MEP is a pretty common term, but not everyone understands what it means. In this article, let’s dig a little deeper into MEP’s definition. MEP is a commonly used term in the construction industry. One can come across this term in different phases of a construction project.
What is MEP?
MEP is Mechanical Electrical Plumbing. MEP systems are a building’s central nervous system.
MEP design engineering
is responsible for the “human
comfort” features of a structure. They make a building livable and pleasant, no
matter if it is a single-story home or a 50-story skyscraper.
Without well-designed solutions from a
reputable MEP design firm, buildings are concrete lifeless
‘caves’. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing
engineers turn a building’s interior into cozy spaces.
M
stands for Mechanical. Mechanical systems include heating systems, air
conditioning systems, ventilation systems, and other mechanical systems. These
systems allow us to occupy buildings in hot and cold temperatures, under all
weather conditions. Thanks to these
features,
life inside has become much more comfortable.
E
stands for Electrical. The electrical system in a building keeps the lights on,
keeps our devices powered , and keeps the other systems running. These systems
related to electricity in which lighting systems are the most common, as well as power supply systems.
Architectural lighting design and plans are a crucial component of the
electrical engineering process.
P stands for Plumbing. Plumbing systems provide fresh water for drinking, cleansing and more. And they take storm and sanitary wastewater away, safely. Therefore, these systems include water supply systems, drainage systems. Sometimes it also includes fire extinguishing systems.
In an overview of the MEP design, it can be said that in addition to the systems related to architecture, structure, and interior, MEP is all that remains related to mechanical, electrical, and water related - engineering things that make buildings habitable for humans.
The
MEP system is divided into four main categories.
●
Ventilation and air
conditioning system (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning, referred to as HVAC)
●
Water supply and
drainage and sanitary equipment (Plumbing & Sanitary, P&S for short)
●
Electrical System
(Electrical)
● Fire alarm and fire fighting system (Fire alarm & Fire fighting)
How can MEP design add to the value of a building?
When designing building systems, an
integrated MEP approach achieves better results than designing each system in
isolation. Interactions between building systems are difficult to coordinate
when the design process is isolated, and equipment location conflicts are very
likely.
- Compliance with Building Codes.
Building codes and local laws regulating
construction projects are imposed by the local government which when violated
bring financial consequences to the owner. MEP design solutions that are approved by the local building department will
be provided by MEP design engineers who check these issues/ codes to help
handle problems.
- Energy Efficiency.
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing
installations use up a lot of energy. MEP engineers carefully chose energy conservation
measures that will provide both comfort and efficiency.
- Water Conservation
Plumbing is a particularly important aspect of a building
but many households are struggling with prohibitively expensive water bills
nowadays. When it comes to planning and designing wastewater sewerage systems,
the challenges faced by MEP design engineers can
be great in number. With an optimized plumbing system, you can save money and
help conserve water. Aside from that, materials such as low-flow fixtures are
chosen carefully to make sure it is appropriate.
- Indoor Environment
Having good indoor air quality
contributes directly to the comfort and health of people in a building. When a
room is poorly ventilated, hazardous particles and dirt may remain suspended in
the air which causes health risks to people who go in and out of the room. MEP design engineers can help increase the ventilation with outdoor air, and
upgrade filters to improve the indoor air quality of a building.
- Use of Sustainable Materials and
Plan for Easy Maintenance
MEP engineering design takes into account
the location of a building and uses its natural advantages in order to come
closer to sustainability. It considers factors like wind, direction, and
weather to come up with a most optimized and efficient design.
- Building Automation
In this day and age, many houses and
buildings are turning into smart homes and automated buildings. Electrical and
mechanical issues in building automation can be solved with ease by
professional MEP design firms. They can also take care of the
requirements and legal documents necessary to automate a building.