How Lilker Stays Up to Date, and Up to Code
In the fast-paced world of Architecture, Engineering and Construction, it’s crucial to be aware of changing trends and advancements in the field.
Here in New York City there are a comprehensive set of building codes that are designed to ensure the safety and health of its residents. These codes are constantly being updated to reflect new technologies and best practices. It is important for engineers to stay up to date on these code changes in order to provide their clients with the highest quality of service.
There are a number of ways for engineers to stay up to date on code changes. The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) publishes a monthly newsletter that provides summaries of the latest code changes. The DOB also offers a variety of training courses on code compliance. In addition, there are a number of professional organizations that offer code updates and training to their members.
At Lilker, we take a hands-on, community-based approach to making sure our engineers are on the up and up with code changes enforced in the city. Last year, an initiative was pioneered by Senior Vice President, David Tanenbaum, PE and Senior Engineer, Sophia Tampakis called Lilker Academy, wherein members of our engineering team lead in-house classes for their peers on a variety of topics. The past two semesters of Lilker Academy focused on keeping the staff well practiced in standard design tools, like REVIT, as well as the recent 2022 NYC Mechanical Code Updates.
To great success, eight mechanical engineers took turns covering a section of the code updates and presenting them in Lunch and Learn fashion to their coworkers.
Our engineers are always staying on top of what is new in their fields and making sure they are on top of any and all code updates for our clients. Some changes that we’ve been apprised of:
Increased requirements for insulation: The 2022 code requires more insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors. This will help to reduce heat loss and air conditioning costs.- New requirements for air sealing: The 2022 code requires more air sealing around windows, doors, and other openings. This will help to prevent air leaks, which can waste energy and contribute to indoor air quality problems.
- New requirements for ventilation: The 2022 code requires more ventilation in homes and other buildings. This will help to improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory problems.
- New requirements for renewable energy: The 2022 code encourages the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. This will help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change.
- Cooking equipment maintenance: The code now requires that cooking equipment be maintained by a qualified technician on a regular basis. This will help to prevent fires and other hazards.
- Clarifies that the NYCMC code does not consider through-wall condenser air discharge to be exhaust air also adds exception to 10-foot distance from mechanical air intakes for single dwelling units.
- Variable air volume (VAV) systems: The code now limits the location of pressure sensors for VAV systems and expanded on the requirements for integrated economizer controls to ensure that the systems operate efficiently and provide adequate air flow and temperature control to all areas of a building.
- Amends the required responsibilities for the owner of taller buildings regarding nearby chimneys. This section has been substantially modified from the 2014 code which was largely based upon the 1968 code and the adopted result was the product of the DOB mediation process.
- Economizers: The 2020 NYCECC expands on the requirements for fan airflow controls during economizer operation to ensure that the economizers operate efficiently and provide adequate fresh air and pressurization to a building.
The 2022 mechanical code changes are a significant step forward in the effort to make buildings more energy efficient and sustainable. These changes will save homeowners and businesses money on their energy bills, improve indoor air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By staying up to date on code changes, the engineers here at Lilker ensure that their designs and construction projects meet the latest safety and health standards, which in turn protects the public and avoid costly fines and penalties for our Clients.