall programme and architectural plans. For example, communication systems have cable length limitations so it’s important to have this all developed early. Just like MEP systems, retro fi tting technology will likely have higher labour costs due to working around existing spaces and fi nishes, and could also require phasing or multiple labour shifts in active buildings.
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