Imagine walking into a hotel room: the lights flicker to life, the air conditioning and heating set the room to the perfect temperature and when you turn on the shower, warm water flows down. These seemingly evident conveniences are the result of MEP works. Although MEP might not be the first thing that pops in your mind when thinking of construction, it plays a pivotal role in the success of our projects. It’s high time we shed a light on it!
What is MEP?
MEP stands for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing, and covers a wide range of systems and technologies that are essential for the functionality and comfort of buildings. “More specifically, we design, implement and maintain the systems that regulate a structure’s climate, power distribution and water management,” explains Lode Schildermans, MEP Operations Manager at BESIX. “MEP is not only present in buildings by the way, it’s vital to every structure we build, so it also includes infrastructure such as tunnels and locks,” he continues. The goal? To enhance efficiency, occupant comfort and overall performance of the structures we build throughout their lifecycles.
Think of MEP as the heart and veins: just as the heart quietly keeps a person alive, MEP ensures the vitality of a built structure. And just like your heart and veins, the work of MEP often goes unnoticed from the outside as long as nothing malfunctions.
From A to Z
From project inception to completion, MEP is involved at every stage. “We are not ‘just’ implementing technologies. Before we can implement anything, we first need to really understand the intricacies of a building or infrastructure. Only when we fully understand them, we can start engineering the MEP solutions accordingly,” Lode says. Even post-construction, the MEP team remains engaged in fine-tuning, ensuring optimal performance after project delivery. You can think of it as getting the teething problems out.
“We need to understand the intricacies of a building or infrastructure down to the last detail before we can start engineering and implementing MEP solutions. Once everything has been implemented, and construction has finished, we are still engaged in the fine-tuning of the solutions to guarantee an optimal performance.” – Lode Schildermans, MEP Operations Manager at BESIX.
This end-to-end involvement presents both an asset and a challenge for MEP teams. Lode explains: “To meet the desires and needs of all stakeholders, we must strike a balance where each component fits into the larger puzzle. I think that’s really one of the biggest challenges of our job.” An additional challenge is that technologies are evolving more rapidly than most other disciplines in the construction sector. Due to this constant and fast evolution, the role of MEP throughout a construction project is also growing. As smart technologies advance, so does the significance of MEP in shaping and enhancing the project's overall success.
BESIX Group’s in-house MEP team
Did you know that BESIX has its own MEP department filled with dedicated colleagues worldwide? The unique combination of in-house capabilities and cutting-edge technologies distinguishes us from our competitors. It allows us to efficiently enhance asset value, sustainability, energy savings, and safety across projects while minimising error margins, thanks to the greater control we have over data and processes.
However, the in-house MEP team is not only an asset to clients. For (future) MEP colleagues as well, the team is of great advantage. “There’s so many positive aspects to working at the MEP department of BESIX Group. The variety is enormous, every day is different and you learn about every aspect of MEP. You immediately have a large amount of responsibility and are in contact with various stakeholders, such as the client. Thanks to the international presence of BESIX Group, you also get the chance to travel the world and/or work on diverse types of projects. Oh, and of course, you are part of an amazing team with even more amazing colleagues (laughs). Nothing but advantages, if you ask me!” concludes Lode.
So, the next time you experience a well-lit room with perfect climate control or drive through a smart tunnel with well-functioning ventilation and lighting, remember – it's the efficiency of MEP quietly at work, ensuring comfort and convenience.