MEP/FR Engineering Blogs | Revivalry Engineering

Why Choose Revivalry Engineering, a leader in MEP/ FP for your Next Project

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:42:35 GMT

In the competitive world of construction and development, selecting the right engineering partner can make the difference between a project that runs smoothly and one plagued by delays, unexpected costs, and compliance challenges.

At Revivalry Engineering, we specialize in delivering precise engineered drawings while also offering practical, cost-effective solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of contractors, builders, and property owners. Our expertise spans a wide range of project types, ensuring that every client receives the support necessary to bring their vision to life efficiently and effectively.

Comprehensive Engineered Drawings with Expert Consultation

Revivalry Engineering goes beyond traditional drafting services. We not only produce high-quality engineered drawings but also provide hands-on assistance to contractors and builders throughout the design-build process. For smaller projects, such as single-family homes or retail spaces, we offer targeted support in critical areas including sizing water heaters, electrical services, and HVAC equipment. This approach eliminates the need for expensive full MEP/FP drawings while still delivering reliable guidance and in field flexibility.

Our design-build consultation serves as an excellent alternative for these smaller-scale endeavors. Typically completed in just one to two days, followed by a detailed report, this service provides a clear strategy for heating, cooling, ventilating, and powering your building or tenant space. The result? Significant savings, often costing less than half the price of full drawings, while helping you avoid thousands of dollars in unnecessary construction expenses. More importantly, it can prevent weeks or even months of delays, allowing you to open for business or prepare a space for lease on schedule.

Ideal Solutions for Projects of All Project Sizes.

Whether your project is modest or expansive, Revivalry Engineering has the right approach. Our design-build consultation is particularly a valuable alternative to drawings for mixed-use projects involving fewer than six residential or commercial units total, or commercial non-industrial projects not exceeding 2,000 square feet of space. Even when design-build options are available, many jurisdictions still mandate full engineered drawings for compliance. In these cases, our team ensures your documentation meets all regulatory requirements without compromising on efficiency or quality. To save time down the road, we also try to keep design options such as plumbing light fixture selection more flexible. When requested, rather than always specifying specific fixtures, we specify requirements and recommendations and let the builders choose what best fits their needs. For larger developments, where complexities such as clash coordination, zoning issues, site plans, and interactions with adjacent buildings or tenants come into play, our services prove indispensable. We help navigate these challenges proactively, minimizing risks and keeping your project on track.

Specialized Expertise for Demanding Environments

Certain facilities demand the highest levels of precision, code compliance, and planning. Revivalry Engineering excels in supporting medical, industrial, and manufacturing projects, where stringent code requirements and logistical considerations are non-negotiable. Attempting a pure design-build approach in these sectors, even when legally permissible, often leads to costly change orders and operational headaches. Our experienced team provides the structured engineering support needed to avoid these pitfalls, ensuring safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability. By partnering with Revivalry Engineering, you gain access to professionals who understand the intricacies of these specialized environments and deliver solutions that align with both regulatory standards and practical construction realities.

Experience the Revivalry Engineering Advantage

At Revivalry Engineering, our commitment to excellence, combined with flexible service options, positions us as a trusted partner for contractors, builders, and developers across diverse project types. From streamlined consultations that save time and money on smaller builds to comprehensive drawings for complex, code-intensive facilities, we deliver value at every stage.

Ready to move your project forward with confidence? Contact Revivalry Engineering today at www.revivalryeng.com or reach out directly to discuss how our tailored engineering solutions can support your next build. Let us help you achieve efficient, compliant, and successful outcomes.

CONTACT

Boston - (857) 244-1461

Denver - (720)706-6962

The Definitive Glossary of MEP/ FP Terms and Definitions

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:35:33 GMT

Revivalry Engineering knows MEP/FP building terms can sometimes be confusing. This is why we've created the definitive MEP/FP Terms and Definitions Glossary below. Still have questions? Reach out to us and we can help!

3-Way Switch

A type of electrical switch that allows you to control a light or fixture from two different locations. It’s commonly used in hallways or staircases where you need to turn a light on or off from either end. The switch works in pair with another and is wired to control the same fixture from two separate points. A 4-way switch allows you to perform the above from 3 locations.

Air Handling Unit (AHU)

Mechanical equipment that controls and circulates air as part of an HVAC system. It helps to filter, cool, heat, and distribute air throughout a building.

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

A device that automatically switches the power supply from the primary electrical source (typically the utility grid) to a backup power source (such as a gas or diesel generator) in the event of a power failure. The ATS ensures that electrical power remains uninterrupted, providing a seamless transition during outages.

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

The AHJ refers to the official or agency that has the legal authority to enforce building codes, standards, and regulations. This entity is typically responsible for approving designs, inspecting work, and ensuring that construction projects comply with safety and code requirements.
In practical terms, the AHJ could be:
• Local building departments (city or county inspectors)
• Fire marshals
• Health departments (for plumbing or water systems)
• Electrical inspectors
• Etc.

Backflow Preventer

A device used to prevent the reverse flow of water, ensuring that contaminated water doesn't flow back into the clean water supply. AHJ’s will often require a backflow preventer form to be filled out by an engineer or contractor.

Cassettes

A type of ceiling-mounted HVAC unit that provides both heating and cooling, typically used in spaces where a ducted system isn't ideal. Cassettes distribute air in multiple directions and are often used in commercial or residential spaces with limited ceiling height and duct space. These typically work with ductless split systems.

Clash Coordination

The more specific process of MEP coordination which involves identifying and resolving conflicts or "clashes" between different building systems (like mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or fire protection) during the design and construction phases. It ensures that systems don't interfere with each other, helping to avoid costly rework and delays. Clash coordination is typically done using 3D modeling software (BIM - Building Information Modeling) to visualize and adjust designs before construction begins.

Condenser

A piece of equipment that cools down refrigerant gas from an air conditioner or refrigerator, turning it back into a liquid form so it can cycle again.

Dampers

Valves or movable plates in air ducts that control airflow. They are used to regulate ventilation, temperature, and air pressure in HVAC systems. Dampers can be electronic or mechanical.

Dehumidifier

A device used to remove excess moisture (humidity) from the air in a building or space. It helps to maintain comfortable indoor air quality, prevent mold growth, and protect sensitive equipment or materials from moisture damage.

Design-Build

By definition, a design-build entails a single party being in charge of both the design and delivery of the project. In practice, it typically implies an owner or general contractor building the project without a set of formal blueprints, typically by relying on rough sketches, calculations, and experience from similar past installations.

Domestic Water

Water that is used for general consumption in a building, including drinking, cooking, bathing, etc. It’s distinct from fire protection or irrigation water. When a contractor, civil engineer, AHJ, etc., requests a domestic water main size or domestic water calculations, they will typically want to know the size of the main water pipe serving the space (1/2", 1", 2", etc.).

Ductless Mini-Split

Also known as a ductless system, this entails a heating and cooling system that doesn't require ducts. It uses small air handlers inside each room connected to an outdoor compressor unit, offering flexibility and energy efficiency. These units typically pair with ERVs to ensure fresh air is still circulated within the space.

Electrical Switchgear

A collection of electrical devices used to protect, control, and isolate electrical equipment in a building or industrial setting. Switchgear includes circuit breakers, fuses, switches, and other devices designed to interrupt the flow of electricity in case of an issue like an overload or short circuit. Switchgear can entail something as simple as a 100 Amp Disconnect or a custom-ordered 4000A Electrical Switchboard.

Exhaust Fan (EF)

A fan used to expel hot, moist, or stale air from a building, often found in kitchens, bathrooms, or industrial spaces. Unlike ERVs, exhaust fans do not provide return air.

Fault Current Calculations

A critical calculation used to determine the maximum electrical fault current (short-circuit current) that could flow in a system during a fault condition. These calculations are essential for selecting protective devices (like circuit breakers and fuses) that will safely interrupt the flow of current and prevent equipment damage or fire hazards.

Fire Pump

A specialized pump designed to provide a reliable and high-pressure water supply for fire protection systems, like sprinklers or standpipes. Fire pumps are typically used when the standard water pressure is insufficient to meet the needs of a fire protection system.

Example: In a tall building, a fire pump might be needed to ensure that water reaches the top floors in case of a fire emergency.

Firestop

Materials or devices used to seal gaps and openings around fire-rated walls, ceilings, or floors to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

Flow Switch

A device in piping systems that detects the flow of water or other liquids. It is used to ensure proper operation of systems like sprinklers or pumps.

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)

A safety device in electrical systems that shuts off power if it detects a difference between the hot and neutral wires, preventing electrical shocks. Codes require GFCI protection for receptacles in kitchens, outdoors, near water sources, and other places.

Grease Interceptor

A plumbing device used to capture and remove grease, oils, and other solids from wastewater before it enters the main sewer system. Grease interceptors are typically installed in kitchens, restaurants, and food processing facilities to prevent grease buildup in the plumbing system, which can cause clogs and blockages. These devices help maintain proper wastewater flow and prevent environmental contamination. Sizing usually requires coordination with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The cost of an underground grease interceptor, which can range from $50,000 to $100,000, often surprises new restaurant owners.

Heat Pump

In simple terms, heat pump technology works by transferring heat rather than creating it. It is a piece of mechanical equipment that can both heat and cool a building by transferring heat between the indoors and outdoors. During winter, it extracts heat from the outside air and moves it indoors; in the summer, it works in reverse to cool the space by removing heat from inside and releasing it outside.

Heat Pump Water Heater

Just like a heat pump, a heat pump water heater is a type of water heater that uses a heat pump to transfer heat from the air or ground to heat water. They are much more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters in warmer weather and warmer climates by acting as a small air conditioner, pulling heat from the environment to warm water. However, there is a cost to such efficiency as heat pump water heaters have lower practical capacity and slower recovery rates than traditional water heaters.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

The system used in buildings to control the indoor climate, including heating and cooling, air quality, and humidity.

Hydronic System

A heating or cooling system that uses water to transport heat through pipes, typically to radiators or fan coil units, to regulate temperature. Such systems are typically controlled from a boiler but can also be connected to a water heater and take care of both space and water heat.

Isolated Ground

A specialized electrical grounding system that prevents noise or interference from affecting sensitive equipment like computers or medical devices.

J-Box (Junction Box)

An electrical box used to protect electrical connections, providing a safe place to join wires together and prevent short circuits or fires.

Knuckle Joint

A mechanical connection used in fire protection systems, typically in sprinkler systems, that allows for flexible movement or adjustment while maintaining a secure connection.

Louver

A ventilation opening or cover with slanted blades, usually on windows, ducts, or walls, designed to allow air to flow while blocking rain, dust, or direct sunlight.

Make-Up Air Unit

A system used to introduce fresh, outside air into a building to replace air that has been exhausted by ventilation systems, such as exhaust fans or kitchen hoods. The make-up air unit ensures that the indoor air pressure remains balanced and that there is enough ventilation to maintain air quality and comfort. These units often include filters, heating or cooling elements, and sometimes humidity control to treat the incoming air before it enters the building. These are most commonly found in commercial kitchens.

MEP Coordination

The process of ensuring the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are designed and installed without interfering with each other, making the entire system work efficiently.

MEP/FP

Acronym for Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection Engineering: Services will typically also include Fire Alarm.

NEC (National Electrical Code)

A set of safety standards and regulations published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to ensure safe electrical installations in buildings. The NEC covers everything from wiring methods to electrical panel requirements and is updated every three years to reflect new technologies and safety practices. It's important to check with your state and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to determine which year of the NEC to follow, as many states may have amendments that add additional regulations beyond the national code.

NFPA 241 Report

A report that outlines the fire protection measures in place during construction or renovation of a building. It is a requirement under NFPA 241 (Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations) to ensure safety from fire hazards during the building process.

Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)

A valve used to reduce the incoming water pressure to a safer, more manageable level for plumbing systems or equipment.

Redundant Ground

Not to be confused with Isolated Ground, a redundant grounding system is a grounding system used to ensure electrical safety in case the primary grounding system fails. It typically involves multiple ground connections to different points, ensuring that electricity has a safe path to flow in the event of a fault, preventing electrical shock or fire hazards.
This is typically code-required in critical facilities like hospitals, but is also used in data centers. Redundant grounding ensures that even if one grounding system fails, the electrical system remains safe and functional.

Riser Diagram

A diagram that demonstrates how power, water, HVAC, etc., gets distributed throughout a building and/or a space within it. Electrically, these are often called One-Line Diagrams or Single-Line Diagrams.

Standpipe System

A vertical pipe system in buildings used by firefighters to provide a reliable source of water flow for firefighting on each floor. These typically run within stairways.

Tankless Water Heater

A water heater that heats water on demand, rather than storing hot water in a tank. When you turn on the hot water tap, the unit heats the water as it passes through, providing an endless supply of hot water without the storage space and standby energy needed for a storage tank. These typically must be gas, as tankless electric water heaters can be overly taxing on the electrical system and require large upgrades in electrical service sizes.

Hydrant Flow Test

A test performed to measure the water flow and pressure available from a fire hydrant. This test is critical for determining whether the water supply in an area is sufficient to fight a potential fire within a building. It is often required by fire marshals or AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) when designing new fire protection systems. Typically, civil engineers, general contractors, or project owners will order this test to ensure that the available water pressure is adequate for systems like sprinklers or standpipes in a new building. Hydrant flow tests are generally conducted during warmer weather, usually when the temperature is at least 50°F for three consecutive days.

VAV Unit (Variable Air Volume Unit)

An HVAC system component that adjusts the amount of air supplied to a room or zone based on the temperature or load requirements. VAV units are used in buildings with multiple zones that have varying heating or cooling needs. VAV units do not need to be set to cooling or heating mode. With a VAV system, one room or area can simultaneously be cooled while another is heated. Most commonly, these are found in office and medical spaces within large buildings. They allow for more efficient energy use by delivering just the right amount of air at just the right temperature to each space.

Zoning

In HVAC, zoning refers to dividing a building into separate areas that can be individually controlled for temperature, airflow, and humidity.

About Revivalry Engineering

What sets Revivalry Engineering apart in MEP permitting and code compliance:

The building permitting process has grown increasingly complex and time-consuming, often delaying developers and business owners while depleting their most valuable asset: time. Municipal staff and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) frequently struggle with inconsistent enforcement and navigating their own bureaucratic requirements, leading to extended timelines, added costs, and project setbacks.

At Revivalry Engineering, the team goes beyond standard MEP design to serve as your dedicated representative and advocate. They act as a direct bridge between clients and the AHJ, streamlining approvals, clarifying codes, and accelerating project timelines. For renovation projects, this expertise includes pursuing grandfathered designs that enhance life safety and energy efficiency in targeted areas, even when full code upgrades are impractical due to logistical or budgetary constraints.

Case Study Example: 53 Glen Road Dorchester, MA

Revivalry Engineering successfully incorporated improved life safety measures in renovated sections of the building while collaborating with fire marshals to maintain existing conditions elsewhere, avoiding unnecessary overhauls and securing timely approvals.

This client-focused approach to MEP permitting , code navigation, and AHJ coordination minimizes delays and ensures efficient project delivery. For illustration of permitting challenges and inconsistent code enforcement consider the Dallas building department's experience: the city relocated its permitting office to a single large building but then had to move the staff back out because that building lacked proper permits (source: Dallas News, April 2024). Revivalry Engineering helps clients avoid similar bureaucratic pitfalls through proactive representation and expert guidance.

For more information, contact us about your MEP/FP needs.

Top 5 Areas You Must Get Right When Hiring an MEP Firm

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:09:08 GMT

Choosing the right MEP partner can make or break your construction project. From energy efficiency to code compliance, MEP/FP systems touch every aspect of building performance. Whether you are developing a high-rise in Boston or a tech campus in Denver, getting these decisions right saves time, reduces costs, and prevents headaches down the line.

At Revivalry Engineering, both of our offices in Boston and Denver have seen MEP/ FP projects succeed and stumble based on five critical hiring factors. Here is what you need to evaluate before signing with any MEPFP consultant, including even the top Boston design firms. Skip these, and you risk the costly pitfalls that derail lesser-prepared teams.

Proven Expertise in Local Codes and Climate Considerations
Building regulations differ sharply between regions. A firm must master Massachusetts' strict Stretch Energy stretch codes and Denver’s higher-altitude and dry air HVAC challenges. Non-compliance can lead to delays and redesign costs that add up to 50% or more of the contract value, turning a smooth build into a budget nightmare. Inexperienced firms trigger permit rejections, failed inspections, and forced design-built retrofits that push occupancy months behind schedule.

Integrated MEP/FP Design Capability
Your MEP/FP team should deliver mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection from one cohesive model. Look for BIM 360 or Revit fluency and a track record of clash-free construction documents. Early clash detection through BIM and CAD will slash MEP project costs and delays, avoiding the rework that plagues traditional uncoordinated 2D designs. Without it, contractors discover duct-pipe collisions mid-installation, triggering change orders, material waste, and delays that balloon budgets by six figures or more. Most importantly, without adequate coordination, you lose even more of what is almost any project's most vital resource - time.

Sustainable Systems That Actually Save Money
Net-zero sounds great, but only if the payback works. Demand life-cycle cost analysis on every proposal. Top Boston mechanical design firms partner with the best energy consultants to model energy recovery, demand-control ventilation, and renewable-ready infrastructure that cuts operating expense from day one. Inexperienced designers often under or oversize equipment, often even skipping load calculations entirely, locking owners into higher construction bills and premature system failures that demand early replacement. Such product mis-sizing will also mitigate any emission reductions that utilizing the latest technological systems would bring.

Field Experience Beyond the Desk
Software is useless without constructability, and so many engineers design plans without having ever had the experience or feedback of actually installing them. Insist on lead engineers who have managed installations on live sites, and preferably have had at least some experience with the trades. Field-savvy teams cut construction questions and timelines by focusing on practical installation, preventing the common pitfalls that lead to delays in multifamily and commercial builds. Teams without boots-on-ground history generate RFIs that stall progress for weeks, spawn punch-list nightmares, and leave systems that never perform to spec, eroding tenant satisfaction and resale value. The perfect system on paper is worthless if you don’t have the means to install it.

Transparent Fee Structure and Change-Order Discipline
Hidden markups on equipment or vague “contingency” lines erode trust. Require a detailed scope matrix, hourly rates by discipline, narratives, and possibly even a change-order log reviewed at every milestone. The best MEP firms treat your budget like their own. Change orders can balloon total contract cost, without adding anything to project value, but disciplined tracking keeps them under control and protects your bottom line. Novice firms might have lower base fees but will hide extras until the eleventh hour, turning a predictable fee into a runaway train of surprise invoices that strain lender relationships and kill profit margins.

Partnering with an inexperienced firm invites every one of these failures, amplified across your timeline and balance sheet. Revivalry Engineering eliminates those risks. From the kickoff narratives and schematics to the final stamped and signed plans, Our Boston and Denver teams deliver fully coordinated MEP FP services that contractors love and owners profit from.

Visit Revivalry Engineering to see recent healthcare, lab, and multifamily projects from across the country. Ready to get the MEPFP details right the first time? Contact us today and let’s build something efficient, compliant, and on budget.

How to Choose the Best MEP/FP Firm for Your Project

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 13:12:26 GMT

Selecting the right MEP/FP firm is pivotal for a successful construction project. MEPFP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection) systems form the core of any building’s functionality, and partnering with a firm like Revivalry Engineering, a leader in MEP Engineering in Boston and one of the top Mechanical Design firms, ensures a project that’s efficient, sustainable, and built to last.

At Revivalry, we emphasize continuous engineer involvement throughout the entire design process, from concept to completion, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned. Our engineers act as proactive partners, identifying potential challenges and crafting innovative solutions before construction begins, saving you time and money. We also treat each project as if it were our own business or investment, prioritizing sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact and operational costs. Our commitment to sustainability means designing MEP/FP systems that optimize energy efficiency, incorporate renewable technologies where needed, and align with green building standards, ensuring your project thrives for years to come.

Here are key concerns to avoid when choosing an MEP/FP firm:

- Settling for cheaper systems that underperform: Low-cost MEP/FP systems often result in frequent breakdowns, costly maintenance, and poor energy efficiency. Revivalry’s Engineering Consulting expert team believes in designing and specifying high-performing systems that save money long-term through sustainable design.

- Assuming rebates guarantee efficiency: A rebate doesn’t ensure low operating costs or eco-friendliness. Our engineers conduct thorough analyses to design MEP FP systems that minimize energy use and environmental impact, leveraging sustainable technologies for maximum benefit.

- Choosing design-build over professional MEP engineers: While design-build is an option for some projects, bypassing detailed MEP/FP drawings can lead to costly errors. For a multi-million dollar project, Revivalry’s comprehensive plans, backed by our engineers’ hands-on oversight, prevent mistakes that could cost thousands. ( View some of our MEP FP Projects here. )

Our detailed plans and continuous engineering involvement can streamline construction by saving time, reducing mortgage payments, enabling earlier rent collection, accelerating business openings, and avoiding future repairs.

- Overlooking rising energy costs: With energy prices climbing, especially in winter, efficient MEP FP systems are critical. Revivalry’s sustainable designs, incorporating advanced energy-saving technologies which can include both renewable and low fossil fuel use solutions, may have a slightly higher upfront cost but deliver rapid savings on energy bills, often in the thousands.

Summary

Selecting the best MEP/FP firm is critical for a successful, sustainable project, and Revivalry Engineering excels as a leader in MEP Engineering Boston and Denver, CO. Our MEP FP services and hands-on engineer involvement ensures meticulous oversight at every stage, catching issues early and optimizing system performance. The best MEP systems are often the ones that go unnoticed, seamlessly providing comfort and efficiency, while the worst cause poor cooling, unattractive lighting, and costly revamps.

By prioritizing sustainable practices, we design MEPFP systems that minimize environmental impact, reduce energy costs, and future-proof your investment. Treating each project as our own, Revivalry delivers efficient, eco-conscious solutions, making us the ideal partner for your project’s success.

Take the Next Step

Reach out to Revivalry Engineering for a free consultation. Let our team of dedicated engineers design a sustainable, high-performing MEP/FP system tailored to your project.

Energy Costs are on the Rise and Better MEPFP Design Can Help Lower Them

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 17:37:01 GMT

THE HIDDEN COSTS OF GOING GREEN

At Revivalry we are always striving to provide MEP/FP design that can be both eco and cost friendly. In our annual newsletter, we analyze common mistakes and oversights that builders and individuals make when pursuing eco friendly designs

WHAT DOES ECO FRIENDLY AND GOING GREEN EVEN MEAN?

When you ask that question to 50 people, you will probably get 50 different responses.

At Revivalry, we characterize Green and Eco Friendly as being environmentally conscious and wise with resources. Think the classic mantra Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. In the MEP/FP industry, this mainly applies to energy. Especially, as energy prices increase, energy efficiency is as crucial as ever.

While there can be many definitions of what this means, from a code, Government Rebate, and PR perspective, Green and eco friendly has now almost exclusively been measured by the standard of carbon emissions. That is why we constantly hear terms such as “carbon neutral” or “net zero carbon emissions”.

WHAT STANDARDS ARE REQUIRED BY CODE?

1. In Massachusetts, energy codes vary by jurisdiction with each one enforcing one of the three codes below:

Base Energy Code (Still as of this writing currently based on the 2018 IECC per the MA DOE website)
Stretch Code (Based off of the 2021 IECC + Stretch Code Amendments)
Specialized Stretch Energy Code (Based off of the 2021 IECC + Stretch & Specialized Code Amendments)

The following link is a great resource for current code enforcement across the commonwealth of Massachusetts: https://www.mass.gov/doc/building-energy-code-adoption-by-municipality/download

Many major jurisdictions throughout the nation such as New York City, Los Angeles, CA, Seattle, WA and Cambridge, MA go even further and ban the use of gas stoves and appliances in new buildings, particularly residential buildings. Others prohibit the use of gas non-cooking appliances such as water heaters.

In Massachusetts, most residential projects, particularly those in Stretch and Specialized Code Jurisdictions, are required to meet a certain HERS (Home Energy Rating System) rating.

2. In Colorado, Denver and other cities are adopting the 2024 Baseline International Energy Codes (2024 IECC):

To find out which IECC code your city or county follows, it is best to refer directly to the jurisdictions building department website.

In addition to baseline 2024 IECC requirements, Denver prohibits gas furnaces and hot water in new installations while Boulder and a few other small jurisdictions such as Crested Butte, completely disallow gas use even for cooking.

Outside of the City of Boulder, HERS rating is not required at least for now but might have energy savings benefits especially for larger homes.

HOW CAN I MAKE MY HOME OR OTHER PROJECT MORE ECO FRIENDLY?

Environmental care and sustainability is a core value at Revivalry. Reusing and recycling resources as well as reducing waste is the first and most major step we take to help our clients be more ecofriendly with their projects. It is also one of the best ways to save on costs. If going all electric, even on a grid that was all solar, all wind etc. would solve all of our environmental problems we would be the first to endorse it. The appeal of getting something for nothing is real. However, these renewable sources of energy are not made of renewable parts. Solar Panels don’t last forever, and need cleaning and maintenance, windmills do as well. So besides the usual advice of buying electric cars and installing solar panels how can we be more eco friendly?

1. Aside from your Halogen lights, don’t toss your old fixtures and appliances unless they stop working.

It is a reality we all know, items are not built to last anymore. This is a tremendous waste of time and resources. Most traditional appliances were made with metal which can last lifetimes and possibly reused, repurposed or melted down and recycled once they reached the end of their working years. Gas stoves, for example, have a simpler design and fewer parts which makes them last longer given they are less prone to malfunctions and breakdowns. That is also why appliances with more intricate electronics (this is true with cars as well) tend to also break more often. The motherboards of some of these appliances cost almost as much as the appliance itself.

At the time of this writing, Massachusetts still has a grid powered 76% by gas. So when you toss that perfectly functioning gas stove, remember that you have to utilize resources to produce a brand new electric stove with a likely shorter lifespan. And that new stove is connected to a grid that is still mostly gas powered and likely will be for the lie of the appliance. For those with efficiency concerns, it is true that gas stoves are less efficient, but the heat losses from those stoves are not necessarily always wasted, especially in colder months when those efficiency losses are in the form of heating your home.

2. Understand that just because you get a rebate does not mean your appliance is good for the environment.

AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) have their own interests, and their own constituents. Just over a decade ago, we got rebates for fluorescent lights which aren’t even allowed by most energy codes today. LED lights for example don’t get rebates. They get purchased because they are known to save cost and energy.

This isn’t to say you should not purchase them, sometimes with the most strict jurisdictions and HERS requirements you won’t even have much of a choice. But as you plan your designs, understand that if you are getting a rebate, it probably means that the appliance or equipment you are buying is not worth the investment at its unsubsidized market rate.

The washer or dishwasher that gives you a small tax credit might use 50% less water per wash, but you might have to run it 2-3 times to get your things cleaned. They also might break in a couple of years rather than decades like their older counterparts. They would likely also be made of less reusable material. Rather than metal, they will typically have more plastic, rubber, and electronics, less reusable and recyclable parts and pieces. They therefore will need to be disposed of and replaced with new ones. To obtain and manufacture the parts and pieces, build, install, etc. each replacement appliance takes a lot of time and energy. For that reason, at Revivalry, we always aim to specify built to last equipment even if it may cost more upfront. It is not just economical, but eco friendly.

3. What you can add/replace to reduce energy waste and save on utility costs

If you are looking for to save on utility bills you have several options. On the lighting side, LED lights which have been and continue to be the latest lighting technology, consume 10-20% of the power that their Halogen equivalents do. So if you still haven’t switched to LED lightbulbs, even tossing old halogen bulbs before their life ends is energy and economically favorable.

If you are looking to save energy and costs on heating and cooling, consider consulting an engineer or HVAC contractor about adding in an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) of Air Handling Unit (AHU) to your home or place of business. These systems provide superior ventilation to traditional systems. They help retain heat during cold weather by circulating fresh air in a residence or place of business in a way that prevents hot and/or cold air from escaping in the process. Put simply, during ventilation, they recycle hot and cool air rather than generating more of it. They also filter moisture and contaminants throughout the process.

Another type of unit to consider, especially if you have gas or electric heat to act as a backup, is a heat pump system. Heat pumps are the most efficient when used for cooling or heating during more mild outdoor temperatures in the 30s, 40s, and 50s. Heat pumps consume less energy than traditional AC units and electric heaters for cooling and light warming conditions because they simply move heat rather than cool air from a mechanical cooling processes like traditional AC units do. Many don’t know this, but a refrigerator is actually heat pump technology by pumping heat out from the interior. One of the reasons that the technology has always worked well with refrigerators is because of the smaller well insulated environment. The better insulated your home of place of business is, the better heat pumps will work. Every project is different. Be sure to consider a building’s insulation when calculating the ROI in energy savings from adding Heat pump and ventilation technology.

4. Don’t solely focus on CO2 emissions and being as “carbon neutral” as possible

There is so much more to being eco friendly than measuring CO2 emissions. Wood and biomass, for example, are carbon neutral fuel sources. However, burning wood creates more carcinogens and makes the air much dirtier than burning natural gas or petroleum. A fire pit at a campsite leaves a bigger smoke trail than you see at a modern gas power plant. There is more to pollution and being eco-friendly than carbon emissions. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t consider solar or other renewable sources of energy in your home or place of business, but it shows how focusing exclusively on Carbon emissions can make us miss these other big picture environmental considerations.

WHAT ARE HIDDEN COSTS OF GOING GREEN?

1. HERS Ratings:

In most cities and towns in Massachusetts, all new homes are required to meet a certain HERS rating.

Getting your project rated by a HERS rater alone will set you back at least 1500-3000 dollars. However, most hidden costs come with the added construction time and costs of getting a house or multifamily building to meet the necessary rating. Even moving into an existing home can be complicated with some jurisdictions and inspectors. Sometimes, in order to grandfather in an existing installation, some inspectors will even require that an engineer of record inspect existing gas grills and stoves.

2. Your electric/utility bill will go up, way up!

In simple terms, it is much more expensive to heat with electric heat, rather than gas heat. Even the most energy efficient heat pumps, while efficient at cooling, consume a lot of energy to heat. The same is true with electric unit heaters and duct heaters. The jurisdictions that have the most strict Electric and Renewable Mandates also have the highest electric bills. In California, energy now costs over 30 cents per kwH, nearly triple the national average.

In Massachusetts, with all of the latest delivery fees (Distributed Solar Charge, Renewable Energy Charge, Energy Efficiency Charge, Electric Vehicle Program) Eversource has raised their rates to nearly 40 cents per kwH. These increases are the result of incentives and rebates to solar companies, Heat pump manufacturers, EV vehicles, etc. If utility companies offer these rebates they need to make up the cost elsewhere. Natural Gas is as abundant in the US as it has ever been, and as a result its price is also going down, giving it the designation of not only of having ⅓ the CO2 emissions of coal, but also being cheaper!

In wealthy areas around NYC, the Boston suburbs, or a wealthier mountain town like Boulder, CO most citizens don’t notice these changes very much. Some are even fine with it, simply because in exchange they get the false feeling that they are helping the environment. It is ultimately those living paycheck to paycheck that feel the increased cost burden the most.

3. Building anything will be more expensive, time consuming, and complex.

If the all electric incentives were not in place, buildings throughout the country would not need to increase the size of their electrical services. LED lights have made lighting consume less energy. With cooling, heat pumps, and air handlers have made cooling require much less energy. Even electronics and appliances use less energy than they ever have.

However, unlike many of these other things, building systems have become more, not less expensive. Buildings that once required 200 amps of service, now need 600. The old buildings once on 600 amps, now need 1200 amps, etc. As a result, the electrical grid is stretched thinner and the buildings need their own transformers, rather than being able to share them with other buildings. Electrical gear is larger and more expensive than ever. Due to increased regulations, getting permits and other items approved is taking longer than ever, and more and more specialists are required to being a project to light. This isn’t to say that you should never move, build a new home, or make upgrades to your existing home or place of business. However, it is something to always keep in mind when calculating the cost, time, and ROI of an investment.

OUR FINAL THOUGHTS...

It is safe to say most of us want to cut our energy costs and be ecofriendly with our homes and other buildings. However, so many of us, despite having all the best intentions, end up making mistakes and oversites with our construction and renovation projects. Marketing, social media, and inspectors might be pushing for you to install one thing over another. However, it is always important to see not only the upsides, but also the hidden costs of each project to understand whether it makes both financial and environmental sense with your projects goals.

If you want to know how you can make your next project energy efficient, cost affective, and environmentally friendly, investing in professional engineering and design is a must. Just because local authorities don’t require drawings for certain projects, does not mean you should forgo them. Afterall, AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) have their own interests, and their own constituents. As long as you follow most of the code, including things they will come up with on site, they don’t care whether you are happy with your project or if you gain or lose money on your investment. It still amazes us how many times we see owners and builders hesitate to spend 4-5 figures on drawings for projects with millions and at times tens of millions of dollars at stake. That would be like placing a beautiful facade around a building built with low quality materials and a weak foundation. The view from the road may be nice and the pictures might turn eyes on social media, but any project can become a huge liability for you if it isn’t designed and built with care.

Here are Revivalry, we are a voice for architects, builders, homeowners, and local businesses, not the AHJs. We are not inspectors, merely enforcing codes, but partners for clients all across the US. Our goal as engineers is to help you build projects that you can be proud of, projects that save energy, are built to last, and save rather than cost money. When it comes to being green and eco friendly, we have helped clients everywhere avoid the mistakes and hidden costs of trying to do so, and putting emphasis on the things that actually save energy and make your project truly built to last. With our clients we treat each design as if it were our own investment and hope to serve a part of your next project!

This article is partially based on a Mike Urban Show podcast done with one of our principals, Leo Gabriel. To hear a more in depth conversation about the issue, we recommend you view the full conversation at https://youtu.be/lBXwIkCUyQc.

HIGHLIGHTING SOME OF OUR LATEST PROJECTS

17 Hudson Street - Somerville, MA

Client: North American Development

Dave's Hot Chicken - (Various Locations)

Client: RECOR Development

Trinity Church - Melrose, MA

Client: db2 Architecture and SEAVER Construction

44 Captain Bertie's Way - Provincetown, MA

Client: New Boston Ventures

38 Norman Street - Salem, MA

Client: Kinvarra Capital

149 Main Street - North Andover, MA

Client: CRESPO and YS Ventures

Article Author: Leo Gabriel

CONTACT US TODAY!

857-244-1461

info@revivalryeng.com

REVIVALRYENG.COM

Revivalry Engineering 2024 Spring Newsletter

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 17:10:52 GMT

Navigating the World of Changing Energy Codes

As Professional Engineers we are Constantly Monitoring the latest Energy Code Requirements so we can provide the right solutions for our client’s project needs. In our annual spring newsletter we summarize some of the most important changes and questions surrounding the Latest Energy Code Requirements in Massachusetts and throughout the US.

STARTING WITH WHICH CODE DO I FOLLOW?

Almost any Energy Code throughout the country is going to very similar to the latest versions of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

Code adoptions vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and are constantly changing. For the latest code requirements to go by, it is best to directly refer to the website of the jurisdiction where the project takes place.

In Massachusetts energy codes vary by jurisdiction with each one enforcing one of the three codes below:

Base Energy Code (Still as of this writing currently based on the 2018 IECC per the MA DOE website)
Stretch Code (Based off of the 2021 IECC + Stretch Code Amendments)
Specialized Stretch Energy Code (Based off of the 2021 IECC + Stretch & Specialized Code Amendments)

The following link is a great resource for current code enforcement across the commonwealth of Massachusetts: https://www.mass.gov/doc/building-energy-code-adoption-by-municipality/download

FREQUENTLY ASKED ENERGY CODE QUESTIONS

1. Does my Jurisdiction’s Latest Code Requirements Prohibit Gas Appliances and/or Require an all Electric Building?

Answer: No Version of the IECC requires an all Electric Building. Even stricter codes such as California’s Title 24 have yet to institute a statewide or citywide ban on gas stoves for new construction being built today. The MA Stretch and Specialized Energy Codes as well do not flat out ban gas appliances and/or water heaters. They do, however, require that any new construction that utilizes gas be provided with provisions/connections to go all electric in the future.

Renovations within existing buildings that have gas services are allowed to keep their gas services without electrical provisions when conducting alterations or additions under 1,000 square feet under both the stretch and specialized codes. Larger additions are still permitted so long as when they stand alone they meet the latest code requirements even if the rest of the building doesn’t.

Ultimately, the interpretation and enforcement of the energy codes falls on the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). Before going ahead with a project it is always important to contact and document all communication with building inspectors and plan reviewers to know exactly what is being enforced and what is being grandfathered in.

2. What are the requirements for EV charging in New Construction?

Answer: As with Gas Limitations, EV Charging requirements were ruled out of the 2021 and all earlier versions of the IECC. The 2024 IECC will address EV readiness but only in commercial buildings. However, many local, predominately urban, jurisdictions, have extended their codes to enforce EV new installations and/or future use provisions for both commercial and residential parking.

For example, cities like Boston and Denver require at least one EV spot in all one and two-family dwellings with onsite parking.

In Boston the 75/25 rule is applied requiring parking for all new large projects (typically projects that require the Boston Transportation Department’s TAPA approval and/or are 50,000 square feet of gross floor area or larger) to be fully EV ready. Parking garages in such projects are required to have 25% of their spaces equipped with EV charging and the remaining 75% be equipped with future EV charging provisions.

The MA Stretch and Specialized Code requires 20% of parking to be Level 2 EV ready in all buildings. For buildings under the stretch code, the 2023 NEC requires the load of these stations to be at minimum 7200W. Jurisdictions following the Specialized Code require the calculated load of such spaces to be even higher at 9.6kW. For reference each 9.6kW charging station adds about 27 Amps of load to a building on three phase service and 40 amps to a building powered by single phase electrical service. This leads to the demand of much larger, more expensive electrical gear and feeders.

3. What are Heat Pumps and are they more expensive and/or more energy efficient than conventional gas furnaces?

Answer: We see heat pumps being used a lot more in today because they are much more energy efficient at cooling than traditional AC units. They do that by pumping heat away rather than generating cool air. The addition or Energy Recovery Ventilators or ERV’s make these systems even more efficient.

While they are far more efficient with cooling they do not do quite as well with heating, especially in extremely low temperatures. To pump heat out of extremely cold single digit and sub-zero temperatures, these units must work extra hard which leads to a much higher peak electrical load with heating than with cooling. And more power doesn’t always solve the problem. In extreme cold, it is not uncommon to see heat pumps systems requiring supplemental heat such as baseboard or duct heating. On top of that, since heat pumps provide both heating and cooling they will run down faster and need more frequent service and replacement than a standard AC system. Especially in colder environments, gas heat remains the cheaper, more efficient, and more reliable option.

If gas is not an option for you expect more service costs, bigger electrical service sizes, higher electric bills in the winter, and those baseboard heaters many of us thought were a thing of the past to continue make a comeback.

4. Are Tankless or Tank Water Heaters Better? Are either of them required, prohibited, or limited by current codes?

Answer: This depends what you mean by better, as each have their own benefits. In general tankless water heaters, have better energy efficiency, save space, provide continuous hot water, and have a longer lifespan than their more traditional tank equivalents.

However....

If you want an all electric building, the choice is mostly already made up from the get go. A typical Tankless Water Heater pulls between 24 and 35kW, nearly 4x the 6-9kW pulled by an equivalent electrical tank water heater. For reference, in residential applications that means adding anywhere from 90-150 Amps of single phase load for each water heater. Apartment/condo units that normally would need standard 100A panels suddenly need 225+ amps each. Building electrical services would often double in size. More amps makes for bigger gear, more lead time, and more materials and labor costs making tankless electrical water heaters an uneconomical option for buildings striving to go all electric.

If you are a fan of the energy efficiency, space saving, continuous hot water, and the longer lifespan of tankless water heaters, gas is really the only option. Ultimately, don’t sweat this decision to much as the traditional tank water heaters typically cost less to install and still perform very well. The extra efficiency of tankless water heaters really won’t save the average home or small business owner more than 10-20 dollars on their monthly gas bill.

OUR FINAL TAKEAWAY...

The world of navigating energy codes can at times get complicated. So much so that sometimes the staff at the building departments themselves often forgets what is and isn’t being enforced and/or how certain code sections are to be interpreted.

Revivalry is committed to lowering energy bills, lowering carbon emissions and making buildings as energy efficient as they can be. However, we have to look at the realistic costs of going all electric and bashing on gas, an energy source that has lowered energy costs for millions and been largely responsible for bringing annual carbon emissions down over the past decade by replacing coal. Just like electric cars, modern all electrical utilities have their limitations, especially in cold weather. Whether the power grid itself can continue to keep up with this growing electrical demand and still incorporate renewables also remains a concern.

Continuing to use gas where it makes sense to use, keeps construction and energy more efficient and affordable. In current economic times, supply chain shortages continue to be a major factor, especially for electrical gear. Electrifying buildings means waiting often years to order and ship bigger gear, upgrade transformers and build transformer vaults. It also leaves designers and builders with more limited heating and cooling options. And the reality is that at the end of the day, this is all just to connect buildings and cars to a power grid that at least in Massachusetts is still 80% powered by fossil fuels and doesn’t show any signs of major change, at least not anytime over the next decade.

Continuing to retrofit old and new installations with LED lighting, better insulation, and more energy-efficient HVAC equipment, whether gas or electric, such as Energy Recovery Ventilators and Heat Pumps in warmer climates, remains the more proven option for saving energy and operating costs in both commercial and residential applications.

Ultimately though, the final say goes with owners weighing their own costs and benefits and the jurisdictions signing off on the plans.

As anyone will tell you, good engineers don’t just follow code but also design cost effective solutions custom to each project and each client. When you bring our team on board we weigh all options and don’t leave any stone unturned when it comes to making sure a building has all of the power it needs, and runs as efficiently as possible. We hope you make us a part of your next project!

HIGHLIGHTING SOME OF OUR LATEST PROJECTS

121 Brookside - Boston, MA

Client: Cedar Hill Residential

Top Mix Bar - Cambridge, MA

Client: Top Mix & McMahon Architects

Oasis Assisted Living - Pueblo, CO

Client: BrainCare Homes

2 Garden Street Lodge - Cambridge, MA

Client: Lark Hotels

SHAWS Distribution Remodel - Methuen, MA

Client: SHAWS and RP Architectural Studio

Nuvia Dental Center - Reading, MA

Client: Seaver Construction

857-244-1461

info@revivalryeng.com

REVIVALRYENG.COM

2023 Revivalry Engineering Spring Newsletter

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 07:19:08 GMT

March 2023 Newsletter

As we go full Speed into 2023.....

The 2023 NEC is here, are you ready?

1. The NEC now permits the use of 10 Amp Branch circuits and 14 AWG copper-clad aluminum wire but only for certain residential applications listed in NEC 210.23.

2. 1 and 2 family Dwellings are now required to have an outdoor emergency disconnect per NEC 225.41.

3. The rules for surge protection continue to get stricter. On top of Residential Use, the 2023 NEC requires that dormitory units, guest rooms and guest suites of hotels and motels, and areas of nursing homes and limited-care facilities that are used exclusively as patient sleeping rooms have surge protection. 409.70 now requires that industrial controls be surge protected as well. It will continue to be Revivalry’s standard to protect sensitive controls with surge protection and isolated ground receptacles where deemed necessary.

4. Child proofing safety measures have also become more stringent. In NEC406.12, Tamper-Resistant Receptacles are now required in additional settings beyond residential homes. Some of these include hotel rooms, dorms, and child care facilities. NEC440.11 now requires that disconnecting means with doors that can open to expose live parts, be lockable or require tools to open them when installed in areas readily accessible to unqualified persons.

5. Kitchen GFCI Expansion: The 2020 NEC required kitchen receptacles serving countertops to have ground-fault circuit-interrupter(GFCI) protection. Section 210.8(A)(6) of the 2023 NEC was expanded to require ALL 125-to 250-volt receptacles in a kitchen to have GFCI protection. On top of that, all areas with permanent provisions for food serving, beverage service, or cooking must be ground-fault protected. This means GFCI protection is now also required in locations such as buffet serving areas and receptacles in break areas even if no sink or water source is located within 6 feet. This makes designs and installations much more expensive especially for breakers over 10,000AIC. These types of breakers are hard to get and very expensive. The best way around it is a series rating system.

6. 2023 NEC 680.5 was expanded to introduce Special Purpose Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters(SPGFCI) to provide additional ground fault protection for pool equipment.

7. Sec.110.26(A)(4) now specifies that when open equipment doors result in an egress path that is less than 24in. wide or 6 ft, 6in. high, the opening must be increased to prevent the equipment doors from impeding the egress path. Put simply any swinging doors must be at least 2 feet from any wall, cabinet, etc. when opened at any point.

8. The 2023 NEC Sec.240.6(D) allows for remote access to adjustable-trip circuit breakers through smart devices under certain conditions. Just like you can turn on lights, security, and other systems, you can now trip and reset breakers remotely.

9. For Healthcare Facilities(Article517), the 2023 NEC has completed the phased approach of changing the references from critical, general, basic, and support spaces to Category 1, 2 ,3 , and 4 Spaces. This phased approach of aligning with NFPA99 (Health Care Facilities Code)was completed this cycle and the parenthetical references were deleted, leaving only the Category space references.

10. Some other notable changes include EV Charging Provisions (Sec.220.57), Energy Management Systems(Sec. 220.70), and Additional Temporary Power Source Requirements (Sec.700.3(F)).

Highlighting some of Our Latest Work

Park 2 Jet - Commerce City, CO

11 McLellan - Dorchester, MA

The Ella - Melrose, MA

La Plaza Hotel - Walsenburg, CO

28-30 Geneva - East Boston, MA

Santa Fe Burrito Grill - Malden, MA

Got a job for us? We will get it done on time and budget. Need help with permit drawings? We are here for you from design to stamping and CA. Have questions on the latest codes, we can answer them! Let us be part of your team on the next project.