Architects contract with engineers they can count on for a complete and accurate mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) spec for new buildings.
Templates
It’s a big job and requires in-depth expertise across a lot of systems. For that reason, MEP engineers then collaborate with expert vendors to develop each division. Vendors with deep knowledge and eagle eyes are important because the MEP spec starts from a template that the MEP engineering firm has populated from previous jobs. These templates are thorough and they limit liability, but they are also dramatically out of date.
Often times, template updates are needed when there is a change in a key vendor. Either that vendor no longer supplies the specified system, or the company itself is no longer in business. Or it might be that a vendor with a new system needs to be added into the spec.
Technology
Whether new and obsolete, technology is also a place that needs a detailed review. Updating an old MEP template is guaranteed to uncover obsolescence in some of its mandated systems. One recent example is the end of life of Windows 10 operating system that had a significant control systems market share. Specs that called for that OS now need to be updated to Windows11.
New Innovations
Adding new innovations to a spec is also important. For example, specialized Private Cloud services are new and can be used to replace onsite BAS servers. These cloud systems improve cybersecurity and are constantly updated. In many cases they can also be less expensive. But they might not be in a spec template because they are so new.
One of the reasons this collaboration is so important is that the MEP systems and requirements are assumed to be accurate and are not updated once they are submitted to the architect or the specification consultant. These parties rely on what the MEP engineers provide. Using old templates is a way for MEP engineering firms to get a head start on a spec, but without expert input and regular review, these templates can grow stale and not reflect the state of the art.
Albireo Energy offers a specification review and update service for MEP engineering firms. Our focus is on the building automation system (BAS), which is constantly changing with new digital and IP-based technologies replacing proprietary technologies.
Conclusion
The key to a successful MEP engineering specification is an updated template and the expertise of an MEP engineering firm and its close vendor partners. If you want a complementary review of your MEP specification, let us know by email. We’re happy to share our years of expertise.
