In the construction industry, MEP stands for “mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.” It encompasses the planning, designing, and managing of MEP systems in a building. More often than not, construction projects integrate MEP services where the three fields’ design and implementation overlap.
MEP systems are essentially a building’s “central nervous system,” in the sense that they make the structure fit for the modern world, along with its comforts. Without well-planned MEP systems and efficient project management tools, the building might become unlivable, lacking in modern-day pleasures such as running water and controlled climate.
MEP Services
MEP services are generally called upon for larger commercial projects, as they need more meticulous planning and designing. However, while a wide range of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services fall under MEP design and engineering, only a number of the largest engineering firms might provide all of them. The smaller general contracting companies usually have a core set of essential services and add specialty or specific services, depending on the project’s requirements.
Mechanical
The mechanical aspect usually deals with the heating, cooling/air conditioning, and ventilation of the building, including heating and chilled water systems. In addition to that, mechanical engineering services can also include central plan design, exhaust systems, and DDC systems (Direct Digital Systems).
But some specialty services sometimes overlap with the primary ones. Because energy management is big in today’s world, it has been integrated into mechanical/HVAC engineering. Some energy management services offered in mechanical engineering include:
● Geothermal heat pump systems
● Underfloor air distribution systems
● Thermal storage systems
● Displacement ventilation
● Chilled beam systems
● Outside Air Systems
● Free Cooling Systems
Electrical
As for the electrical aspect, it mainly revolves around creating a comprehensive electrical system design. Other electrical engineering services include:
● Critical power systems
● Power generation requirements and distribution
● fire alarm systems
● Device coordination and arc fault services
● Lightning protection systems
● Integration of IT and AV into the building’s overall design
Today’s technology also allows electrical engineering to tap into communication. Security for residential and commercial buildings has improved because of innovations like high-end alarm systems and clearer security cameras.
Moreover, electrical engineering now goes beyond mere electrical wiring. Many firms now offer specialty services relate to lighting design. This combines electrical engineering, architecture, and interior design that designs lighting systems that include natural and artificial light. MEP firms might offer:
● Custom lighting design
● Illuminance Calculations
● International design and lighting specifications
● Lighting mock-ups
● Aiming and adjustments
● Life cycle cost-benefit and ROI analysis
● Other lighting visualization techniques
● Lighting control design
● Color temperature analysis
Plumbing
While mechanical/HVAC engineering deals with water’s heating and cooling, MEP’s plumbing aspect focuses on the water’s flow. Often, plumbing services include:
● Domestic waste and vent systems
● Domestic cold and hot water systems
● Water Conservation Systems
● Stormwater systems
● Automatic sprinkler systems
● Fuel gas piping systems
Why is MEP important in construction?
In an industry where precision, safety, and skill are of the utmost importance, hiring an MEP firm for projects is highly beneficial. Because its engineers are highly qualified and specialize in their respective trades, it’s highly likely that they will successfully design and implement the systems, primarily if the project is run with a project management software.
High-end HVAC systems
1.High-end HVAC systems
Having an MEP consulting engineer on site will ensure well-suited HVAC systems are installed in the building. They will make crucial decisions like deciding if an underfloor air distribution system or a standard air conditioning system best fits the structure. In a nutshell, MEP consulting engineers will ensure that the systems are designed to run efficiently while meeting environmentally friendly standards.
In addition to efficiency, the quality of the HVAC systems affects the indoor environment, which, in turn, dramatically affects the occupants’ comfort, productivity, and health. For example, schools with excellent systems can see increased student productivity and decreased absences due to illness. MEP engineering consultants can recognize what systems, methods, and strategies best suit the structure and will have the most remarkable improvements to the indoor environment.
2. Well-designed electrical and lighting systems
Designing lighting systems is more than merely deciding where lights should go. It’s heavily reliant on electrical engineering, therefore is more intricate. MEP engineers, specifically electrical engineers, can actually reduce a building’s lighting consumption by up to 60% with an efficiently designed system utilizing natural light and energy-efficient light fixtures and sensors. Plus, with the right equipment and the best automation techniques, the building’s occupants can stay in a more comfortable indoor environment.
3. Good plumbing
Running water is now a necessity in this day and age, but plumbing is more than that. It comprises of all water systems: irrigation water, sewers, drinking water, stormwater, and other waste and water systems. Fire suppression and natural gas are also incorporated in plumbing design. Suppose an MEP engineer is involved in construction. In that case, they can make sure that the design and equipment for plumbing efficiently operate while also implementing water conservation strategies and techniques to improve cost-effectiveness be more eco-friendly.
4. Energy conservation and efficiency
It’s no secret that HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems consume a lot of energy; that’s why their designs must be cost- and energy-efficient. MEP engineering consultants can ensure that these systems use a reduced amount of energy and make it more sustainable by implementing some energy management solutions.
5. Better fire protection and alarms
Sprinkler and fire suppression systems are complex and require coordination when designing and implementing them– they must meet both building code requirements and the requirements of the various areas of the building. MEP consulting engineers will ensure the facility meets all requirements to align the fire and plumbing designs. They can even enhance efficiency with non-potable water sources by introducing dry fire hydrants.
6. Building automation
In essence, a building automation system is a centralized network of software and hardware that controls several of the building’s systems, namely HVAC systems, lighting systems (indoor and outdoor), security and fire alarms, and other MEP features. This kind of system aids in optimizing the building’s operational performance levels and maintaining the occupants’ safety and comfort. For an effective control system, MEP engineering consultants can design one good one that will not only control and monitor the building’s performance but decrease energy consumption, as well.
7. Stable and safe building for long-term value
Managers can rest assured that the construction process will progress efficiently with construction schedule software. On the same effect, they are confident that the building will use the most cost-effective designs and products with an MEP engineering consultant involved in the process. As the consultant, they must employ the best and most efficient technologies to optimize the building’s lifespan.
8. Water conservation
For maximum efficiency, all systems must effectively work together. Specifically for water conservation, both plumbing and mechanical system designs must be synced to lower the building’s water consumption, thus reducing the water bill. To aid water conservation, MEP engineering consultants can come up with strategies, like low-flow fixtures, insulated piping, and using alternative water sources.
9. Optimize maintenance and operational practices
Being skilled professionals in their respective fields, MEP engineering consultants can identify, depending on the project, which systems and materials are the best, like which ones use the least amount of energy, water, and toxic chemicals to maintain. Plus, they can also modify or customize systems to better fit the structure, keep maintenance requirements simple, and maximize the equipment’s or product’s lifecycle.
Hiring an MEP engineer for construction projects
Aside from using the best construction management software, construction projects also need the best people to end successfully. When choosing an MEP engineer to design, implement, and build, here are some factors to consider before hiring one.
A. Accreditation and experience
Of course, managers want a capable and skilled MEP engineer involved in the building process. Both knowledge and experience make up that sort of person; they must understand what the job entails and have the training to do the job competently. To ensure that the engineer has chosen is the right one for the job, research on their previous projects and contact their previous employers. Please note what the former co-workers had to say about their work habits and quality of work. Also, remember that quality trumps quantity– it’s not about how many projects they’ve been a part of or how long they’ve been in the industry, but the success of their past jobs.
B. Expertise
As MEP engineering is a broad field, many engineers have a broad understanding rather than specializing in one specific area. Before deciding on an MEP consultant, determine whether it’s better to have a “jack-of-all-trades” onboard or multiple ones with respective areas of expertise.
C. Ability to collaborate
Construction is a collaborative field where multiple teams and several people work together to achieve a common goal– a safe, stable, and prosperous structure. When hiring an MEP engineer, be sure that they can teamwork and have excellent communication skills to openly discuss problems, suggestions, and solutions with the team.
