Tips For Bringing Down Operating Costs in UAE's Massive Buildings

Posted by Petter on May 26th, 2021

Presently, UAE is one of the countries with the highest per capita water and energy consumption rates. Many MEP consultants know that large constructions can suffer due to extreme cooling loads, inefficient water or energy-saving systems, and ineffective glazing and insulation systems.

Moreover, the unpredictable climate of the UAE can lead to further challenges. For an occupant or owner, this can create additional operational costs that ruin the budgets and reduce the profit margin. If you want to stretch your budget for an extended period, slashing operating costs can help you fulfill this goal. 

Adopting the latest technologies in various building systems is a standard operating costs reduction method. In this article, you will find valuable information to reduce water and energy consumption and save money.

Overall, the returns for investments depend primarily on the type of cost-cutting measures implemented. Engineering infrastructure companies offer master planning services to install energy-saving systems. SSH is one of the building consultants in Dubai to provide such services. 

Here are the ways to bring down operating costs of the building:

Hire an expert MEP consultant to assess all your major plant operations in the building

It is highly recommended to hire a skilled MEP consultant to review the plant operations and find areas that may be responsible for your operational expenses. The MEP consultant will:

• Check whether the air handling units (AHUs) are providing excess air

• Check the required amount of chillers and remove the excess chillers

• Inspect whether only necessary pumps are used

• Ensure the chillers run at sufficient speed for the cooling requirements of the property

• Evaluate the efficient working of humidity, pressure, and temperature sensors

Faulty temperature sensors in a control system lead to more consumption of energy than required. In addition, you can utilize the available technology to ensure only sufficient air is supplied. 

Upgrade the lighting systems

Ensure you are using energy-saving lights like LED wherever applicable. Other lighting systems may generate more electricity and, in turn, heat the air cooling systems. You will have to spend more to remove the heat from the air cooler. Using LED lights and other smart lighting systems can stretch your budget. 

Are you looking to upgrade your lighting system? SSH offers master planning services to install energy-saving systems. 

Regulate your room temperature

For an office that comprises staff doing sedentary work, 230 C is a sufficient temperature setting for comfortable working. Many offices tend to keep the A/C at the highest setting, which most employees feel uncomfortable with. This is one common mistake that increases your energy consumption. Regulate your room temperature to the required level.

Install water-conserving devices to reduce water wastage

The Estidama program of UAE’s urban planning committee regulates the installation of water-conserving taps in all the newly constructed buildings to minimize water wastage by 70%. 

Many engineering infrastructure companies are revamping the old water systems in buildings to bring down the tap water pressure of the tap by 50%. If you can refit your building taps with specialized water-saving equipment, you can drastically reduce the water consumption level and bring down the operating cost.

Upgrade and refurbish to boost energy efficiency

Most of the old buildings’ equipment and systems are either outdated or damaged and consume excess electricity. This can significantly lead to hefty electricity bills, spare parts, and maintenance charges. So upgrade all the decade-old equipment and systems to newer technologies built to save energy. 

Many modern fans and motor cooling technology can reduce energy consumption by 35% than the decade-old fans. With some intelligent changes to your energy systems, you can save up extra operational expenses. You can hire an engineering consultant to upgrade your facility and cut down energy consumption. It is better to implement these cost-saving measures and save your budget.

Do you want to upgrade your electricity and water systems in your building? SSH is among the best building consultants in Dubai for master planning services.