MEP stands for mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering, and it is the professionals in these technical disciplines who design the systems that make building interiors suitable for humans. These construction systems must be specified and installed appropriately to fulfill their purpose and must also undergo maintenance at regular intervals to remain in ideal operating condition.
Although MEP Consultants can offer a wide range of engineering services, they generally serve one of the following purposes:
- Making sure the building systems in a new construction were designed and installed correctly.
- Identifying deficiencies in existing buildings, and proposing measures to correct them and improve performance.
In some ways, MEP consultancy can be considered an investment – you pay for a professional service to ensure your building systems function optimally throughout their lifetime. This produces tangible financial benefits such as lower operating costs and increased productivity, along with qualitative benefits such as greater comfort and safety for occupants. If you are developing commercial space for rent, MEP engineering services can also give you a competitive advantage: a building that offers high-performance systems is likely to attract more tenants. For example, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems are selling points in rentable office spaces.
Whether you are considering new construction or a renovation to an existing property, MEP engineering services can add great value to your project.
Save on electricity and gas bills with MEP engineering
MEP Design and Consulting in New Constructions
Designing a new construction to be a high-performance building from the start is much easier than improving an existing building through major upgrades. Therefore, working with a qualified MEP design firm from the beginning brings benefits throughout the building's entire lifecycle. The reason is simple: modifying plans and specifications is considerably faster and cheaper than modifying existing buildings.
Smart decisions during the design phase also enable project cost reductions by minimizing material requirements and optimizing equipment capabilities. Older buildings often have oversized facilities, which in many cases is the result of “rules of thumb” during project design. Oversized systems are more expensive in terms of capital investment, operation and maintenance. More is not necessarily better in MEP engineering, and an optimally sized building system outperforms oversized and undersized facilities.
Working with the best MEP engineering firms also provides an often overlooked benefit: building code compliance. New York City is known for having some of the most demanding building codes in the world, especially when it comes to fire protection and energy efficiency.
Ignoring code requirements can lead to many design reviews at the New York City Department of Buildings, delaying design approval and construction. If you're developing commercial spaces for rent, missing your planned opening date by just a few weeks can result in a lot of lost income – it's best to get it right the first time.
MEP Design and Consultancy on Existing Buildings
Even if construction systems are designed and installed correctly, deterioration of components over time is normal, resulting in a gradual loss of performance. There are also cases where existing equipment was the best on the market at the time of construction, but is now surpassed by newer technologies. For example, consider air conditioning systems: a ductless mini-split system is more efficient than a window-style unit, but newer ductless systems are, in turn, much more efficient than top-of-the-line units. generation.
MEP consulting is beneficial for existing buildings at virtually any time. Your company may plan to voluntarily improve performance, but also remember that New York law may impose upgrades to existing properties. Currently, two of the most relevant laws requiring mandatory upgrades for New York buildings are the following:
- Local Law 26 of 2004 : Mandatory installation of a fire sprinkler system for all buildings at least 30 meters in height and classified as commercial occupancies. The deadline is July 1, 2019.
- Local Law 88 of 2009 : All buildings above certain size limits must upgrade their lighting to meet New York Energy Conservation Code efficiency levels and must supply electricity to their tenants. The deadline is January 1, 2025.
Whether your building upgrades are mandatory or voluntary, working with qualified MEP engineering professionals ensures you get satisfactory results. Regarding optional building upgrades, consulting services can help you determine which ones might provide the best results. This way, you can prioritize investments.
The Bigger, Greener Buildings Plan also introduces Local Law 87 , requiring energy audits and retro-commissioning for large New York buildings at 10-year intervals. If your property falls within the scope of LL87, a MEP engineering company can help you.
Conclusion
New York property owners can achieve significant long-term benefits by working with qualified MEP consultants. It is possible to improve the building's performance, reducing the consumption of resources such as electricity, natural gas and water, while providing comfort and safety to occupants. Additionally, you can rest assured that your business will not face legal action for failing to comply with New York building code requirements.
