Does your HVAC engagement includes build. therm. protection calcs?

[Drazen]

I am very curious in how it goes in practice of different countries.

In my country, new regulations for building thermal protection are introduced. These include detailed calculations of building thermal protection adequacy. Calculations are very close to standard HVAC heat loss/gain calculations.

The question is how to deal with it from point of view of HVAC engineers. Architects immediately expressed interest to "take-over" these calculations in normal building design practice. But our Chamber of HVAC Engineers is aware that we, HVAC guys, are without question, most competent to perfom these calculations.

What is the practice in your countries? Do you allow architects to simply "step-in" in core of your business.

 

[tombmech]

Typical. Architects step-in wherever they please, and Engineers are normally left to clean up the mess. This confirms that the arrogance does not stop at a country's borders. ;-) ;-)

Without naming, I can tell you of a place that refuses to hire Structural Engineers - because it would mean that the Architects had no job justification. Never mind the consequences of that - but it works most of the time because large projects are sent outside. It does result in some ridiculous construction on the smaller stuff sometimes, though.

Seriously, if your Government regulates Engineering to any extent - as in legislated "Professional Licensing", there is almost always some wording or basis to attack attempts at encroachment of a Professional Practice. In fact, if you are a Professional Engineer, it is your duty to report the issue and bring it before the board - if such a thing exists in your country.

Good luck.

 

[Drazen]

We have very established licensing legislation, but this is new situation, one new juridical prescription occured and now it is a question which licence covers it.

Building envelope heat transfer calculation can be considered architectural or HVAC job.

And architects are allways very proactive in that sense.

 

[tombmech]

... one new judicial prescription occurred and now it is a question which license covers it.

Well, that is the problem isn't it? Sorry, I have no answer to lawyers and judges who think they know Engineering - except to vote (assuming you can) for the politicians that will change them.

 

[stanlsimon]

In my jurisdiction the Architects design the building and then turns to the engineer to design cooling and heating systems to make the building liveable.

Unfortunately the Architectural educational system here does not always attract or produce individuals who have serious mathematical ability. To calculate a U value or predict a building's annual energy cost would not be possible for the average American Architect.

Hence the hideous energy hog buildings that fester across our landscape. There has been some improvement with LEED criteria being promoted.

Some areas allow Engineers to sign for the whole project. (Florida) This has been upheld in court.