CAMEE: Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Roundtable

In conjunction with the ACEC fall conference late last September in Maui, CAMEE conducted an industry roundtable to identify and discuss issues facing mechanical and electrical engineers. Shown below is a brief summary of the top issues identified and discussed during the roundtable.

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

BIM’s initial development was geared toward the architectural community, and therefore the architectural software modules are the most developed and robust. More recently, software development has been directed toward structural and MEP’s. A number of firms are currently looking at BIM or plan to implement BIM in the future. It was acknowledged that most MEP firms are not experiencing a significant impact from BIM and are still operating in 2D or 3D CAD. However, many felt that BIM is where the industry is headed. CAMEE Chairman Roy Wilson noted that BIM has the potential to create a paradigm shift in the way we do business and deliver projects in the future. From the way we conceive, visualize, and implement our designs into an integrated model, shared with the design and construction team (including contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, equipment manufacturers and the owner’s operations and maintenance personnel) to how collaboratively each of the entities involved with a project will have access and the ability to add information and/or use the information in the model. Project delivery will likely move from a linear process with defined roles and responsibilities to an integrated collaborative process where the roles, responsibilities and ownership of the documents may be blurred. The distinction between a designer and a contractor may not be black and white. It was agreed that CAMEE needs to develop a position and take an active role in the development of this process, and to contribute and help steer the development of software, business models, and provide our membership with seminars, current trends, and business practice products specific to BIM. It was mentioned that CAMEE is working with ACEC’s Institute for Business Management (IBM) to create an educational course on BIM for MEPs to be held in conjunction with the ASHRAE meeting in Salt Lake City in June 2008 (see article later in this newsletter for more details).

Marketing to Owner

The issue of how to prove the value of the MEP to the owner was discussed. It was recognized that there are two categories of owners: direct owners (institutes, colleges, hospitals, etc.) and indirect owners such as management companies. One suggestion to better market MEPs’ services to owners is to put an architect on staff. It was noted that architects can be the vehicle to get the MEPs’ in the door by becoming part of the project’s distribution channel. It was also suggested that CAMEE should develop marketing tools to create more demand for MEPs.

How to Work With Architects Profitably

It was recognized that MEPs need to create a direct connection to the owner, in that many architects try to offer design services for mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems in addition to their primary services. It was noted that LEED is helping MEPs to become a more valuable part of the design/build process. It was agreed that architects needs to provide MEPs with a project’s scope, schedule and budget, in order to properly coordinate and clarify expectations. In addition, this subject was identified as an excellent topic for a future educational seminar sponsored by CAMEE.

Sustainable Design (LEED)

High performance (green, sustainable, LEED) building design was discussed and it was agreed that this subject has definitely impacted the MEP practice. It was commented that the US Green Building Council (USGBC) has moved sustainable design in the vertical construction market from a specialty service to an expected everyday practice, and that many organizations like ASHRAE, ICC, NIBS and AIA have programs on high-performance/green design. In addition, most federal agencies, state and local governments have sustainable design requirements and/or goals. Chairman Wilson noted that the positive impacts of high performance/green building design are the increased role and involvement of MEP’s, the integration and collaboration in the project delivery process. He also mentioned that having basic commissioning as pre-requisite and promoting extended building systems commissioning creates more opportunities for MEP’s, and that green design promotes energy efficient and alternative energy, indoor air quality, and water conservation technologies.

In addition, it was recognized that green design creates risks that MEPs need to recognize and manage. Designers, contractors, and facility managers need training and education on new technologies, products, and applications. Additional services to design innovative systems or applications, to document the LEED process and to conduct site observations to assure compliance should be included in our scope of services and fees. It was noted that requirements to “certify” anticipated results, and what happens if the goals are not met, can become a potential claim if not discussed in advance with the client and addressed in the contract. In addition, reliance on manufacturer’s statements regarding new equipment or products, responsibility to adequately research and verify testing, limited warranties from manufacturers, longer statute of limitations against design professionals than manufacturers, etc., are issues that must be managed and weighed against the benefits of green building design.

Other subjects that were identified during the roundtable but were not discussed were Future of Energy, Risk Management, Offshore Engineering, Design/Build, Recruitment, BS + 30, Collections and Retrofits. It was agreed that future roundtables should be held at other venues, such as ACEC conferences and ASHRAE meetings.