OP-ED

THE ROLE OF MEP ENGINEERS in Building Design

Matthew Smith, Associate Head of School, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society at Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing – MEP systems are key in creating livable conditions for occupants in buildings. MEP engineering takes into consideration several characteristics of building design. MEP systems are metaphorically the central nervous system of the building and are responsible for adding the human comfort features in a building. MEP engineers assist in cost management, construction administration, documentation, maintenance, building operation, and renovation. MEP services involve but are not limited to heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, electric grids, plumbing, and water supply.

MEP engineers are not only responsible for MEP designs, but they need to create designs that meet all the building codes required by local governments. Design assessments and outcomes have an influence in all stages of a building’s life cycle from the start, which is the construction period, to the lifetime, which is operation and maintenance, and the end of lifecycle either for renovations or demolition. Designing has a significant impact on ownership costs which can be substantially reduced with active and smart decisions right at the design phase while creating better living conditions for a property’s occupants.

HVAC systems are a core quality of a building and is one the most important aspects noticed by new occupants. Therefore, it is imperative for modern buildings to have a consulting engineer from the MEP field who can provide practical advice, solutions, and design to install well-suited HVAC systems. These engineers are stationed at the site and are responsible for identifying and ensuring that the HVAC systems are designed to work safely and efficiently while meeting sustainability standards. Furthermore, the quality of the HVAC systems affects the indoor environment, which, in turn, has a considerable effect on the comfort, health, and productivity of its occupants. While looking at the role of MEP engineers in identifying scalable HVAC systems, it is also imperative to look at energy conservation and efficiency as cooling, plumbing, and other electrical systems use a lot of energy, thereby increasing overall building costs. MEP engineering consultants can ensure that these systems use a reduced amount of energy and make them more sustainable by implementing energy management solutions.

Plumbing fixtures such as irrigation water systems, sewers, drinking water, and wastewater systems are all part of MEP. In addition, fire suppression and natural gas are also incorporated in plumbing design decisions in a building. 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 develop strategies, like low-flow fixtures, insulated piping, and using alternative water sources. With the involvement of an MEP engineer, decisions such as incorporating designs and products that support the efficient operation of plumbing and implementing water conservation strategies and techniques to improve costeffectiveness can be made.

Now viewing lighting systems, indoor lighting significantly impacts the total energy consumption. An MEP engineer can design lighting systems and automation techniques to reduce lighting-related energy loss. Technologies that include natural daylight conservation strategies in addition to smart light sensors to create an indoor environment operating with maximum efficiency can be used to improve the impact of lighting systems in a building. Furthermore, MEP engineers can use the building positioning and the natural climate to significantly and positively impact the lighting capabilities of a building.

MEP engineers are not only tasked with developing and implementing a good MEP design, but they must also design in a way that simplifies construction, has ease of maintenance, is efficient, safe, and supports that overall health and wellbeing of the occupants of a unit.

MEP engineers play a major, role in designing buildings. Every MEP engineer is tasked with multiple sites and projects that they need to meet all building standards, including safety and sustainability. One of the major aspects of a successful career in MEP is to be collaborative, as only through collaboration with various departments can the engineers perform their tasks. Teamwork, excellent communication skills, attention to detail, technical knowledge, continuous educational upgrade, and reskilling are attributes of MEP and anyone in the engineering field. Being those involved in the core of a building design, MEP engineers are key in creating impactful buildings and living spaces.