The "Sustainable" Challenge for
MEP Contractors
The role of MEP in construction today goes far beyond traditional mechanical,
electrical, and plumbing design and layout. As technology advances everywhere,
MEP engineers have to understand and account for other systems, like fire
protection, data communication, and building automation,
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as well as respond to
the push for more sustainable buildings.
According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates, electricity
amounts to 40% of all energy consumption in the U.S. MEP contractors are
in a position to improve the energy efficiency of structures and reduce this
usage. In an effort to go green, owners are tasking MEP contractors with finding
opportunities to increase energy efficiency and improve sustainability.
The trend toward "green" buildings poses a significant challenge—but it also
presents an opportunity for MEP designers, engineers, and field workers to be
more responsive to these requests. To effectively address the sustainability
imperative, MEP contractors need more sophisticated tools and technology.
For example:
ý Using sensors, MEP contractors can collect environmental data to track
peak energy consumption, HVAC inefficiencies, or major electrical use.
ý Then they can use BIM to visualize the design and highlight areas of
potential improvement.
ý Next, they can use 3D scanning to create an accurate and realistic
depiction (via a detailed point cloud) of the current structure and systems.
ý They're able to identify inefficiencies as well as share the scan data
via 3D models to help owners visualize the current systems and
proposed improvements.
Using technologies like 3D scanning and modeling, MEP contractors can keep
pace with sustainability initiatives and other building advances—and create a
competitive advantage.
