The mechanical, electrical, and plumbing industry are always changing, and the trends that are coming from the introduction of modern technology could be mind-blowing if its thing you never saw coming. The world is indeed changing, and the MEP industry is no exception.
However, there’s no need to panic or worry; the vast majority of these changes are good, exciting, and are shaping the world as we know it. To help keep you in the loop and understanding what you need to be looking out for, here are the seven essential MEP trends you’ll want to keep your eyes on.
1. Pre-Fabrication Projects
Prefab has always been a big part of construction projects, but perhaps now more than ever the process is being used to help speed things up dramatically. Whole parts of construction projects are being built in different places and then assembled in one place. Sure, transport solutions need to be in place, but this is something to consider.
2. 3D and 5D Modelling
When you’re working on a project, pretty much everyone nowadays is looking for 3D models to see what’s going on. In terms of MEP functionality, 3D models are far better and helping projects get organised and seeing how everything is going to pan out and look.
However, the next step up from 3D modelling is already being integrated. 5D modelling allows stakeholders and investors to see their projects in terms of economic value and the cost of the project visually, taking everything in this niche one step further.
3. Zero Energy Emission Buildings
Of course, there’s no doubt that the world is heading in a greener direction, and a big part of this is building property that creates and generate zero emissions. That’s right, a flat zero. Of course, this is a work in progress, and how efficient you need to be will depend on whereabouts in the world you’re working, but you still need to bear it in mind.
The contenders who are leading the charge currently are Europe and the UAE, but there are plenty of countries that are joining suit. This is also what many markets are looking for, so make sure you’re investing in zero energy solutions.
4. The Use of Drones
“Drones are being increasingly used in construction projects for a number of amazing reasons. Whether they’re taking aerial photos of the site, mapping out an area using a ton of different demographics, and more, the use of drones is a great way to help speed up the decision-making processes that can seemingly take a lifetime before this technology was used,” explains Terry Hachette, a business writer at Australia2Write and Write My X.
For example, it’s estimated around $300 million to $1 billion worth of construction equipment is stolen every single year, but with drones surveying construction sites, everything is about to get a lot safer.
5. Value Engineering
Value is a massive consideration these days because pricing is everything. This has given rise to value engineers, which are around to see whether the cost of any investment is going to be worth the value of the project. The demand for these engineers has risen dramatically over the last few years and look to continue to do so in the future.
6. Introducing Smart Contracts
With the rise of blockchain technology, the same tech that makes cryptocurrency possible, smart contracts are now becoming more and more integrated into the construction world.
“Since secure contracts can be made and money passed even more securely than ever before, there’s a lot more confidence in projects, and it’s much easier to track what money and building work is going on where,” explains Jason Nash, a tech blogger at BritStudent and NextCoursework.
7. Construction Site Automation
Just like every other aspect of the work, automation is playing a big part in the future of construction and MEP projects. Certain tedious and laborious jobs that humans used to do are now being replaced by robots that are much quicker and much more cost-effective.
There are plenty of examples of this, such as bricklaying and stonework robots, and you can be sure they’ll be more to come in the future.
Michael Dehoyos is a business writing, investor, and editor at Thesis Writing Service and Write My Dissertation. He helps explore the latest business trends around the world and discovers how the latest technology is making a difference. Also, he is a writer at Origin Writings.
