James Carter
Sustainable building practices are becoming increasingly essential in modern architecture. According to the World Green Building Council, buildings and construction together account for 39% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions globally. This shows that there is a dire need for sustainable solutions in every aspect of building design, including rooftop equipment support systems.
These systems vary from building to building and equipment to equipment. Each commercial or industrial building will have a unique rooftop equipment support structure. Each system requires a blend of different elements, including supports for pipes, HVAC units, solar panels, and other rooftop equipment.
Incorporating sustainability into equipment support solutions requires a framework that considers various factors, including material selection, design efficiency, and environmental impact. Architects need a clear guide to handle these complexities, ensuring that their designs contribute to the overall sustainability goals of the project.
In this article, we will outline a comprehensive framework for selecting and implementing sustainable equipment support solutions in commercial and industrial settings.
Step 1: Assess Building and Environmental Requirements
The first step in designing sustainable equipment support solutions is to thoroughly assess the specific requirements of the building and its environment. This involves understanding the building’s load-bearing capacity, local climate conditions, and environmental challenges.
For instance, let’s consider an example of a commercial building in a coastal area needing support structures resistant to salt corrosion. It must be capable of withstanding high wind pressures, possibly up to 150 mph.
The key considerations therein include:
Load-Bearing Capacity
Determine the total weight the rooftop must support, including all equipment and the support structures themselves. For example, HVAC units typically range from 500 to 1,500 pounds each.
Wind Resistance
Evaluate the wind load the supports must withstand, particularly in areas prone to high winds or storms. Supports may need to resist pressures up to 100 mph in certain regions.
Environmental Exposure
Consider factors like temperature extremes, salt corrosion, and exposure to UV radiation when selecting materials. Structures in desert regions might face temperatures ranging from 20°F to 120°F, requiring materials that can endure such fluctuations.
Step 2: Select Sustainable Materials
Choosing the right materials is crucial for both the longevity of the support structures and their environmental impact. Sustainable and “cool” materials not only reduce the carbon footprint but also enhance the durability and efficiency of the support systems.
There are many different material options available, the most common of which include:
Galvanized Steel
Offers excellent strength and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for industrial settings. It can support heavy loads up to 1,500 pounds and withstand significant wind pressures. It’s also recyclable, contributing to the sustainability of the building.
Aluminum
Lightweight and resistant to corrosion, aluminum is ideal for installations where weight is a critical factor. It supports up to 1,000 pounds and is highly recyclable, reducing the environmental impact.
Fiberglass
Non-conductive and resistant to corrosion, fiberglass is suitable for environments with high electrical activity. It supports up to 800 pounds and is moderately sustainable, though its recyclability is limited compared to metals.
Step 3: Design for Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of sustainable building design. Equipment support systems should be designed to minimize energy consumption, either by improving the performance of the supported equipment or by incorporating features that reduce energy waste.
When designing, focus on what the client specifically needs and then create a basic design outline. Once the client approves it, you can then start adding in the details and finalizing the design. However, apart from where the rooftop equipment supports need to be, how they flow, and the aesthetics, there are three very critical elements to keep in mind too.
Optimized Positioning
Properly positioning HVAC units and solar panels can significantly improve their efficiency. For example, solar panels should be mounted at an angle that maximizes sunlight exposure, ideally between 30° and 45°, depending on the building’s latitude.
Thermal Breaks
Incorporate thermal breaks in the support structure design to reduce heat transfer between the roof and the equipment. This can lower the energy needed for heating and cooling, enhancing the building’s overall energy efficiency.
Vibration Isolation
Heavy equipment like HVAC units generate vibrations that can reduce their operational efficiency and damage the building. Incorporating vibration isolation features, such as neoprene pads or spring isolators, can minimize this impact. For example, isolators can reduce transmitted vibrations by up to 95%.
Step 4: Consider Long-Term Environmental Impact
Architects must evaluate the long-term environmental impact of their material and design choices. This includes considering the entire lifecycle of the support structures, from manufacturing to disposal.
Analyze the total environmental impact of materials over their entire lifecycle. For example, galvanized steel has a longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements, making it a sustainable choice despite its higher initial energy cost.
Furthermore, keep in mind the recyclability of the met rails used. Select materials that can be easily recycled at the end of their life. Aluminum, for instance, can be recycled multiple times without losing its properties, significantly reducing its environmental footprint.
For a truly sustainable rooftop equipment support structure, eco-friendly coatings, such as powder coatings, should be used, as they do not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and provide durable protection against corrosion.
Step 5: Implementing the Design with Precision
Once the materials and design strategies have been selected, the next step is to implement the design with precision. This involves ensuring that all components are properly installed and that the support structures are integrated seamlessly into the building’s overall design.
Proper installation is critical to ensuring that the support structures perform as intended. This includes following manufacturer guidelines and conducting load tests to verify structural integrity. Start by updating your plan based on the guidelines and then creating an outline of the design on the commercial or industrial rooftop.
Next, mark the location and show it to the client once more to ensure that you have their approval regarding the installation path and design. This will help you deal with most of the challenges you may face later on in the installation process.
After implementing the design, establish a maintenance schedule to inspect and repair the support structures as needed. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of the supports and ensure they continue to perform efficiently.
Furthermore, monitoring systems should be implemented to track the performance of the support structures over time. This might include sensors to measure load distribution or thermal expansion, allowing for adjustments as needed.
PHP Systems/Design: Sustainable Commercial & Industrial Support Solutions
At PHP Systems/Design, our goal as a custom rooftop support structure manufacturer is to ensure improved rooftop life, utility, and sustainability. We help architects and builders create sustainable, long-lasting equipment support solutions, regardless of the property’s complexity.
Whether you need support for HVAC units, solar panels, crosswalks or pathways, duct supports, or other rooftop equipment, PHP Systems/Design offers custom solutions tailored to your specific needs. Contact us at 800.797.6585 to learn how we can help you create a more sustainable and efficient building!
