MEP industry needs a clear definition of energy efficiency, sustainability

Dubai, UAE, 1 October 2018: Apart from competitive rising prices, lack of communication on a number of fronts is a concern, said Sameer Daoud, CEO, MECIC, while revealing the issues prevalent in the MEP contracting industry. In the backdrop of the Fourth Annual Construction Summit, recently held in Dubai, he said, “When it comes to legal and commercial aspects, we deal with clear terms and conditions with transparency, because it’s the best way to avoid getting lawyers and arbitrators into the equation.” Especially since MEP contracting is an invisible entity, unlike a product which can be elaborated on, he added.

Sameer Daoud

The biggest debate, however, Daoud said, is the understanding and perception of sustainability and energy efficiency with regard to Green Buildings. He asked: “What is the meaning of energy efficiency and sustainability in a Green Building? Do we have a clear definition?” He said that the lack of a clear definition leads to miscommunication, which is the root of the problem.

For instance, Daoud said, “The client asks for a design of a Green Building, but once the design is ready, the client says that it’s not what he had in mind.” This, Daoud said, brings about the major confusion between parties and leads to cost-constraints. The understanding, he said, is that in the long-term, the cost is reduced, but the first thought is that it will cost more money. “There is a lot of work to be done and that is what the UAE government, developers and MEP contractors are pushing for.” However, he said that there is a need for a clear definition and a unified approach to energy efficiency, rather than mere theory.