< Previous30 MEP Middle East | September 2022 www.mepmiddleeast.com MECHANICAL ENGINEER OF THE YEAR Sujay PaisAtkins Munis HameedBlack & White Engineering Waseemuddin ShakeelRamboll Middle East Amol JoglekarMohamed Salahuddin Consulting Engineering Bureau Noufal BKNael General Contracting Siddhartha BandiBuro Happold Ahmed MaherALEMCO Midian MakladKEO International Consultants Nabeel PatelGulf Duct Industries ELECTRICAL ENGINEER OF THE YEAR Ziyad Al DulaimiMohamed Salahuddin Consulting Engineering Bureau Mohan DanielAtkins Satender Kumar SharmaRamboll Middle East Samuel HyginusSamuel Hyginus Stephen MackeyBuro Happold Rashed Akram DeghlawiALEMCO Sayed ElgoharyKEO International Consultants Anas MuthalibWME PLUMBING ENGINEER OF THE YEAR Madhu Babu ChandranAtkins Ayman AlyRamboll Middle East Athikesavan ParamasivamNV5 Ajith KumarWME Daniela PopovaKEO International Consultants Roodrasingh Sookun (Roshan)Buro Happold SHORTLISTSSeptember 2022 | MEP Middle East 31 www.mepmiddleeast.com JOIN US ON 21 SEPTEMBER AT CONRAD DUBAI TO FIND OUT WHO WINS! SCAN TO BOOK YOUR TABLES SHORTLISTS YOUNG ENGINEER OF THE YEAR Anzala AsherTaqeef Guiqiang MaChina State Construction Engineering Corporation Komal PuriAtkins Nizam AhmedRamboll Middle East Mohamed AtyabJacobs Czarina CopiacoBuro Happold Sumith SunilAECOM Mohammed MurtazaCubic Engineering Consultancy Suhair AradikuzhiBin Dasmal Contracting Nabeel PatelGulf Duct Industrieswww.mepmiddleeast.com 32 MEP Middle East | September 2022 Voltas Limited As part of the $100bn+ annual revenue conglomerate TATA Group, Voltas Limited has been providing turnkey electro-mechanical solutions internationally for more than four decades with a signifi cant level of projects and operations in the Middle East. Within the GCC, Voltas International Operations Business Group (IOBG) – as a leading MEP solutions provider - has executed a number of projects of diverse applications, ranging from airports, hospitals, hotels, mixed-use developments, shopping malls, tall towers - including the Burj Khalifa, theme parks, sport stadiums, defense air bases, industrial plants, and district cooling plants. The company holds a corporate membership in the Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) and actively promotes the adoption of green building technologies in its projects. Voltas IOBG has perennially stood at the forefront of innovation and adoption of modern engineering and construction practices in the form of process improvements, best practices sharing, automation, pre-fabrication, as well as digital transformation. Voltas IOBG’s primary focus for 2022 has been to consolidate its current market position in the Middle East as well as extend its presence in the UAE’s northern emirates. The IOBG business is led by AR Suresh Kumar, vice president and head of IOBG. The company stated that it’s optimistic about the KSA and Bahrain markets and is looking to secure jobs in the region and is also hopeful about winning more retrofi t jobs in the UAE market. The 2022 MEP Awards, which is being hosted by the ITP Media Group’s MEP Middle East title, will be held on Wednesday, 21 September 2022 at the Conrad Dubai. Following on the success of the 2021 MEP Awards, MEP Middle East has received an overwhelming and extremely positive response for the 16th iteration of its awards - which has grown into the most-respected and well-recognised premier platform to honour the achievements of the electrical, mechanical and plumbing sectors in the UAE. The time-honoured, yet relevant, adage rings true that extraordinary circumstances lead to extraordinary achievements, as the MEP industry rises to acknowledge the sterling efforts of stakeholders across the supply chain despite current market challenges and constraints of the last two years. The 2022 MEP Awards will be supported by Voltas, ALEMCO, Leminar Air Conditioning, Bin Dasmal, Spectrum Cube, CMS and Oxypro MEP AWARDSwww.mepmiddleeast.comSeptember 2022 | MEP Middle East 33 ALEMCO ALEMCO - the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) arm of UAE contracting giant ALEC – has solidifi ed its reputation in the market over the past 16 years. ALEMCO, led by its general manager Nathan Hanns, provides fully engineered electromechanical and building service solutions to construction projects. ALEMCO focuses on using new technologies to provide a quicker, more effi cient process with accurate results. The fi rm has fully adapted the BIM process and no longer issues or works in 2D drawings. In the year ahead, the company stated it will be focusing on supporting the ALEC Group’s ongoing expansion in Saudi Arabia as the market has responded “extremely positively” to the quality and expertise demonstrated by the company. ALEC Group also launched the ALEC Data Centre Solution - a subsidiary set to revolutionise the regional data centre market - an integral opportunity for ALEMCO. ALEMCO’s ongoing projects include the One Za’abeel in Dubai, and several high-profi le projects for leading public and private sector entities in Abu Dhabi. Furthering its belief in the value of bringing the best and most innovative technology, systems design and equipment to bear on every project, ALEMCO noted that it sees its large, reliable workforce as its greatest asset. Bin Dasmal Bin Dasmal Contracting has more than four decades of experience in providing comprehensive civil, MEP, and HVAC services, including installations, refurbishments, retrofi ts, and maintenance for MEP and HVAC systems. The Bin Dasmal Group began as a contracting company and gradually diversifi ed into trading and manufacturing of a broad range of quality air-conditioning and refrigeration materials and equipment, automatic doors, lifting equipment and safety products, as well as third-party inspection and testing services. The Group of Companies, which encompasses Bin Dasmal General Trading, Trosten Industries, K AD Air Conditioning, Delta Duct Air Conditioning, EH Price Gulf, Bin Dasmal Contracting, Dutest, Saudi Dutest, Bin Dasmal Doors, Ghaf Tree Awnings Manufacturing, WAKS Paper Bags Manufacturing, and Dasmal Trading, are ISO:9001, ISO:14001, & ISO:45001 certifi ed. The Bin Dasmal Group of companies has supplied to numerous top projects in the UAE during the past 12 months, including Route 2020 metro stations connecting the Jebel Ali metro station with the Expo 2020 site, The Address Jumeirah Gate at JBR in Dubai, the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, the UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, the Reem Mall project on Abu Dhabi’s Reem Island, the landmark One Za’abeel project in Dubai, the DEWA Headquarters project in Dubai, and the SeaWorld project in Abu Dhabi, to name a few. In addition, Bin Dasmal Contracting is currently working on the refurbishment of the full HVAC system for a major project in Dubai, as well as handling the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of HVAC and MEP systems for various projects in Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. Leminar Air Conditioning A part of the reputed Al Shirawi Group, Leminar’s umbrella brand - Leminar Global - provides cutting-edge, bespoke and sustainable solutions to the Middle East markets rooted in its philosophy - through its two companies: Leminar Air Conditioning Company and Leminar Air Conditioning Industries. Born from an unrelenting passion to serve the Middle East with high-quality solutions in the HVAC and Plumbing sector, Leminar Air Conditioning Company is among the most trusted HVAC partner for leaders in the industry. The ISO 9001:2015 certifi ed company has been the recipient of the coveted ‘Great Place to Work Awards’ for an exceptional eighth year running. Leminar Air Conditioning Company represents over 20 prestigious industry brands from across the world, known for their exceptional quality and product range with extensive distribution networks and offi ces in the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Egypt. A pioneer in the manufacturing of HVAC ducts, sheet metal and acoustic products in the GCC region, Leminar Air Conditioning Industries - an ISO 9001:2008 certifi ed company - caters to the growing requirements of the HVAC industry through providing contractors with premium products and timely deliveries rooted in its philosophy of diversifi cation, innovation and involvement. The company’s investment in a 650kW solar plant to power operations on its sprawling 325,000ft2 manufacturing facility set a new precedence in the market. The sustainable move has reduced Leminar’s carbon footprint by a whopping 65%. Leminar endeavours to continue serving the Middle East with premium solutions for the ultimate customer experience. MEP AWARDSwww.mepmiddleeast.com 34 MEP Middle East | September 2022 Spectrum Cube Spectrum Cube is an established company specialising in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, drainage, fire life safety, ELV/ICT systems and services, registered and operational in the UAE and Sri Lanka. The firm’s expertise in the engineering and contracting industry is widely recognised due to the depth and knowledge of its experienced management staff and key operatives, having delivered diverse projects in hospitality, healthcare, high and low rise residential and commercial towers, villas, shopping malls, specialised fountains, and infrastructure projects. Spectrum Cube’s delivered projects with exceptional performance, individually and as a team, earning the reputation of highly reliable and dependable specialist MEP directors and managers in the UAE. With a vision to deliver projects safely, on-time, and in compliance with international quality standards, Spectrum Cube continues to emphasise on training and professional development for its staff as well as their personal progression and development, lifting the HSE Initiative of the Year trophy at the MEP Middle East Awards 2021 which was held in September last year. CMS With a history of more than 40 years, Century Mechanical Systems Group (CMS) is one of the UAE’s leading manufacturer, distributor and solution provider of HVAC Industry products. The company has set the standard of engineering excellence by providing the most comprehensive range of innovative and reliable products, precisely tailored to meet our customer requirements. The CMS Group started as a small business house in 1982, but over a period of time, the company experienced many milestones throughout GCC with a global extension. Currently, they have ground operations present in India, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia with manufacturing facilities in UAE, Kuwait and Sri Lanka to provide their customers extended support and dedicated service. By ensuring to keep the bar of quality high, their products are not only technically advanced but also conform to the performing span and reliability factor with the required certifications. CMS Global offers a wide range of products and services. They are manufacturers and suppliers of Air filter, Ecology Unit, HVAC ducts, Fire Rated Ducts, Fire Dampers, Grilles and Diffusers, and HVAC accessories like Thermal Insulation, Acoustic Lagging, Pipe support and Hangers, etc. Oxypro Electromechanical Contractors Oxypro Electromechanical Contractors started as an engineering subsidiary of HW Group, a reputed name known for trading and construction in the UA E. Having 20 years of experience in the construction industry and MEP field, the company has opened a new division to satisfy the demand for complete MEP solutions under one roof. The experience and professionalism of Oxypro has enabled it to excel in the execution of both simple and complex contracts without compromising on quality. With an experienced team along with a f leet of vehicles and infrastructure, Oxypro’s expertise lies in taking over design and build MEP works. The company offers engineering solutions for residential and commercial spaces, from their design phase through completion. With fire-fighting, fire alarm and LPG system divisions approved by Dubai Civil Defense (DCD), Oxypro offers one point of contact for all of its client’s MEP needs. The company excels in offering complete MEP, fire and gas solutions under one roof, regardless of the project’s size and scope. By implementing the latest technologies, Oxypro delivers real-time benefits to meet and exceed market demands.www.mepmiddleeast.com 36 MEP Middle East | September 2022 TECHNOLOGY T he global pandemic over the last two years has evolved the way we use and interact with buildings while megatrends such as climate change, resource scarcity, rapid urbanisation, and digitalisation are escalating the transformation of urban spaces and communities. “Buildings need to evolve to ensure that they are not only comfortable, safe, and secure but also effi cient and resilient for a sustainable future. Every building starts at a different point on the sustainability journey - this creates unique sets of effi ciency challenges and opportunities when it comes to building operations and maintenance,” explained Franco Atassi, CEO of Siemens Smart Infrastructure Middle East and CEO of Siemens Oman. He said that the pressure to improve a building’s performance has never been more signifi cant: “Nowadays, building owners and operators face increased regulatory requirements, especially in energy consumption due to the need to achieve carbon- neutrality and sustainability goals. In addition, budgets are tighter with rising operating costs from infl ation and lack of resources. Many buildings also have ageing equipment or assets and different systems or inconsistent operations across multiple facilities, making it even more challenging to achieve effi ciency in maintenance.” Atassi also pointed out that building operators are experiencing staffi ng issues in addition to a shrinking skilled workforce. He added: “Managing everyday issues required to provide high levels of convenience, comfort, and security to building occupants becomes overwhelming. In addition, service teams meant to improve operations are now responsible for servicing additional space and are stretched thin addressing complaints, notifi cations, alarms, and faults. This can sometimes lead to deferred maintenance, further contributing to poor building performance.” The smart building revolution Smart buildings interact with people, systems, and external elements. It can learn from past experiences and real-time inputs and adapt to the needs of the people and the businesses within it by increasing comfort, effi ciency, resiliency, and safety. However, Atassi said that 55% of maintenance today is reactive, resulting in costly repairs, downtime, and disruptions which affect productivity and profi tability. He explained: “Digitalisation enables automation, increases data quality and transparency, and improves the ability to apply advanced technology - paving the way for more effi cient and sustainable building operations. “The transition from reactive to proactive, predictive and prescriptive maintenance transforms traditional buildings into smart buildings for a more sustainable future.” He further added: “Smart buildings require digitalisation, which is physically “Smart buildings require digitalisation, which is physically connecting systems to the outside world where information can be accessed remotely, at any time and place, providing data transparency.” Franco Atassi, CEO of Siemens Smart Infrastructure Middle East and CEO of Siemens Oman DIGITALISATION IN SMART BUILDINGS MEP Middle East spoke to Franco Atassi, CEO of Siemens Smart Infrastructure Middle East and CEO of Siemens Oman, on how the fi rm is leveraging digital technology & data to understand the smart building journeywww.mepmiddleeast.comSeptember 2022 | MEP Middle East 37 TECHNOLOGY connecting systems to the outside world where information can be accessed remotely, at any time and place, providing data transparency. Digitalisation transforms a traditional building, where services are typically reactive and performed onsite, to a smart building, where remote diagnostics are conducted and services are performed remotely or onsite.” Achieving measurable results “Proactive maintenance delivered through a properly executed, data-driven digital service platform can increase the ability to identify and resolve issues earlier, further reducing risk and downtime, and increasing the life of your systems, enabling greater effi ciencies and savings,” stated Atassi. “At Siemens, we understand that every building has unique challenges and goals; every smart building journey is different. So, wherever you are on the journey towards a smart building, our suite of holistic onsite and remote building services and team of building experts are there to manage your systems and support you at every step. In addition, by leveraging the power of digital technology and data, you can make better- informed decisions to achieve your unique business goals,” he added. Further elaborating on their approach, Atassi stated that the fi rm has the potential to help its customers achieve measurable results with data-driven reporting and transparency. “Our comprehensive portfolio of building services and solutions include building automation, fi re safety, mechanical, electrical, energy, security, and e-Mobility.” Franco Atassi, CEO of Siemens Smart Infrastructure Middle East and CEO of Siemens Oman Comprehensive building performance Rather than managing building systems in silos, spaces serviced holistically can enhance building performance. This integrated approach to building services can provide insights that help make informed decisions that can drive revenue and growth, reduce costs, meet sustainability and regulatory goals, optimise performance, and enhance occupant experience. Commenting on leveraging real-time performance data, Atassi said: “Our integrated team of IT, analysts and smart building experts keep an eye on your space around the clock to deliver one of the most comprehensive portfolios of building performance and sustainability services on the market.” Furthermore, Siemens provides these services, which include: • Energy & sustainability services to help you reduce energy costs and drive sustainability • Asset maintenance services to enhance the performance of your assets • Monitoring, reporting and event resolution to create data transparency and address events effectively • Scalable managed services to supplement your workforce by leveraging our resources and expertise The right technology partner Siemens’ onsite and remote building services are delivered by a global network of knowledgeable, experienced experts and professionals operating from their digital service centres and local branches. “Through streamlined workfl ows and proven processes based on collective experiences, our team leverages digital technologies such as smart building IoT platforms, digital tools, appliances, including digital twins and AI to achieve the delivery of our building services consistently,” said Atassi adding that as the complexity of the operations grows, so does the landscape of performance optimisation. He summarised: “As a focused technology company, we combine the real and the digital worlds and help customers meet our time’s signifi cant challenges. We believe that with our customers, we can create technology to transform the everyday for a better tomorrow.” “There has never been a more urgent need to create resilient and sustainable buildings, and it is essential to ensure that buildings remain fi t for purpose for years to come while managing resources and costs more effectively,” concluded Atassi. Speak with our experts today and transform your building into a high-performing asset. Email us at marcom-rssma.sg@siemens.com. To know more, scan the QR code or visit siemens.com.sg/buildingservices.38 MEP Middle East | September 2022 www.mepmiddleeast.com DIGITAL TWINS How a digitalisation and parametric approach can enhance client engagement during design The Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry is evolving rapidly, thanks to an extraordinary investment in technology. Digital and parametric techniques are transforming the way buildings are designed, constructed, operated, and maintained. Even though the AEC was not an early adopter of these eye-catching technologies, it’s beginning to narrow the digitalisation disparity with industries like manufacturing and aerospace. The case for parametric computational tools in design As a partner for sustainable change, Ramboll is passionate about using parametric computational tools like Rhino, Grasshopper, and Ladybug. They allow us to optimise our design from the earliest stages (RIBA Stage 0 to 2) and propel innovation. We believe widespread adoption of these tools by the AEC industry is instrumental in combating climate change. Parametric tools enable MEP designers to support our architectural partners in pre- concept and concept stages on complex projects. Parametric analysis allows us to simulate and process signifi cant amounts of data to ensure we are minimising environmental impact while creating designs that are economically viable for our clients. It includes considerations for building geometry, orientation, daylighting, and façade performance. Ramboll has developed integrated workfl ows between parametric tools that interface with other MEP analysis and design software. This provides a platform to allow a countless number of design iterations to be created, visualised, and evaluated in real time across various software and digital models, to drive design automation and effi ciency. Enhancing client engagement with a parametric approach Ramboll’s digital and parametric design approach shows how digital tools can enhance client engagement during the design and decision-making stage How virtual reality increases client engagement Through connected devices like virtual reality (VR) headsets, we improve engagement with our clients throughout the iterative process to help them: •Better understand our design strategies •Evaluate all options considered •Recognise the rationale behind fi nal recommendations The result is we’re able to gain greater consensus and collaboration with all project stakeholders. As we progress to the later design stages (RIBA Stage 3, 4 & 5) we can use digital models to navigate the entire building, inside and out, with our clients. They can see our designs, walk through them and experience them virtually long before construction begins at site. Designing greener, more cost- effi cient projects Digitalisation also provides an opportunity to demonstrate interdisciplinary co- ordination to client stakeholders. This allows validation of the practical elements of building operation from a facilities management (FM) team perspective. For example, we can work with clients to include equipment asset and energy management requirements and show how By Michael Rimmer, director of MEP, Ramboll Middle East September 2022 | MEP Middle East 39 www.mepmiddleeast.com DIGITAL TWINS • Reduce environmental impact • Optimise the use of materials • Improve overall end-user experience For digital twins to be successful in AEC, they need to be considered from the initial design. It requires designers and contractors to work closely with clients to provide autonomous digital twins. It’s vital to ensure the digital-physical link is bidirectional so the digital twin can continually identify needed changes in the physical building, based on real-time data generated from the constructed building. Facing the challenges of digitalisation in construction A major challenge faced by the AEC industry, especially when it comes to digital twins, is managing the massive amounts of data generated by the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. It’s essential to understand what data is useful and what isn’t, to provide value to clients. It’s an evolving process requiring further research as digital twins become more common practice. While the AEC industry has some catching up to do, I believe it won’t take long for us to fully realise the benefi ts of a parametric approach and digital twin technology. We must be rigorous in our application of new technology and look to the success experienced by other industries to guide our commitment. One point is for sure, digitisation and parametric design are supporting the AEC industry to reach new levels of sustainability and design innovation. Importantly, they provide a more engaging experience for our clients during the process and allow for a more cost- effective, sustainable way to develop projects. When you look at it this way, it’s hard to see why there’s any debate at all. There is so much more capacity for innovation using digitalisation and parametric approaches to enhance the client experience. Pushing ahead with these technologies will not only allow our clients greater visibility, inclusion, and control in the projects undertaken, but also positively reshapes experiences and becomes an essential tool for true sustainable transformation. Michael Rimmer, director of MEP, Ramboll Middle East they interface with SMART control and management systems. Because all requirements are modelled and captured in the virtual works, we can reduce construction periods and enhance the quality of construction through modular and prefabricated building design techniques. This reduces materials during the construction sequence which, in turn, reduces waste and lowers embodied carbon during construction. With the right technology, sustainability initiatives won’t need to halt once a project is complete. Ramboll believes there are long- term opportunities to keep the customer engaged and provide continuous value by using digital twin technology. What is a digital twin and why is it important? According to IBM, “A digital twin is a virtual representation of an object or system that spans its life cycle, is updated from real-time data, and uses simulation, machine learning and reasoning to help decision-making.” Simply put, digital twins provide a way to connect the physical and digital worlds. One twin is the built environment, the other twin is the digital representation of the physical building. The digital twin is a blend of data, visualisation, and connected sensors, offering unparalleled insight and intelligence into everything from energy performance, indoor environment quality, and operational matters across the full life cycle of a building. Digital twins play an important role in the handover to the client at the end of a project. As mentioned previously, Ramboll knows the importance of ensuring a client’s vision and goals are met, and a digital twin is a good way to demonstrate both. It also enables the downstream digital twin to be built around a thoroughly optimised and tested design. By including the client in the journey from the earliest stages, Ramboll puts the client’s end experience front and centre. The debate for adopting digital twins in construction continues Many organisations view digital twins as the natural development of Building Information Modelling (BIM), which digitally represents the ‘as-constructed’ environment. BIM is the foundation for the formation of a digital twin. Having a virtual twin of a physical building allows the project stakeholders to: • Improve design and construction performanceNext >