mep consultant

m and e consultant

MEP Consultant

iTS Consultancy

Building Services Design. Mechanical & Electrical (M&E / MEP) Consultancy

The bedrock of our business is designing building services. We provide detailed design of all aspects of building services. Building service design is a significant component of the construction supply chain and is critical for design decision-making, accurate documentation, performance and cost-estimating, construction planning, managing and operating the resulting building.

Our team of M&E consultants and engineers are their to help every step of the way. We typically work as part of the wider project team, including architects, structural engineers, project managers and quantity surveyors.

Mechanical design services overview

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Refrigeration
Building automation
Smoke extraction
Drainage and waste
Domestic water
Process plant and water treatment

Building services design, also known as M&E or MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) design, is a critical aspect of architectural and engineering planning for buildings. It involves the integration of various systems to ensure that a building functions efficiently, safely, and sustainably. As Building Services Consultants these are all the services we provide here at iTS.

Mechanical Systems: These include heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as other systems such as elevators, escalators, and fire suppression systems. Mechanical engineers design HVAC systems to control temperature, humidity, and air quality within a building to create a comfortable and healthy environment for occupants.

Electrical Systems: Electrical systems encompass power distribution, lighting, communications, and security systems. Electrical engineers design the electrical infrastructure to provide reliable power distribution throughout the building, ensuring that lighting, equipment, and other electrical devices operate safely and efficiently.

Plumbing Systems: Plumbing systems involve water supply, drainage, and sanitation. This includes the design of piping networks for supplying clean water and removing wastewater, as well as the installation of fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and showers.

Key considerations in building services design include:

Energy Efficiency: Designing systems that minimize energy consumption and maximize efficiency is crucial for reducing operational costs and environmental impact. This can include the use of energy-efficient HVAC equipment, lighting fixtures, and controls, as well as the incorporation of renewable energy sources such as solar panels or air heat pump systems.

Sustainability: Building services design plays a significant role in achieving sustainable building practices. This may involve strategies such as rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and passive design techniques to reduce reliance on energy-intensive systems.

Safety and Compliance: Building services must meet stringent safety standards and regulatory requirements to protect occupants and comply with building codes and regulations. This includes ensuring proper ventilation, fire suppression, and electrical safety measures are in place.
Integration and Coordination: MEP systems must be carefully integrated with the architectural and structural elements of a building to optimize space utilization and functionality. Coordination among architects, engineers, and contractors is essential to ensure that systems are properly installed and aligned with the overall design vision.

Maintenance and Lifecycle Costs: Designing systems that are easy to maintain and operate can help minimize lifecycle costs and ensure the long-term performance of building services. This may involve specifying durable materials, accessible equipment layouts, and proactive maintenance strategies.
Overall, building services design requires interdisciplinary collaboration and careful attention to detail to create buildings that are functional, efficient, and comfortable for occupants while meeting sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.

Electrical design services overview

Distribution and earthing
Small power and data
Lighting design, lighting control and emergency lighting
High Voltage (HV) systems
Low Voltage (LV) systems
Backup power solutions (UPS)
Fire alarm

We offer thorough, detailed surveys of all building services and will always conduct a site survey as part of our services design. We provide quality, detailed reports on building services to enable you to resolve problems, assure yourself prior to investment, or comply with legal or contractual obligations.

• Pre-Acquisition

• Acceptance and compliance

• General condition

• Dilapidation’s

• Commissioning management

• Backlog maintenance

• SAP, SBEM & EPC’s

• Site services

Building services surveys, while similar to building surveys in general, have a specific focus on the mechanical and electrical systems within a building. Here's why they are important:

Optimizing Building Performance: These surveys assess the efficiency and functionality of a building's heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, electrical, and lighting systems. By identifying areas for improvement, you can optimize performance and reduce energy consumption, leading to lower operational costs.

Identifying Maintenance Needs: The survey can pinpoint potential problems within the building services like outdated or failing equipment, leaks, or inadequate ventilation. Early detection allows for timely repairs and preventative maintenance, preventing costly breakdowns and ensuring the systems function reliably.

Planning Upgrades or Renovations: If you're planning renovations or upgrades to the building, a building services survey is crucial. It identifies the capacity and limitations of the existing systems, allowing for informed decisions about upgrades, replacements, or potential expansion needs.

Ensuring Safety and Compliance: Building services surveys can help ensure the building's mechanical and electrical systems comply with current safety regulations and building codes. This minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures a safe environment for occupants.

Improving Comfort and Wellbeing: By identifying issues with ventilation, temperature control, or lighting, building services surveys can help create a more comfortable and healthy environment for building occupants. This can lead to improved productivity and overall well-being.

In essence, building services surveys play a vital role in maintaining efficient, safe, and comfortable buildings. They help optimize performance, identify potential problems, and ensure systems function reliably, ultimately contributing to lower costs and a better building experience.

• Feasibility Studies

• Design inspections

• Auditing surveys

• Technical appraisals

• As Installed

• Capacity issues

• Technical services management

• Incoming utilities

Surveys, Inspections & Reports

Building services consultant, building services engineer, M&E consultant, MEP consultant

Our designs build in sustainability from the outset. We can provide environmental and sustainability planning advice alongside consultancy support in the following areas:

• Building Regulations UK Part L (BRUKL)

• Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) Residential

• Wellbeing strategies

Ever wondered about the energy performance of a building? In the UK, tools like SAP, SBEM, and EPCs play a crucial role in assessing and improving a building's energy efficiency. Let's break down what these terms mean and how they contribute to a more sustainable future.

Picking the Right Tool for the Job

SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure): This method focuses on domestic dwellings like houses and apartments. It provides a detailed analysis of the building's energy use, considering factors like insulation, heating systems, and lighting.

SBEM (Simplified Building Energy Model): This method caters to non-domestic buildings like offices, shops, and schools. It uses standardized data based on building type, making the assessment more streamlined.

The All-Important EPC: Your Building's Energy Report Card

Both SAP and SBEM calculations culminate in an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This document acts like a report card, assigning a grade (A-G) to the building's energy efficiency. A higher grade (A) signifies a more efficient building, while a lower grade (G) indicates room for improvement.

Benefits of a High-Efficiency Building

There are numerous advantages to having an energy-efficient building:

Financial Savings: Buildings with higher EPC ratings can attract higher rental or sale prices and incur lower running costs due to reduced energy consumption.

Environmental Impact: Improved efficiency translates to lower carbon emissions, contributing to a greener environment.

Comfort and Well-being: Energy-efficient buildings often provide a more comfortable living or working environment by maintaining consistent temperatures.

Taking Action for a Sustainable Future

By understanding SAP, SBEM, and EPCs, building owners and managers can make informed decisions about their properties. Implementing energy-saving measures based on these assessments leads to a win-win situation: lower costs, a reduced environmental impact, and a more comfortable living or working space.

Sustainability

• Low and zero carbon design

• Advice on BREEAM and PASSIVHAUS

• Simplified Building Energy Modeling (SBEM) Commercial

Computer Aided Design, 3D Modelling, BIM

The world of building services – the intricate network of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems – has been revolutionised by technology. Computer-aided design (CAD), 3D modeling, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are transforming how these systems are designed, installed, and maintained.

CAD: The Drafting Powerhouse

Imagine precise technical drawings created with ease on a computer instead of meticulously drafting them by hand. That's the power of CAD software. Used extensively in engineering and construction, CAD allows building services professionals to create both 2D drawings (schematics) and 3D models of building systems. These drawings ensure accuracy for construction and serve as a reference throughout the building's lifecycle.

3D Modeling: Visualizing the Invisible

While 2D drawings are essential, 3D modeling offers a game-changer. It allows building services engineers to create a digital, three-dimensional representation of the building's entire system network. Imagine intricate pipework, ductwork, and electrical conduits visualized in a virtual space. This not only enhances design visualization but also facilitates clash detection – identifying potential conflicts between different systems before construction begins. This saves time, money, and avoids costly rework later.

BIM: A Collaborative Information Hub

Building Information Modeling (BIM) takes 3D modeling a step further. Think of it as creating a digital twin of the building, encompassing not just the geometry but also a wealth of embedded information. This data includes details about materials, equipment specifications, maintenance schedules, and even energy performance simulations.

All our design work is undertaken in house using industry standard software to ensure full coordination and integration of the design with the wider project team.

Finding The Right Building

We provide a specialist survey where we carry out a comprehensive assessment in the early stages of a building project. It focuses specifically on the feasibility of installing and operating the building's mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems. The survey aims to:

Evaluate the Site: Assess the availability of existing utilities like water, electricity, and gas connections on the building site.

Identify Building Requirements: Understand the intended use of the building and the specific needs of the occupants. This includes factors like heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) demands, lighting requirements, and hot water needs.

Analyse System Options: Evaluate various options for M&E systems, considering factors like efficiency, initial cost, maintenance requirements, and future scalability.

Identify Potential Challenges: Foresee any potential obstacles related to the M&E systems, such as space constraints, integration with the building structure, or compliance with building codes.

Develop a Cost Estimate: Provide a preliminary cost estimate for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the proposed M&E systems.

Conducting a thorough feasibility survey early on offers several benefits for building projects:

Informed Decision-Making: The survey provides valuable data to make informed decisions about the most suitable and cost-effective M&E systems for the building.

Improved Design Efficiency: By identifying potential challenges upfront, the design team can incorporate solutions to ensure smooth integration of the M&E systems into the overall building design.

Cost Optimization: The survey helps identify potential cost savings by exploring alternative system options and avoiding costly rework later in the project.

Enhanced Sustainability: The survey can explore options for energy-efficient M&E systems, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly building.

Reduced Risk of Delays: By anticipating potential issues, the survey can help minimize delays during construction caused by unforeseen M&E system challenges.