< Previouswww.mepmiddleeast.com20 MEP Middle East | May 2024 COVER STORY Detailing the integration of BIM, Dehalia conveyed its multifaceted benefits, from selecting sustainable materials with lower carbon footprints to facilitating prefabrication and modular construction. He also elaborated on how BIM contributes to project efficiency. “It helps us identify clashes in design phases, which significantly reduces rework and material wastage during construction,” Dehalia explained. He also pointed to the optimisation of operational efficiency and maintenance practices through digital tools. In a similar vein, Ballout revealed an interesting detail about their recent Red Sea hotel project. “We applied prefabricated bathrooms, initially even considering installing entire guest rooms manufactured off-site,” he revealed, offering a glimpse into the ambitious scope of their projects and the subsequent adaptability to client and project needs. In an industry where digitalisation is rapidly becoming integral, KEO not only leads by example but also nurtures the broader market towards embracing these advancements. However, Dehalia also addresses the disparity in digital tool utilisation among stakeholders, acknowledging a lag but remaining optimistic. “We started with these digital tools earlier than others,” he admits. “We face some problems, but the market will catch up because that’s what’s needed.” structures, the team shares insights on how this expertise could be applied to these new, large-scale developments. Dehalia took the lead, listing techniques leveraged in high-rise construction that could be pivotal for megaprojects. He highlights daylight harvesting, advanced ventilation systems like Energy Recovery Units (ERUs), and water recycling as key strategies. “These technologies are particularly suitable for high-rise buildings due to their vertical This sentiment is echoed by Ballout, who revealed KEO’s proactive role in this transformation through its dedicated digital division. “We’ve been active and contributing to software developments, sharing our challenges,” Ballout stated, stressing the importance of their input in technology advancement for their business. He also built on this by detailing KEO’s Digital Advisory Services team’s efforts, such as their participation in global conferences and in-house app developments, underlining the consultancy’s influence on a worldwide scale. When the conversation shifted to smart building technologies, Ballout confidently spoke about KEO’s investment in cutting-edge tools like digital twins, IoT, AI, and cloud-based platforms, emphasising their commitment to integrating these technologies in their design processes. In addition, Ibraheem detailed the consultancy’s approach to energy modelling and utilising advanced MEP solutions. Revisiting the Red Sea project, he added, “We used the structures on the roof as shade to minimise heat gains within the building.” He further emphasised their collaboration with architects and facade consultants, which resulted in achieving a holistic energy- efficient outcome. COLLABORATIVE STRATEGIES As the region experiences a surge in ambitious architectural projects, the discussion naturally turns to the unique challenges associated with the emerging megaprojects in Saudi Arabia. Drawing on KEO’s extensive experience with high-rise KEO’s global reach underscores its impact on regional projects KEO’s coordination with the sustainability team and local authorities sets the groundwork for any project “ Understanding the project’s sustainable goals is crucial, whether it’s striving for net- zero energy or enhancing efficiency beyond baselines” Hani Ibraheem, Principal Engineer for KEO’s MEP division Hani Ibraheem, Principal Engineer at KEOwww.mepmiddleeast.com May 2024 | MEP Middle East 21 COVER STORY design, which allows for easy integration of water reuse systems for irrigation, toilet flushing, and cooling,” Dehalia explained. These practices not only conserve resources but also mitigate the limitations of utility networks unprepared for such dense vertical development. Further detailing operational efficiency, he touched on smart HVAC systems, which optimise temperature based on occupancy and external weather conditions, enhancing both comfort and energy conservation. Here, Ballout underscored a critical factor—the importance of client involvement throughout the design process. He highlighted their systematic approach: presenting clients with a concept design report detailing system options and recommendations, then refining the design based on client feedback through subsequent stages. Furthermore, Ballout pointed out the consultancy’s global reach, underscoring its impact on regional projects. He also provided a comprehensive view into the interconnectedness fostered by digital advancements. “With the internet and digital work, you’re working with another person in a different office as if they’re next to you,” Ballout said, reflecting on the profound shift from traditional, location-bound practices to the seamless integration of global expertise. This digital transformation, he noted, dissolves geographic barriers, enabling collaboration with consultants and stakeholders from around the world with the same ease as if they were in the same local office. KEO ACADEMY When the dialogue turned towards talent cultivation and professional development, Ballout detailed KEO’s approach to mentoring the next generation of engineers. “At KEO, we are deeply invested in nurturing young engineers through our KEO Academy and mentorship programmes,” he explained. The company has taken a proactive stance in building its future by providing comprehensive training to recent graduates and integrating them into the team. Further elaborating on the initiatives, he highlighted the distinction and depth of the KEO Academy. “It’s a substantial commitment from KEO and our students,” he added, revealing the two-year paid programme’s structure is designed to give graduates a holistic experience across various divisions. Divulging more on the programme, Dehalia elaborated, “We anticipate that all these young engineers will become fluent in using BIM over time. Eventually, we will start to depend on them fully and phase out our reliance on BIM technicians. This shift will enable us to deliver sustainable designs without errors and clashes.” As the conversation nears its end, Ballout clarified the scope of KEO’s MEP team, stating, “The overall MEP team size across all offices is about 88.” He further adds context about the broader team structure, noting, “The MEP team is part of the design division, which comprises over 230 individuals.” Concluding the dialogue, Ballout reflected on the importance of their global and flexible approach, summarising, “The capability to adapt and leverage global resources effectively allows us to maintain high standards of service, irrespective of project scale or location. This flexibility is key to navigating the complex dynamics of the construction industry.” KEO prioritises client involvement throughout the design process from concept to client feedback Mohammad Dehalia, Lead Mechanical Engineer at KEO “ BIM helps us identify clashes in design phases, which significantly reduces rework and material wastage during construction” Mohammad Dehalia, Lead Mechanical Engineer at KEO22 MEP Middle East | May 2024 POWER LIST www.mepmiddleeast.comwww.mepmiddleeast.com POWER LIST 22 MEP Middle East | May 2024 www.mepmiddleeast.comAugust 2023 | MEP Middle East 23 POWER LIST May 2024 | MEP Middle East 23 www.mepmiddleeast.com The MEP Consultants Power List published annually by MEP Middle East recognises prominent design, engineering and project management consultancies making their mark in the electromechanical scope of the region’s construction industry. The 2024 edition of the MEP Consultants Power List was compiled based on surveys, interviews conducted with business owners and department heads of the consulting firms and publicly available information. The criteria for the listing include – but is not limited to – the financial health of the consultancies, size and expertise of their workforce, scale and status of competed and ongoing projects, value of MEP consultancy contracts, technology adoption and digital transformation initiatives. We have also considered the reputation of the firms in the market and their commitment to employee health and safety, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability. This list is not a ranking and does not place companies in any specific order of importance, but merely makes the effort to track the yearly progress of these companies and document their advancements in the built environment sector. MEP CO N SU LT A N TS PO W ER L IS T 2 02 4 POWER LIST August 2023 | MEP Middle East 23 May 2024 | MEP Middle East 23 www.mepmiddleeast.com24 MEP Middle East | May 2024 POWER LIST www.mepmiddleeast.com KEO is one of the largest globally ranked consultancies specialising in the delivery of planning, architecture, engineering, sustainability, and project and construction management services. During the past 12 months, the company delivered prominent, complex projects while adhering to very aggressive project schedules. As a one-stop shop with an integrated approach to project management, KEO facilitates seamless coordination and communication among various disciplines to streamline project delivery and reduce risks. Mohamad Ballout, Director – MEP Engineering, KEO, says: “What sets us apart from other MEP consultants is our strategic utilisation of KEO’s extensive resources across all offices. By leveraging KEO’s network, we ensure that project submission milestones are met efficiently and effectively. This collaborative approach allows us to tap into a diverse pool of MEP talent and expertise, enabling us to tackle even the most complex project challenges with confidence.” KEO stays at the forefront of technological advancements in digital twin modelling, BIM, AR/VR, IoT integration, AI and machine learning, and cloud-based collaboration platforms. The company implements digital solutions strategically to optimise processes and tasks which have the potential to become profit-generating applications and services for clients..For example, a digital twin platform created for a KEO office by using Autodesk Tandem and integrating IoT sensors for real-time data collection and analysis led to the company’s ability to demonstrate the tangible benefits of digital twins and win projects. Similarly, a strategic partnership with Giraffe led to the development of an urban analysis platform connecting BIM data with GIS databases giving designers instant information to sustainability metrics like embodied carbon calculations, resource analytics, and shade calculations. Deep insights gathered from the platform have led to better informed decisions, efficient project delivery and new revenue streams for KEO. “We will invest in cutting-edge tools, software, and techniques to streamline our processes, enhance productivity, and deliver superior results to our clients. Where tools do not exist, we will continue to build in-house applications that answer the industry’s needs,” says Mohamad. KEO prioritises sustainability and energy efficiency to align with global carbon reduction goals. The company advises clients and devises strategies to help them attain their sustainability goals by promoting green building certifications; offering guidance on the review and upgrading of technical protocols, standards, and guidelines; utilising renewable energy sources; adopting new tools and techniques to optimise design; and collaborating with sustainability experts, engineering firms and NGOs to stay up to date with current regulations and best practices. KEO sees opportunities for geographical expansion and new market segments. In 2024, the company has opened new offices in Portugal and Jordan, and has plans to expand its international presence by the end of the year. KEO INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS Mohamad Ballout, Director – MEP Engineering August 2023 | MEP Middle East 25 POWER LIST May 2024 | MEP Middle East 25 www.mepmiddleeast.com Meinhardt Group, a name synonymous with trust, innovation, and engineering excellence around the world over the last six decades, has managed and provided key integrated engineering services in the Middle East and North Africa regions, covering projects in the UAE, Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman. Meinhardt’s engineering designs incorporate environmentally sustainable principles that are socially responsible and commercially feasible, which enables the company deliver LEED certified projects and initiate processes to achieve net- zero carbon emissions. The strategy is in line with Meinhardt’s ambitious goal of ‘Zero Carbon Design 2030’ which will see the company design only zero carbon projects by the end of the decade. The implementation of sustainable principles has yielded impressive outcomes, for example, in data centre projects, one of the company’s main areas of expertise. Meinhardt has the distinction of designing energy-efficient data centres, such as the Moro Hub data centre in Dubai which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest solar-powered data centre in the world. Meinhardt is also at the forefront of digital transformation with the adoption of specialised MEP software backed with the use of BIM, computational design, building analytics and modelling. For example, IES software enables the company’s in- house team to carry out design optimisation and validation with CFD modelling, energy modelling and building performance simulations to improve designs and reduce construction costs. Ehab Ibrahim, Regional Director, Meinhardt, says: “We recognise the swift pace of development in design technologies, and we incorporate digital design strategies into our projects to foster innovation and achieve unparalleled levels of performance, and quality. BIM, for example, is not an option but a necessity in our project design, and we are fully aware of the potential of the technology. Through the use of parametric models, enhanced by advanced digital simulations and algorithms, we aim to integrate design intelligence into BIM tools. This approach allows us to provide highly customised solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients for more sustainable and smart designs.” Looking forward, the company aims to seize emerging opportunities in the Middle East where the construction industry demands an urgent reevaluation of conventional design and project delivery methodologies, driven by the launch of several groundbreaking and unconventional projects by developers and government entities in the region. “There has never been a more exciting time than now for engineers to be working in the Middle East. Large, technically complex projects present several new opportunities for consulting and contracting firms that continue to embrace innovation in digitalisation and explore alternative contracting models. We aim to be a first-choice consultant that attracts the best talent and brightest minds to help us deliver the ambitious Vision 2030 plans of governments in the region,” says Ehab. MEINHARDT GROUP Ehab Ibrahim, Regional Director26 MEP Middle East | May 2024 POWER LIST www.mepmiddleeast.com Cundall is a global multidisciplinary engineering and sustainability consultancy which has been active in the Middle East MEP industry for the past 17 years. There has been continued growth in Cundall’s MENA operations with the expansion of offices in Riyadh and Bengaluru, and growth of 88% in the MEP team to meet demand. During the past 12 months, Cundall has been involved in numerous major projects including eco-resorts and hospitality, the Greater Muscat Structure Plan, multiple event spaces for Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), and several giga-projects in Saudi Arabia. Scott McKeever, Country Director – UAE and MENA Head of Building Services, says: “We are positioned as one of the region’s leading multidisciplinary consultancies due to our engineering excellence and collaborative design approach. Our regional teams are now top of mind when clients across key regional industry sectors choose their project’s lead design consultant. We are further inspired by industry accolades we have received over the last year, including being recognised as the MEP Consultancy of the Year by CIBSE UAE.” Cundall invests in new platforms and initiatives to support the ongoing development and technical innovation of its people. “We are developing a strong digital culture, empowering our staff to use digital tools and data-powered insights to drive decisions. We encourage our people to be bold and challenge practices of old, and constantly improve collaboration. When implemented purposefully, digital culture can drive sustainable action and create positive value for all stakeholders,” says McKeever. Cundall has also made significant investments in its Zero Carbon Design 2030 commitment, focusing on enhancing the capability of its workforce, and collaborating with clients and industry stakeholders. “Cundall is an advocate for responsible, sustainable design, and we are proud of our strategic commitment to achieving zero carbon design on all our projects by 2030. The industry is changing rapidly, and we believe it is our responsibility not just to be part of the move toward a greener more sustainable built environment in the MENA region, but to lead it,” says McKeever. At the heart of the company’s strategy for success is an emphasis on supporting everyone to do their best work through a people-centric approach. “Our greatest asset is our people, and we take great pride in the focus we have on their health and wellbeing. Our culture is one where we champion diversity and inclusivity to create a fantastic work environment for our employees, as we recognise that this makes us much stronger and more successful as a business,” says McKeever. Cundall’s outlook for 2024–2025 is strong, with further targeted recruitment anticipated. A fundamental priority underpinning ongoing growth is ensuring the optimal value for clients, designing the net-zero future, and continuing to invent new solutions to deliver a resilient, prosperous tomorrow for all. CUNDALL Scott McKeever Country Director – UAE and MENA Head of Building Services August 2023 | MEP Middle East 27 POWER LIST May 2024 | MEP Middle East 27 www.mepmiddleeast.com LASCO is an electromechanical engineering and contracting company formed as a joint venture with Al Jawa Holding subsidiary Six Sigma Middle East Constructions. During the past 12 months, LASCO has prioritised sustainability and energy efficient solutions by optimising energy consumption, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources, designing products with recyclability in mind to ensure a sustainable lifecycle, and designing efficient HVAC systems, insulation, lighting, and smart building technologies. LASCO aims to respond quickly to technological developments by leveraging technologies like AI and generative design to enhance efficiency. Michael Ghanem, managing partner, LASCO, says: “The Middle East MEP industry faces many challenges due to extreme weather, labour shortages and geopolitical unrest. Every project requires strategies to mitigate risk and navigate complexities. By implementing very strict quality control process and standards, we can protect ourselves from unforeseen risks.” LASCO complies with safety standards and has a proactive risk management system which develops and implements safety procedures to cover all operational aspects; conducts regular risk assessment to identify potential hazards; provides regular audit to assess the compliance with safety standards; and integrate emergency response plans for various scenarios. Michael believes that in 2024, the MEP industry will increase the adoption and implementation of engineering technologies, and that BIM and CFD simulations must be considered as the new minimum standards for all projects. “We consider learning and development as a continuous process. Apart from enhancing the efficiency of our operations, new technologies complement our values of sustainability and energy efficiency. All our engineers and staff are trained to understand and respect the importance of incorporating these values in our day-to-day operations and the end products that we deliver. Starting from 2024, we are implementing CFD analysis into all our projects to achieve the highest energy efficiency possible,” says Michael. In 2024, LASCO aims to increase its focus on sustainability and environmental regulations; make advancements in digitalisation and generative AI; and remain agile to navigate uncertainty and demand fluctuations. “We aim to deliver projects by providing the highest quality of services while adhering to very strict deadlines, in compliance with local and international codes and regulations. We are also integrating several disciplines in-house to cater to the wide scope of MEP consulting, design and engineering works,” says Michael. The company, which is currently active in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, plans to expand its services in Saudi Arabia. “While we are optimistic about growth in the UAE in 2024, we see exceptional growth in Saudi Arabia where there’s a need for specialised MEP services,” says Michael. LASCO Michael Ghanem, Managing Partner28 MEP Middle East | May 2024 POWER LIST www.mepmiddleeast.com AESG is an international consultancy, engineering and advisory firm working on projects throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The company has dedicated specialist consultancy teams working on projects within the building, urban planning, infrastructure and strategic advisory sectors, offering expertise in sustainable design, sustainable engineering, fire and life safety, façade engineering, commissioning, digital delivery, waste management, environmental consultancy, strategy and advisory, cost management and acoustics. In navigating the complex landscape of the building commissioning industry, AESG employs a multifaceted strategy that directly addresses the challenges faced by the AEC sector. AESG’s approach to cost management integrates rigorous financial controls and leverages economies of scale to mitigate the risk of cost overruns. Data+, the company’s proprietary digital handover and asset management platform, allows all project stakeholders to gain real-time access to critical metrics and have greater control over the commissioning process. As signatories to the World Green Building Council’s commitment to net-zero emissions in buildings, AESG provides a pathway to net-zero for sustainable built environments. This pathway is applied free of cost to all design projects, and it determines and evaluates the options available for reducing both the embodied and operational carbon footprint of buildings. AECOM AESG Reid Donovan Operations Director – Building Services Middle East Saeed Al Abbar, CEO AECOM delivers professional services throughout the project lifecycle, from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. During the past 12 months, AECOM continued to advance its ESG advisory offering to clients and achieved more than a fourfold increase in the revenue generated from projects that include an ESG-embedded service. One example of embedding sustainability principles into all the company’s projects is through the ScopeX approach, which considers materials, site locations, logistics, and construction methods to reduce and eliminate a project’s impact on the natural environment. Digital transformation is driving the evolution of AECOM, challenging the company to explore and implement new ways of connecting, collaborating, and delivering projects while helping clients make progress in their own digital transformation journeys. AECOM employs the latest computational design technologies on major infrastructure projects such as bridge and tunnel design and water treatment facilities. In 2023, AECOM was awarded the project management consultancy services contract for Saudi Arabia’s NEOM International Airport. The scope of work includes project management for master planning, design and construction services, through to testing, commissioning, operational readiness, activation and transition.August 2023 | MEP Middle East 29 POWER LIST May 2024 | MEP Middle East 29 www.mepmiddleeast.com Buro Happold is an international, integrated consultancy of engineers, designers and advisers working with the world’s leading architectural practices and organisations, such as the United Nations, UNESCO and C40 Cities. In 2023, the company achieved validation of its updated decarbonisation targets by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and is working to turn this ambition into action across a growing global business. By 2030, the goal is to design all new build projects to be net zero carbon in operation, and to reduce the embodied carbon intensity of all new buildings, major retrofits and infrastructure projects by 50% from a 2020 baseline. The company launched a net-zero routemap in 2023 to achieve the abovementioned climate targets. The routemap, which is split into three areas: advisory, design and operations, has led to the setup of regional groups to work on translating the global targets and KPIs into more detailed measures and initiated regional/ discipline-level action plans to deliver against the routemap commitments. It has also enhanced the Buro Happold building performance dashboard, an internal database of real-world building metrics from across the company’s global design practice, which allows the capture of comprehensive data on operational and embodied carbon emissions. This enables the tracking of progress against the routemap and in supporting clients in setting achievable decarbonisation targets. BLACK & WHITE ENGINEERING BURO HAPPOLD Mick Cairns, CEO Gareth Kirkwood Managing Director – Middle East Black & White Engineering provides MEP design and consultancy services across the full spectrum of the built environment including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, public health engineering, building information modelling, fit-out design, shop drawings to RIBA Stage 5 construction, builders work details and coordination and fire engineering. Advisory services provided by the company include peer review, value engineering review, due diligence, expert witness, condition & compliance surveys, employer’s requirements, infrastructure design, master planning, life cycle review, SPOF analysis, specialist load and fall over analysis, energy studies, site appraisal, project appraisal, portfolio appraisal and risk appraisal. Lead consulting services include business development and bid management, design and project management, collaboration with QA / QC / HSE and client account management. Commissioning management services include mission critical commissioning (ASHRAE Levels 1 to 5), contractor commissioning management, energy auditing and re-commissioning, building condition surveys, pre-commissioning utilising BIM and commissioning advisory and support services. The company’s immediate focus revolves around collaborating with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI) to establish a well- defined roadmap for emission reduction, aligning closely with the goals of the Paris AgreementNext >