Tose’e Payam Asia Company, in cooperation with the Investment and New Technologies Office of the National Land and Housing Organization and the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, organized a development course on green and sustainable buildings (Building Services) for managers, deputies, and experts of the National Land and Housing Organization of the country.
This course was held in light of the progress made in the formulation of building codes in the country, such as Article 19 of National Building Regulations, the building energy label, as well as the Building Services rating system; moreover, given the prevalent energy consumption imbalance in the country, and the need to pay attention to the construction of high-quality homes and the use of renewable energy resources, so that managers and those in charge in the provincial centers can also, in addition, take into account the values and criteria of sustainable development in their decision-making.
Tose’e Payam Asia Company, a pioneer in providing technical engineering services and sustainable development consulting in the country
Building Services Rating System in Iran: A Step Towards Sustainable Construction
Considering environmental challenges and the growing need for energy and resource optimization, focusing on sustainability in the construction industry has gained increasing importance. Building Services, which include mechanical, electrical, plumbing installations and other vital systems of a building, play a key role in the performance and sustainability of buildings. The use of the Building Services rating system or similar international systems that address these sectors can help assess, improve, and enhance the quality and sustainability of buildings in the country. This article examines the concept of these systems, their importance in Iran, and the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Green building rating systems: an overview
Globally, there are various systems for rating and certifying green and sustainable buildings, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), and these systems score and rate buildings based on various criteria, including energy efficiency, water management, sustainable materials, indoor air quality, site management, and innovation. However, although a separate “Building Services rating system” is not formally and widely recognized in Iran, the principles and criteria of these broader systems nonetheless, strongly focus on the performance and design of the “Building Services” sector.
The importance of Building Services rating in the context of sustainable construction in Iran
The “Building Services” sector is one of the most energy- (heating, cooling, lighting) and water-intensive parts of any building, and therefore, optimizing the design, installation, and operation of these systems plays a vital role in reducing the environmental impacts of buildings. Moreover, implementing principles related to sustainable rating systems or, alternatively, attempting to formulate a “Building Services rating system in Iran” can:
- Reduce energy and water consumption: by focusing on the efficiency of HVAC, lighting, and plumbing systems, and thereby lowering resource use.
- Increase resident comfort and health: through improving indoor air quality and appropriate ventilation systems, which results in healthier living environments.
- Reduce operational costs: by increasing the efficiency of building service systems, so ongoing expenses are
- minimized.Enhance property value: since buildings with higher ratings are usually more attractive and sought after.
- Move towards national sustainability goals: by aligning with the country’s macro policies in optimization, thus supporting broader environmental initiatives.
Key criteria for evaluating Building Services for sustainability
When evaluating the Building Services sector within sustainable rating systems, the following criteria are considered:
- Energy efficiency: including the efficiency of heating, cooling, and ventilation (HVAC), as well as lighting systems, and also the use of renewable energies.
- Water management:including the use of low-consumption equipment, as well as the collection and reuse of rainwater or greywater.
- Wastewater management:through on-site treatment systems, or by connection to efficient sewage networks.
- Electrical systems:through optimal design, as well as the use of high-efficiency equipment, and building energy management systems (BMS).
- Building control and automation: and through the use of smart systems for integrated management and control of services.
- Use of sustainable materials: in plumbing, insulation, and equipment used in Building Services.
For specialized consultation and further information, contact our experts.