Introduction
International Clean Energy Day highlights the global shift toward low-carbon and sustainable energy systems. While renewable energy generation often takes centre stage in public discussions, the role of building services engineering is just as critical in achieving real, measurable reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Clean energy is not only about how energy is produced, but also about how efficiently it is used. This is where well-designed mechanical and electrical building services make a decisive difference.
HVAC and Building Services as Major Energy Consumers
In most buildings, HVAC systems are the single largest consumer of energy, often accounting for 40–60% of total operational energy use. Heating, cooling, ventilation and domestic hot water systems directly influence:
- operational carbon emissions
- occupant comfort and wellbeing
- long-term running costs
- asset value and compliance with regulations
Without efficient building services design, even the cleanest source of energy can be wasted.
Real Energy Savings Come from Design and Operation
True energy efficiency is achieved through a combination of good design and intelligent operation, not through technology alone.
Effective clean-energy engineering includes:
- correctly sized and optimised HVAC systems
- energy-efficient ventilation strategies
- smart control and zoning
- integration between mechanical, electrical and control systems
- consideration of real operational conditions, not just theoretical performance
Technology can enable efficiency, but engineering decisions determine the outcome.
Clean Energy Is More Than Solar Panels and Heat Pumps
Clean energy is often associated solely with photovoltaics or heat pumps. While these technologies are important, they represent only part of the solution.
A genuine clean-energy strategy also includes:
- reducing energy demand before adding generation
- optimising existing systems
- improving thermal performance and air distribution
- designing systems that are robust, maintainable and buildable
In many cases, improving the performance of existing building services delivers greater and faster carbon savings than installing new generation technologies alone.
Nuclear, Refurbishment and Existing Buildings: Untapped Potential
Large-scale infrastructure projects, including nuclear facilities, as well as refurbishment and existing buildings, offer significant opportunities for clean-energy improvements.
In these sectors:
- reliability, safety and resilience are critical
- systems must perform consistently over long lifecycles
- energy efficiency must align with operational and regulatory constraints
Well-engineered building services play a key role in supporting clean energy objectives while meeting the demanding requirements of complex projects.
Clean Energy Starts with Good Engineering
At REMARS – M&E Consulting Engineers, we support clean-energy goals through practical, engineering-led solutions. From early feasibility studies and concept design to detailed engineering and delivery support, we focus on systems that work — technically, operationally and economically.
Clean energy is not achieved through slogans or single technologies.
It starts with good engineering.
