Integration of controls is paramount for successful digitalization of buildings

Improving HVAC system operational performance will be the key focus area in next decade.

What changes are expected in Mechanical component of MEP while planning?

The Covid has emphasized the need to follow the basics of HVAC design. Good filtration and outdoor air ventilation in closed spaces has always been underlying factors of AC system design which over the period of time were overlooked due to zeal of owners to save capital cost, operating cost, take shortcuts in execution or lack of awareness. The guidelines issued by leading HVAC&R Societies in the world post Covid outbreak have underscored the importance of ensuring good ventilation and filtration which can minimize risk of spread of infections. It is therefore no surprise that post Covid outbreak, the AC industry market is flooded with products claiming superior filters and germicidal solutions like UV or its variants.

Are any barriers slowing to revive growth opportunities for MEP roles?

The economy witnessed a big bump during first wave of Pandemic and thereafter a minor roadblock during second wave. As the industry is coming to grips in dealing with these waves, the ripples in recovery of economy are also becoming smaller. Thus, a steady rise in growth of construction industry can be expected which will be good for MEP industry also. However, the pandemic has highlighted that MEP design and construction firms which are agile, ready to adapt to changing business environment, technology and process driven and grab new emerging opportunities will survive. This of course requires good financial health of the firm and it will come from right business decisions without undercutting profit margins. Our barriers to growth are lack of trained manpower, expensive technology options and cut throat competition which ultimately proves counterproductive in a long run.

What growth activities are anticipated in MEP market? And what scope is seen for training needs with changing times?

MEP is backbone of building and its impact is felt over the life span of building. With rapid urbanization & focus of Government in strengthening infrastructure along with make in India program, the building industry has a bright future and consequently MEP industry will grow. The country has already witnessed a healthy Green Building revolution which brought importance of engineering to fore. With focus now shifting to low carbon development and a Net Zero Energy; Waste; Water world, the MEP industry will play a leadership role in meeting this target. However, lack of trained manpower is hampering the growth in all areas like MEP design, construction and operation of buildings. While there are professional courses to train Architects & Project managers, however, the formal training for MEP designers, installers and operators is absent.

What emerging opportunities to revive the HVAC contractors’ need or job revival etc., growth is seen?

The lack of availability of labour during Pandemic and decline in quality of trained manpower has emphasized the need for adopting technology and push implementation of modular construction techniques. HVAC system execution is a time consuming and specialized job. Hence, adopting BIM to cut down coordination issues during execution, deploy technology to speed up execution & reduce reliance on manual untrained labour and lastly adopt proper commissioning & testing practices/tools to achieve the operational efficiency are key areas which are paramount to emergence of a healthy HVAC industry. These areas offer job opportunities to the aspiring professionals.

As we now enter into a world aspiring for low carbon footprint, improving HVAC system operational performance will be the key focus area in next decade. Artificial Intelligence and IOT are the drivers that will put spotlight on system operations. The recent initiative by ISHRAE to prepare Standard on Building Energy Performance will help in benchmarking the HVAC system performance with its peers and operational efficiency can only be achieved or bettered if digitalization is adopted in Operation & Maintenance practices. The HVAC contractors have a key role as both execution, successful commissioning and integration of controls is paramount for successful digitalization of buildings.