MEP Engineering
MEP Engineering
MEP
Engineering 101
INDEX
1 WHAT DOES MEP MEAN IN CONSTRUCTION?
• M: Mechanical Engineering
• E: Electrical Engineering
• P: Plumbing Engineering
• Added Value of MEP Design
Working with qualified MEP engineering companies brings many advantages: installation
costs are reduced by optimizing material requirements, while achieving high performance
and code compliance. This is very valuable in New York City, where building ownership costs
are very high and construction codes are very demanding.
In addition to the NYC Building Code, there is a dedicated code for each of the three MEP
fields:
• NYC Mechanical Code
• NYC Electrical Code
• NYC Plumbing Code
Keep in mind that additional codes apply. For example, the NYC Energy Conservation Code
has requirements that affect all MEP systems, and any building system with combustion
appliances must adhere to the NYC Fuel Gas Code.
Given the complexity of MEP systems, modern engineering consulting firms use software to
speed up the design process. Simple and repetitive tasks are automated by a computer, while
MEP design engineers can focus on taking the best decisions.
Before proceeding with any project that involves MEP installations in NYC, keep in mind that
there are licensing requirements for both design professionals and installation contractors.
Only a Registered Design Professional (RDP) can get MEP designs approved with the NYC
Department of Buildings, and only licensed contractors can get work permits.
1
M: Mechanical Engineering
Various types of mechanical systems are used in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. However,
three types account for most of the mechanical design work in multifamily and commercial constructions:
• Space heating
• Air conditioning
• Mechanical ventilation
These systems interact to keep temperature and humidity within a range that provides comfort and health.
Mechanical ventilation also ensures that enough fresh air is supplied to keep pollutant concentrations at
low and safe levels.
Mechanical installations operate at their best when equipment capacity is adequate; contrary to popular
belief, over engineering brings many negative consequences. For example, oversized chillers and
boilers tend to cycle rapidly, creating room temperature fluctuations and wearing down equipment at
an accelerated pace.
Another consequence of over engineering in mechanical systems is poor control of indoor humidity.
ASHRAE recommends keeping relative humidity between 30% and 60% to make indoor spaces optimal
for human occupancy, and there are negative consequences when humidity falls outside this range for
extended periods. For example, low humidity can irritate the skin and airways, while high humidity
stimulates the growth of mold and bacteria.
Other than sizing HVAC equipment correctly, mechanical design involves laying out optimal routes
for heat distribution systems: air ducts, hydronic piping or steam piping, whichever applies for the
project. If combustion appliances are used, which is the case for most space heating systems in NYC
buildings, these must be properly vented to ensure that harmful combustion products are removed.
E: Electrical Engineering
In high-rise constructions such as those commonly found in NYC, one of the main challenges in electrical
design is defining the optimal routes for conduit and wiring. However, there tends to be more flexibility
than in mechanical systems, since electrical circuits require much less space and can be routed around
obstacles more easily. With the aid of MEP design software, conduit and wiring can be laid out while
minimizing total circuit lengths, and avoiding location conflicts with mechanical and plumbing
installations.
Lighting installations are the electrical system with the highest energy consumption in most NYC
buildings, and engineering consulting firms often suggest LED lighting for this reason. Many MEP
design software packages are capable of simulating lighting, in order to determine the optimal
number of fixtures and their locations.
HVAC is an area that requires close collaboration between mechanical and electrical engineers during
the MEP design process. Mechanical engineers calculate heating and cooling loads to determine
equipment capacities, while electrical engineers design the electrical circuits and protection measures
that allow this equipment to operate continuously and safely. In NYC, only furnaces and boilers use
mostly fossil fuels as an energy source; air conditioners, chillers, air-handling systems and hydronic
pumps all work with electricity in the vast majority of cases.
2
P: Plumbing Engineering
Plumbing installations in NYC are also subject to various technical requirements. Just like mechanical
and electrical installations, plumbing requires laying out complex piping routes, and MEP design soft-
ware widely used by engineering firms to simplify the process.
Plumbing installations interact with both mechanical and electrical systems at many points, which
emphasizes the importance of collaboration among design teams:
High-rise buildings typically need water booster pumps, which run with electricity.
Domestic hot water systems typically get their heat through one of the following configurations: a
dedicated boiler, a heat exchanger connected to a space heating boiler, or an electric heater (a
conventional resistance heater or a heat pump).
Fire protection design can be challenging, since NYC codes are especially demanding in that techni-
cal field. In addition to the applicable codes from the NYC Department of Buildings and the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Local Law 26 of 2004 makes automatic fire sprinklers are man-
datory for all business occupancies taller than 100 feet. The law applies retroactively even for existing
constructions, where the deadline to complete the building upgrade is July 1, 2019.
If a modern MEP design software is used, the value of the 3D model produced during the design
phase goes beyond the construction process. The model can be conserved as reference for mainte-
nance activities, and can be updated along with the building during a major renovation. In general,
a building with a MEP engineering model is easier to manage and service than another building
where only conventional construction plans are available.
3
WHY OUTSOURCING
MEP DESIGNS
BENEFITS THE
CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRY?
Author
Anuj Srivastava
The construction industry is fast-paced whereby a single day’s delay could incur exorbitant
costs. Projects are deadline driven, and so the experts in this industry need to be alert and
act proactively in a quest to complete the projects quickly. One of the driving forces of this
industry is MEP design (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing). Should construction firms
utilize in-house or outsource MEP designs?
MEP designs or models play a significant role in building design, construction, and maintenance.
A basic layout of the building design would include fire protection systems, piping systems,
electrical fixtures, HAC systems, water supply piping, and other akin building management
systems. All these systems need unbeatable expertise and a wealth of experience to perfect
from the design to the installation.
While companies may have their in-house MEP design personnel, their expertise may be
second to a dedicated MEP engineering firm whose sole role is to provide unparalleled MEP
designs using latest technologies such as BIM (Building Information Modeling). This therefore
necessitates the need for outsourcing opportunities, which expose you to a complete control
of your project while expert engineers maneuver your designs.
Outsourcing MEP designs presents a broad range of benefits for a fast-paced, deadline-driven,
and cost-sensitive construction industry. Some of these benefits are highlighted hereunder.
4
Cost effective: depending on the scale of your projects, you may have to spend more money
to get MEP designs. This includes investing in the latest technologies and hiring talented staff
in MEP. Modern engineers are no longer using the conventional 2D drawings to craft MEP
designs. Instead, they have adopted BIM technology, which not every firm is yet competent
in using. By carefully handpicking the best engineering firm to outsource the designs to, you
can rest assured that you will save associated costs.
The use of BIM, for instance, brings loads and lots of benefits to your design and construction.
It gives accurate cost estimations, collaborative 3D models, clash detection and resolution,
shop drawing, project scheduling, minimum change orders, and many more benefits. Tradi-
tionally, you would organize a countless number of meetings for project teams and use costly
stationery for that. Outsourcing to a BIM specialist engineering firm saves you a lot of money.
Guaranteed data security: a single mistake in data leakage could mess up your company’s
reputation and even hamper its progress. Outsourcing companies, off-shore companies in
particular, are bound by data security laws, which comes with hefty penalties. In spite of these
data laws, outsourcing companies strive to maintain long-term relationships and integrity by
securing your data and never sharing it with the third party.
Great project control and management: project managers are oftentimes inundated with
a heap of tasks to fulfil for their projects. Large-scale projects become even more overwhelm-
ing. Among others, MEP designs are the most complex, and the best way is to outsource them
so that you can have a complete control and management while an outsourcing company
takes care of your designs. With the help of BIM services, all project stakeholders can now
collaborate and engage in a digital model and make changes instantly.
WRAP UP
MEP designs play a pivotal role in the construction industry and they are inevitable. They
are, however, demanding from the design execution and installation. Most importantly, MEP
designs require a highly skilled team of engineers. In-house engineers are not always
well-rounded since they are oftentimes overloaded with insurmountable tasks to complete.
Outsourcing remains the most cost-effective and viable solution for project owners. As high-
light above, outsourcing brings loads of benefits. New York Engineers has been in the indus-
try for decades helping project owners excel in their constructions. We have an unmatched
team of MEP professionals with expertise and experience in MEP BIM solutions.
5
HOW DEVELOPERS
BENEFIT FROM
WORKING WITH
A MEP
ENGINEERING
FIRM
Author
Chelsey Bipat
When developers start a new construction project, a common practice is hiring separate
engineering companies to design mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations. However,
this approach creates a considerable management challenge, since the developer must coordinate
design teams in separate companies, ensuring that all building systems interact properly.
There are also equipment providers that offer design services, but the system configurations
available are limited to the product offering of that specific provider. The end goal of suppliers
is to sell their own equipment, and developers don’t have a chance to consider other solutions
that may be a better match for the project.
A simpler and smarter approach is working with a MEP engineering firm, which covers many
areas of expertise. This way, developers can delegate not only the technical aspect of design,
but also team management. Building systems cannot be designed in isolation, since they
share physical spaces and they have components that interact directly - for instance, many
types of HVAC equipment are powered by electricity.
Code compliance: Even if a building system accomplishes its intended function, it may miss
code requirements. For example, some codes specify additional safety measures or a mini-
mum level of energy efficiency.
6
Permits and other paperwork: A code-compliant design is required for project approval, but
the construction plans and specifications must also follow specific formats. Projects must be
documented properly for approval.
Meeting deadlines: Construction cannot start unless the project is approved, and in turn the
approval process requires a completed design. Since a delayed project causes inconvenience
and financial losses for the developer, completing the design on time is very important - effective
team management is key.
Cost optimization: Ideally, a project design should meet codes and owner requirements at
the lowest cost possible. There is a common misconception that savings are only possible at
the expense of performance, but this is not the case.
When building systems are designed in isolation, the project often becomes more expensive
and the design process takes more time. Errors are also more likely, and there may be equipment
location conflicts and compatibility issues. The simplest way to avoid these issues is by working
with a MEP engineering company that delivers an integrated design.
Building codes and permitting formats represent an ongoing challenge, since they are
reviewed and updated by authorities at regular intervals. However, a qualified MEP engineering
firms is highly familiarized with codes, documentation, and their latest requirements.
Modern design software is based on building information modeling, or BIM, where engineers
can create a three-dimensional model of the project with material and equipment properties.
This allows enhanced visualization and planning of construction, and bills of materials can be
calculated with automatic tools.
Advanced building models continue to be useful even after the project is completed, since
they can be used as a basis for building modifications and maintenance activities. The BIM
file can be updated constantly to track the condition of equipment and components, schedul-
ing replacements well in advance.
7
CHECKLIST FOR
CHOOSING
A MEP ENGINEER
Author
Michael Tobias
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems represent most of the construction
budget in many renovations and infrastructure upgrades. Choosing the right MEP engineering
firm for your project is very important, since this will guarantee project success and high- performance
systems within your technical and financial objectives. MEP engineers offer a wide range of
services - to obtain the highest possible value, you must understand the service level you
need.
Scheduling an interview with your MEP consulting firm is recommended to discuss your project
and needs. This article provides a checklist you can consider during the interview, to make
sure your project is assigned to the right MEP engineer.
If a Project Manager is also a Lead Engineer for one of the trades, they can provide better
leadership since they will be more familiarized with project details. At the end, this will
improve the project outcome.
When in doubt, you can ask for a list of quality control procedures for each position. When
you are dealing with MEP engineers who take quality seriously, these documents are
frequently reviewed and updated.
8
Ask for Contractor Feedback
Having unbiased and positive comments from multiple contractors and developers speaks
well about MEP engineers. Actually, a qualified engineering firm can help you manage the
contractor relationship better, since all drawings and documentation are clearly understood.
You can also ask for a list of trade subcontractors who have worked with your MEP consultants
and call them for reference. Coordination among trades is much easier when a project is
designed and specified by professionals.
An ongoing business relationship can help you manage your buildings better, since the MEP
engineers will become very familiarized with your installations and procedures. Hiring a
different firm for every MEP project is less efficient, since each new engineer must dedicate
time to inspect your building systems.
Engineers must verify that the MEP conditions indicated in drawings are accurate, in order
to prevent future problems. An engineer from each trade should visit the site to review the
corresponding system, since they are the ones who will create a solution.
Ask MEP engineers how they proceed when a contractor has not followed the drawings or
specifications. The engineer should clarify the design, listen to the contractor’s input, and
build consensus. This will be beneficial for the project, while creating a good working relationship
between both parties.
A MEP engineering firm should be capable of responding quickly to phone calls, emails, contractor
requests for information (RFI), and submittal reviews. Slow communication can delay an
entire project.
9
HOW TO
CHOOSE A MEP
ENGINEERING
FIRM
Author
Michael Tobias
MEP engineering is the science and art of planning, designing, and managing the
mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems of a building. MEP design companies specialize
in those skills, and they play a key role during all stages of construction. Some of their roles during
a project include decision making, cost estimation, construction administration, and building
management.
• Improving aspects like lighting, heating, cooling, and environmental performance - while keeping
design integrity and aesthetics.
• Reducing operation and maintenance costs for the entire service life of the building.
• Minimizing construction and energy costs.
• Meeting environmental requirements, while promoting water and energy conservation.
• Solving plumbing issues and wastewater management.
10
There are many services that fit in the category of MEP design and engineering. Plenty of
engineering firms provide MEP services, but only a few have the expertise to cover all areas.
The following table summarizes the main MEP services required for a building project.
The benefits of MEP consulting are many, and extend beyond those who are directly involved
in construction. Building occupants and the community in general benefit from improved
safety, comfort, aesthetics, value, and reliability.
11
CHOOSING A MEP ENGINEERING FIRM
The services of a MEP consulting firm have a long-term impact on a project. The planning
and design decisions that take place during the early stage of a project can make the difference
between success and failure. Like in any business partnership, choosing the right firm will
improve the chance of success, and here are some elements to consider:
• Innovation and creativity level that the design firm brings to the project. Innovation and
creativity can be left aside because of standard detailing and traditional design thinking.
Also, some designs are rushed in order to start construction ASAP, or they are only viewed
as a necessary step for project approval. As a client, make sure to select a firm that exceeds
the minimum performance in building codes, while integrating creative alternatives. Learn
about the quality of work provided, and ask about previous projects, and get opinions from
previous clients.
• Communication skills that the company offers to the project. Written documentation and the
ability to verbalize concepts are key for a successful project. The company reputation plays
an important role, so make sure you ask for references. Project communication is an often
overlooked aspect, but the Project Management Body of Knowledge dedicates a whole chapter
to the topic.
• The ability to design within budget, while adding value to the project. From the client perspective,
a successful project offers value that is greater than cost incurred. This may be the result of
increased productivity, energy efficiency, higher employee morale, etc. Remember that design
and construction are only a fraction of the project lifetime cost, but additional investments
upfront can achieve much greater savings over time. As mentioned before, make sure to look
at the firm’s project portfolio, and ask about professional credentials such as LEED.
• Collaboration between the design team and the client’s team. It is important to meet with the
design team, to determine how they would work with you. Schedule all the necessary meetings
to ensure that project requirements are clear and to address any concerns. Establish direct
communication with senior engineers in the MEP firm to address any major concerns.
• Being capable of delivering quality within the project schedule. Regardless of the size of the
firm, the designated team determines the project delivery on time and on budget. Evaluate
the design management approach, collaboration approach, and the company’s design leadership
over time.
Projects with strong management and design leadership can usually manage costs and
schedules better. Also, learn about the MEP firm’s project record, so you can feel comfortable
and trust them with your building design.
12
THE ROLE OF MEP
ENGINEERING IN
THE NYC GREEN
NEW DEAL
Author
Michael Tobias
The NYC Green New Deal establishes the ambitious target of cutting building emissions by
40% by 2030. Such a goal will require major upgrades in existing buildings, and these will
come at a high cost for owners. The NYC Urban Green Council estimates that the necessary
investment during the next decade will be around $20 billion.
The official name of the NYC Green New Deal is the Climate Mobilization Act. It includes
Local Law 97, which mandates two emission cuts for buildings: 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.
• The resulting cost for building owners over the next 10 years will range from $16.6 billion to
$24.3 billion, according to a study by the Urban Green Council.
• Considering the scale and amount of building upgrades required, LL97 could create around
141,000 jobs.
There are numerous possibilities when upgrading a building, and the effectiveness of a specific
measure varies in each case. The best starting point is an energy audit, since it provides a list
of efficiency measures, with a technical and financial feasibility analysis. The following measures
tend to achieve good results in many types of buildings:
13
ENERGY
EFFICIENCY BENEFITS
MEASURE
New facades Buildings lose heat through their envelope during winter, and they gain
and windows heat during summer. This increases the workload on heating and air
conditioning systems. Any measures that reduce heat gain and heat loss
can improve energy efficiency.
Efficient air Air conditioning is the largest load during summer. While it does not
conditioning produce emissions at the point of use, the resulting emissions at power
plants are significant. As of 2018, New York still gets around 70% of its
electricity from fossil fuels. As a result, each kWh used has a high carbon
footprint.
Efficient Air conditioning is the largest electrical load, but heating represents the
boilers and largest fraction of total energy consumption in NYC buildings. Many
water heaters old buildings have oversized steam heating systems that are very inefficient.
LED lighting The dollar savings that can be achieved with LED lighting are much
less than those possible with heating and cooling efficiency. However,
LED lighting is an excellent investment in terms of cost and benefit, and a
payback period of less than one year is possible in some buildings.
LED lighting works best when upgrading fixtures with long operating
schedules. Some examples are office lighting, outdoor lighting, and the
common area lighting in multifamily buildings.
Building man- Upgrading to efficient building systems is a major step to save energy.
agement However, MEP systems must also be configured efficiently. A BMS can
systems (BMS) control parameters such as lighting schedules and thermostat settings.
Since every building is unique, the effort required to cut emissions will be different in each
property. Old and inefficient buildings require significant upgrades, especially those with
oversized steam boilers. However, glass skyscrapers will also be subject to demanding requirements,
since their heating and cooling costs are high.
Low income housing faces a unique challenge, since there are less funds available to reinvest
in buildings. This can be addressed by applying less stringent requirements in the affordable
housing sector, or by applying prescriptive and low-cost measures.
Carbon trading can help meet the requirements of the Climate Mobilization Act. Some buildings
may have conditions that allow a drastic reduction of emissions with modest investment, while
others may require significant investment just to reach the goal. With a carbon trading program,
building owners can “purchase” part of their emissions reduction target from other properties.
Local Law 33 of 2018 will provide an additional incentive to upgrade buildings in NYC. It
covers all buildings that are subject to energy benchmarking, requiring the disclosure of an
energy grade from A to F, as well as the ENERGY STAR score. Tenants will know exactly how
buildings are performing before renting, and efficient buildings will be in high demand.
14
WHY CHOOSE
NEW YORK
ENGINEERS ?
Author
Ravindra Ambegaonkar
Consulting-Specifying Engineer magazine dedicated its May 2019 edition encouraging and
recognizing the most talented young individuals in the engineering community supporting the
building industry.
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