MEP designs can make up 30% to 40% of the total construction costs for healthcare facilities. Thus, it is crucial to ensure that the design is both foolproof and efficient. We have established MEP Design Standards and Codes to oversee the seamless technical functioning of buildings.
While design standards and design codes may sound similar, they have significant differences. Design standards concentrate on achieving the protection mandated by the code, while codes dictate when and where the protection is necessary.
In the pursuit of sustainability for large healthcare facilities and buildings, adherence to two standards is essential for certification.
1. Health Technical Memorandum
The Health Technical Memorandum 2025 extensively defines the operation and maintenance of ventilation in healthcare facilities, including all legal and mandatory requirements and system design. It is divided into four disciplines – management policy, design considerations, validation and verification, and operation management. Hence, it gives comprehensive advice for use during inception, upgrading, refurbishment, extension, and maintenance of the building.
2. ASHRAE Standards
The ASHRAE Standards are what all contractors and builders swear by when it comes to assessing each phase of project delivery. ASHRAE has about 87 standards that address indoor air quality, energy conservation of the building, thermal comfort, ventilation, and reducing refrigerant emissions.
The guidelines dictate all aspects of the project, from pre-design, in occupancy, and to operation, regarding all elements, assemblies, and systems for healthcare facilities.
3. LEED Standards
LEED has become a household name as prominent buildings hold the certification of for adhering to the standards. In the healthcare sector, buildings continue to follow the LEED standards at an increasing rate as it helps healthcare facilities meet efficiency goals. Globally over 3,050 healthcare facilities are a part of LEED which amounts to nearly 600 million square feet of healthcare space.
4. WELL Standards
The WELL standards, much like LEED, focuses on saving energy and minimizing the environmental impact of healthcare facilities. In addition to that, the WELL standards also focus on the health and wellness of the staff and patients inside the buildings. It focuses on seven areas of a building and rates the building accordingly. Areas of focus include air, water, mid, comfort, light, fitness, nourishment, and mind.
For the MEP design to be fully effective, there is a need to review the design according to Key Considerations. So if you want to know about these key considerations, don't miss our upcoming post.
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