MEP engineers are essential when it comes to working with architects and owners to find out the best possible way to deliver the engineering design of the building with optimum infrastructure. Without MEP engineers, a lot could go wrong with the construction and the building’s structure might start to wear down and lose its value rather quickly.
First of all, MEP engineers handle what is called HVAC. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It’s important to have an HVAC system that provides adequate heating and cooling while also conserving energy along the way. Optimizing HVAC systems means making sure people are warm during winter and cool during summer without using too much energy. HVAC controls moisture which also needs to be regulated in any indoor environment.
Electricity and lighting are two other important components of an MEP engineer’s job. It’s not as simple as adding plenty of lighting. An MEP engineer might be able to save a building up to 60% in light energy consumption through careful planning. This will, of course, include adding sensors and incorporating natural daylight into the structure. Lighting isn’t just necessary for functionality, but also for comfort.
Maximizing the use of natural daylight is very important. Most of us would rather operate on natural light rather than work in a closed office with insufficient artificial lighting. But it’s not always about how bright or dark your workplace is. It’s more about the comfort that comes with the sunlight.
Plumbing isn’t as simple as it seems. Every building will have different plumbing requirements. Determining what these requirements are and meeting them with the type of plumbing system installed is an MEP engineer’s job. Another perk of having MEP engineers plan plumbing systems is that they will be able to save adequate amount of water, which is good for the planet as well as for the monthly bill.
Fire alarms and protection systems need to pass certain building code requirements. They also have to maximize fire safety and protection in different areas of the building. For instances, large office spaces need a different fire safety system from the stairwell. In order to maximize the building’s safety features, you need to hire an MEP engineer. Simply passing building code requirements isn’t enough.
By combining all the systems listed above, an MEP engineer will greatly enhance indoor environmental quality. Indoor environmental quality affects the mood and comfort of the people inside that building, particularly in offices, schools, or hospitals. When feeling better, people will actually feel excited about going to work and be more productive.
It’s clear that all of these factors add to the value of a building not just in the short term, but in the long run too. A building with a great long-term value gives its owner a lot of options. They’ll find it easy to rent out or sell. All of these are the responsibilities of MEP engineers. They deserve all the credit for their work because if not for them, it’s almost certain that the quality of the building will be significantly lower.
