Sustainable MEP designs that safeguard our future.

The world is experiencing drastic climatic changes and an ever-increasing depletion of its energy and clean water resources--and very little is being done to address the problem.

Fossil fuels are a particular concern. Although there is as yet no clear consensus on the environmental effects of fossil fuel burning, Dagher Engineering firmly believes that fossil fuels cause most of the earth's pollution, leading to increased cancer rates and respiratory problems. Reckless water use is another red flag. Fresh water shortages are likely to lead to a geopolitical power struggle over control of this precious resource. Given the threats to our health and to our environment, it is incumbent upon us to safeguard our natural resources for future generations and build a cleaner, better world.

To that end, Dagher Engineering actively promotes programs and designs intended to reduce and reuse energy and water resources. Our designs also advocate a greater reliance on renewable energy resources, which currently amount to just two percent of the global fuel mix, and accelerated development and propagation of new technologies, including cleaner, safer ways to use fossil fuels.

Reusing water in the city. The Helena, a new, 600-unit, upscale residential building in Midtown Manhattan, is a case in point. The owner wanted a black water treatment plant that treats all types of wastewater and generates enough reusable water for the cooling tower and drip irrigation system in the roof garden. Dagher's design--the largest in the US for a residential building and an industry award winner--exceeded that goal, generating an average of 50,000 gallons of reusable water per day, enough for toilet, laundry and shower needs as well, and enough to satisfy the needs of a planned adjacent commercial building.

Dagher's solution included innovative use of a state-of-the-art, three-tiered membrane bioreactor, which allowed the division of system components that are normally joined. By modularizing the treatment process, Dagher was able to achieve more flexibility.

The modularization was enhanced by enclosing all membranes in water, on indoor racks, rather than in large concrete tanks outside the building. The membrane also addressed the problem of odor control, easing concerns of residents.

Innovative solutions here and abroad

Dagher has developed environmentally friendly MEP designs that meet other types of needs as well. For the Black Rock Forest Center and Lodge in Cornwall, NY, our HVAC, plumbing and lighting system design achieved the owner's twin goals of comfort and conservation, while enhancing the building's visual appeal, both inside and out.

Dagher's integrated utilities and engineering master plan for the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, will successfully meet population growth needs while minimizing costs and reducing environmental impacts for the next decade. The plan is serving as a model for sustainable growth in the region.

Unless we implement serious and lasting solutions to our wasteful use of resources, the current situation will only worsen.

Dagher Engineering will continue to advocate and implement environmentally responsible MEP solutions that reduce the impact on natural resources, at reasonable costs, and in an ecologically conscious manner.

ELIAS DAGHER. RE. SENIOR PRINCIPAL, DAGHER ENGINEERING, PLLC,