Posted on April 14, 2023
Tackle unique challenges across all your building systems before it’s too late in your construction or renovation project
Before we go further, let’s recognize we are a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering firm. No doubt we’re going to suggest you hire us because of our decades of experience and talented engineering staff.
But there are practical, valuable reasons why you should hire MEP engineers—whether it’s us here in Central Indiana or someone closer to you—for your next building project. The right MEP consultants:
- Yield tangible financial benefits
- Can help you understand the best operational and maintenance practices for your equipment
- Recommend systems, technology, and automation techniques to save you money over the life of your building
- Identify ways to reduce waste and conserve natural resources
- Provide successful coordination between you, your architects, contractors, suppliers, and municipal authorities
Here’s how.
Electrical and energy consumption assessments lead to innovative ideas
MEP consulting engineers provide valuable insights and recommendations for improving energy efficiency and sustainability in your building. They have a deep understanding of the latest industry standards and technologies and can help you make informed decisions that save you money in the long run.
This includes:
- Finding ways to reduce indoor and outdoor lighting energy consumption
- Identifying the right kinds of energy-efficient light fixtures
- Building automation in sync with smart sensors that improve safety and building functions
- Making the best use of incorporating natural daylight
The Phoenix Theatre in Downtown Indianapolis took building automation systems to a new level with dynamic light indicators for bathroom stalls. They sought to avoid typically long lines during intermissions, particularly near the women’s restrooms, by using a single row of gender-neutral stalls. We helped them design a system that provides privacy and increases the efficiency of use by ensuring all available toilets in the building, not just in one gendered restroom.
MEP engineers provide advanced plumbing engineering expertise
Waste systems and water flow might sound dull among modern buildings’ other features, but water represents a large portion of ongoing operating costs. Drainage can be complicated, too, with potentially harmful impacts to a building.
Our MEP engineers take a look at building architecture to prepare for and consider:
- Fire and plumbing design, including fire suppression systems connected with smart fire alarms, emergency power systems, and more
- How to design effective control systems for fire alarms so they’re easy to use in an emergency
- Ways to integrate water conservation techniques, including unique outdoor water conservation systems (such as storing water for groundskeeping)
Like at the Phoenix Theatre, our combined expertise with lighting and technology means the bathrooms aren’t just efficient in their equity of use. They’re also using water-sipping sinks and toilets that reduce water usage without feeling like they’re not up to the job on a single flush or rinse. It’s the kind of combined equipment and automation techniques we excel in designing.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
Energy conservation is good for the environment and even better for your wallet. HVAC systems represent a significant portion of a building’s energy consumption. Among modern construction projects, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems often represent the most significant return on a building owner’s investment.
The best MEP consultants know all the latest industry standards, tax incentives, and other cost-efficient energy management solutions. We can model these systems to your exact specifications to determine when you can expect the best return. You’ll know what to expect, even if the up-front costs may appear higher in the short term.
For instance, The Pearl in Fort Wayne uses unique water source heat pumps that provide redundancy, heating, cooling, and even heats their outdoor parking garage; all by using water to “move” temperatures throughout the building. The water is heated by natural gas when needed, but it can often carry heat from industrial exhaust systems operating in restaurants on the ground level or sun-facing rooms to maintain comfortable temperatures.
Too often, building projects try to figure out ways to squeeze efficiency out of old heating and ventilation services that cost more in maintenance, downtime, or utilities. We implement systems that work best for the next twenty years, whether replacing old units or using the existing ones.
Optimizing HVAC systems can reduce your project’s utility costs by 20-30% over ten years, without sacrificing indoor environment quality.
MEP engineers help streamline building processes
Hiring MEP consulting engineers can be particularly beneficial when working on a large or complex project. MEP consulting engineers have the expertise to navigate complex building codes and regulations and can help ensure your project meets all legal requirements.
Another key advantage of working with an MEP consulting firm is we can help you stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry. Despite the “mechanical, electrical, and plumping” moniker, our MEP engineering services extend into security systems and other building technology.
We help incorporate smart building features, sensors, and other cutting-edge technologies into your building seamlessly from the start. MEP engineers can help you evaluate different options and make informed decisions that will benefit your project in the long run as upgrades and technology change.
When you’re ready for an MEP consulting firm, we’re ready to help
When building systems operate optimally, you hardly notice they’re there. A solid MEP engineering team brought in during the design and implementation processes can ensure maximum success.
Hiring an MEP engineering firm brings a wealth of benefits to any construction or renovation project. From reducing waste and conserving natural resources to optimizing your HVAC system and providing successful coordination between all parties involved, MEP consultants ensure that your building operates optimally while saving you money in the long run.
MEP engineers are steeped in the latest industry standards and technologies, helping you incorporate cutting-edge features seamlessly into your building.
When you’re ready to tackle unique challenges in your next construction or renovation project, contact R.E. Dimond and Associates for expert MEP engineering services.
