Green Building Design

As the environmental impact of buildings becomes more apparent, a new field called “Green Building” is gaining momentum. Green or sustainable building is the practice of creating healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance and demolition. Research and experience increasingly demonstrate that when buildings are designed and operated with their lifecycle impacts in mind, they can provide great environmental, economic and social benefits.

On a typical building, the mechanical installations can account for up to 70% of the building's energy consumption. For this reason, designing an energy efficient system that exceeds the latest energy codes can dramatically reduce the energy consumed to temper the building.

With energy and utility costs at an all time high, it's vital to have systems that are designed to be both environmentally sound and cost efficient. Depending on what type of system is currently installed in a facility, Dihlase Consulting Engineers can redesign or upgrade that system, in accordance with your budget. The firm has the ability to design and manage all of the proposed replacements and upgrades with little or no interruption to a business operation.

For new construction, the cornerstone of efficiency starts with the type of system designed. It is influenced by equipment selection and a control system that optimizes the operation to keep energy bills low. Regular and preventative maintenance ensures that the original efficiencies are retained for many years. Dihlase’s engineers are highly skilled and trained to give an accurate assessment of a system’s performance efficiency, or to design from conception in order to meet a Clients specific energy requirements.

Thermal Modelling

The company uses thermal modelling software to assess the thermal efficiency of a building and identify options to increase its energy efficiency and comfort via passive cooling and/or energy efficient systems.

Thermal modelling evaluates the thermal performance of the building envelope elements (in other words the walls, floors and roof) based on the site’s climatic data and building design to determine how thermally comfortable a building will be throughout the year without mechanical heating or cooling. This is the principle of passive solar design, with performance dependant on aspect, windows, thermal mass, insulation, ventilation, and zoning.

Dihlase is committed to the ideals of environmental stewardship and sustainable building design. It’s staff compliment include seasoned professionals who are actively involved in a variety of sustainable and energy efficient projects.

The firm recognises the spirit of innovation and ingenuity present in modern green building design, and it’s engineers enjoy the opportunity to pursue alternative ideas through a team approach.

The company’s mission is to design practical and innovative engineering solutions that complement the green building goals of clients, developers, architects, design professionals and building contractors.

The company firmly believes that the success of projects does not rely on any single design technology, but rather on the integration of sustainable thinking and technical solutions to a forward-looking, historically sensitive, and beautifully crafted building that responds to the social needs and spiritual aspirations of those who enter. In design considerations, biodegradability, chemical-free, recyclable contents, energy efficiency, environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free, low fume emission, natural, no chemical residues, no synthetics, non-toxic and sustainably harvested are all key terms in the design philosophy.

Dihlase is committed to helping client's find ways to reduce carbon emissions and the operational costs of their operations. Its services are founded on extensive mechanical and electrical industry experience and a continuing commitment to professional development of its engineers in practical and innovative solutions.

“Practical Innovation” is the firm’s design motto, and it is continuously striving to provide innovative technology-based engineering solutions that are energy-efficient, cost effective and sustainable.