Transitioning from being MEP modellers to software application handlers

It is heartening that there are so many that wish to share the story of their experiences, and with such passion. Kandasamy Anbalagan of UAE-headquartered Proleed Engineering Consultants is the latest amongst long-serving MEP professionals working in the GCC region that chose to write their thoughts. In his guest column, aptly titled ‘Then and Now, in this issue, he wistfully looks at specific instances of eroding engineering best practices. He bemoans the diluting of a system that encourages properly engineered and coordinated drawings. He tellingly says, “Today, the modellers that are being inducted into organisations hardly have any construction knowledge and are mere ‘software application handlers’.”

His words serve as just another example of how we perhaps are at times too caught up in the latest technologies that are available in the marketplace – to the extent that we forget the foundational principles that are so essential for ramping up energy efficiency, Indoor Air Quality and other desired attributes and outcomes.

Besides Anbalagan, there is Jeremy McDonald of New York-based Guth DeConzo Consulting Engineers. Writing exclusively on ‘building tracing for better IAQ’ for Climate Control Middle East, he speaks of how we, in an attempt to solve one problem, create a new problem that we didn’t expect – the Law of Unintended Consequences. He goes on to say that “there may be a correlation between the unintended consequences of reducing energy intensity and increasing the intensity of the pandemic. Interesting argument, that!

Before I wrap up this editorial, I wish to draw your attention to the cover story on fireresisting ducts, a topic that drew a lot of interest and passionate discussion when the editorial team reached out to multiple sources.

Whilst praising the work of the Civil Defence authorities in enhancing life and fire safety, the sources expressed dismay over how some testing laboratories are inclined to bypass the objective of the widely used BS 476/24, which requires consideration of stability, insulation, integrity and compliance with test standards. The laboratories in question conduct tests only up to 400 degrees C – as opposed to real-life scenarii of temperatures crossing 1,000 degrees C – and claim compliance with BS 476/24 on the issued Certificates of Conformance (CoC), which some manufacturers, driven by a motivation to cut costs, use for Civil Defence approval. Please do read. And please do share feedback, so we can look to improve on our writing.

Climate Control Middle East magazine proudly supports the UAE President’s initiative of declaring 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability’.

Co-Founder & Commercial Director Frédéric Paillé fred@cpi-industry.com

Judy Wang

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Purwanti Srirejeki purwanti@cpi-industry.com

Dr Iyad Al-Attar Independent air filtration consultant, writes on specific science and technology issues relating to Indoor Air Quality, including airborne particles

Kandasamy Anbalagan Managing Partner, Proleed Engineering Consultants, writes on the need for upholding time-tested engineering principles, which would only serve to complement advances in technology.

Antonios Dimitracopoulos Partner, BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates LLP, writes on legal affairs pertaining to the construction industry.

Omnia Halawani Co-Founder & Co-CEO, GRFN, writes on MEP consultancy-related issues

Krishnan Unni Madathil

Auditor, Bin Khadim, Radha & Co. Chartered Accountants, carrying out an analysis of the market, writes on business opportunities for the HVACR industry

Jeremy McDonald

Principal of Guth DeConzo Consulting Engineers, in New York. He served as the technical consultant to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority in development of an IAQ guideline for Higher Education in NY: “Covid-19 Response Guide, State University of New York”.

Dan Mizesko

Managing Partner/President, US Chiller Services International, writes on issues relating to chilled water systems, including operation & maintenance

Dalip Singh

Published by Founder, CPI Media Group Dominic De Sousa (1959-2015)

Senior Technical Analyst, AHRI MENA, writes on HVACR-specific regulation issues