< Previous30 MEP Middle East | May 2024 POWER LIST www.mepmiddleeast.com Egis is a global infrastructure engineering, consultancy and project management company active in 8 countries in the Middle East. In the past 12 months, Egis has provided innovative solutions to complex projects, such as radiant cooling and displacement ventilation to reduce chiller load and energy demand; promoted sustainable solutions on projects and achieved LEED Platinum certifications for iconic projects. Egis has made environmental protection a major component of its corporate ESG strategy and has committed under the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to set GHG emissions reduction targets in line with the ambitions of the Paris Agreement. In 2023, Egis created a framework named Act4ecodesign, which addresses the most significant environmental aspects of engineering projects, such as carbon, climate risks and adaptation to climate change, biodiversity, soil artificialisation, pollution, circular economy, energy and resources. The company aims to implement the criteria established under Act4ecodesign in all projects by 2030. In 2024, Egis will focus on the integration of its services, building on acquired skills, global expertise, and local knowledge. Egis also aims to increase the share of architectural and design services for buildings and infrastructure, as well as the share of infrastructure operation and maintenance, alongside PMC services, which is the company’s historical core business in the region. CONSISTENT ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS EGIS Sagar Kulkarni Founder & MD Jacques Khoriaty Executive Director – Energy & Sustainable Cities Consistent Engineering Consultants (CEC) specialises in providing MEP design solutions and consultation for using renewable energy to enhance built environments. CEC has implemented the ISO 50001 Energy Management and ISO 14001 Environmental Management standards, and the company intends to reduce its consumption of energy and water by 3% and 5% year-on-year, respectively. In addition, the company adopts new technologies and concepts for implementing sustainable technologies in construction. Sagar Kulkarni, founder and managing director of Consistent Engineering Consultants, says: “With changing trends in the construction industry, adoption of new technologies and digitalisation is mandatory. Stakeholders should be open and vigilant for evaluation of performance with benchmarking systems for both new as well as existing assets and implement corrective actions at early stages. “Furthermore, awareness about sustainability needs to be enhanced as myths associated with energy efficiency and costs are hampering stakeholders to take proper decisions. With challenging times, developers tend to focus only on the initial cost and feasibility of the project, which can compromise the operational and environmental aspects of the project. Prudent owners and authorities should ask for energy modeling of the assets before tendering.”August 2023 | MEP Middle East 31 POWER LIST May 2024 | MEP Middle East 31 www.mepmiddleeast.com GRFN is an independent multi-disciplinary consultancy which delivers energy-efficient and sustainable engineering, design solutions, and advisory services. In the past twelve months, GRFN concentrated its efforts on two main fronts: delivering energy-efficient and sustainable engineering design solutions across a broad spectrum of sectors, sizes, and built environments, and elevating industry standards through the education of stakeholders on best practices in engineering and energy efficiency. GRFN’s mission within the industry extends beyond consultation, embodying a call to action for sustainability, efficiency, and innovation in the Middle East’s MEP sector. By emphasising the integration of energy-efficient solutions and sustainable engineering practices, the company aims to pioneer a paradigm shift towards environmentally conscious design and construction. This vision is grounded in the belief that the MEP industry can play a pivotal role in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development. Hassan Younes, Co-CEO & Founder, GRFN, says: “We are committed to continue to advocate for energy efficiency and sustainability across all our services, from project inception through completion, to not only meet the immediate needs of our clients but also address the broader environmental challenges faced by the region.” GODWIN AUSTEN JOHNSON GRFN Alaa Abdelmohsen Sayed Partner – MEP Hassan Younes Co-CEO & Founder Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ) is a design practice operating across the MENA region and India with its top three markets being the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Sustainability is a key element of GAG’s design philosophy and is part of the company’s goals and objectives. This reflects the drive for sustainable design gaining momentum in the region, along with the recognition that sustainable design is relevant and necessary. Alaa Abdelmohsen Sayed, Partner – MEP, says: “Energy efficiency is an intrinsic part of good design and, with the improvement in metering and visibility of consumption, the results of an energy efficient approach are now tangible and measurable. There is a clear understanding that if a building is designed efficiently and operated well, it will cost less to run.” In 2024, GAJ will focus on expanding its market presence through a greater share of current markets and identifying opportunities in new markets. The company will also seek to enhance its operational efficiencies and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement. “The industry is positioned for substantial growth over the course of the year. We will need to innovate through technological advancements and provide more sustainable MEP and energy management solutions. Effective communication between the client and the design team is absolutely vital to good design and to the overall success of a project,” says Alaa.32 MEP Middle East | May 2024 POWER LIST www.mepmiddleeast.com Khatib & Alami (K&A) is a multidisciplinary design consultancy which operates primarily across the Middle East & Africa, Levant, Central and South-East Asia, and Europe. In the past 12 months, K&A implemented a multifaceted approach to elevate the quality of its design processes. Firstly, the company invested resources into developing dynamic tools and scripts for BIM, harnessing technology to optimise design outcomes. Moreover, recognising the importance of specialised expertise, K&A established dedicated teams for CFD modeling, healthcare MEP designs, as well as pump station projects. Complementing this specialisation, the company fortified its team’s proficiency through a robust training program, with a particular focus on intricate systems such as medical gases, natural gas, synthetic natural gas (SNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). K&A has consolidated its digital expertise, geospatial systems integration, and energy and utilities into a single entity named K&A Digital Services. This strategic approach will allow the company to provide superior services across the digital spectrum while leveraging the unique skills and engineering experience of K&A experts. It will also enable the company to adapt to evolving client needs and foster growth and transformation for businesses and organisations across diverse industries such as AEC, telecommunications, utilities, transportation, local government, emergency response, and commercial enterprises. IAN BANHAM & ASSOCIATES KHATIB & ALAMI Mahnad Kashani, President Najib Khatib, Chairman & CEO Ian Banham & Associates (IBA) is a specialised building services MEP consulting firm with its headquarters in Dubai. Since its establishment in 1976, IBA has successfully delivered over 3,500 projects in the MENA region. The company’s services consist of the design and supervision of mechanical and electrical systems and installations for buildings and specialised facilities. This includes feasibility studies, investigative reports, conceptual designs, cost estimates and analysis, production of specifications and bills of quantities, bids evaluation and recommendation, contract negotiations, detailed designs, working drawings and 3D models, project management, supervision and site management. IBA caters to projects in various categories including commercial and residential buildings, housing complexes, hotels, education facilities, hospitals, shopping centers, resorts, palaces, sports facilities and stadiums, and industrial projects. IBA’s commercial projects include Deira Waterfront Development Dubai, Jewel of the Creek Dubai, Mamsha Al Saadiyat Abu Dhabi, Park Towers Dubai, Sun & Sky Towers Abu Dhabi, Churchill Towers Dubai, and Dubai Science Park Headquarters. The company has also delivered world- class hospitals and rehabilitation centers such as Medcare Hospital Dubai, Franco-Emirien Hospital Abu Dhabi, National Rehabilitation Center Abu Dhabi, and NMC Hospital Dubai.August 2023 | MEP Middle East 33 POWER LIST May 2024 | MEP Middle East 33 www.mepmiddleeast.com Mott Macdonald is a global engineering, management and development consultancy active for more than 50 years in the Middle East. The company’s digital transformation initiatives are led by its technical experts who identify the early stages of innovation and build the budget and resources required to implement new ideas with digital solutions. Mott Macdonald has a growing library of in-house custom- built tools to help engineers and designers cut down design and development time while increasing optimisation, eliminating errors and bringing added value to projects. On a recent project, the company created an interactive geographical presentation of supplier factories using the data visualisation tool Power-BI, which has provided useful data to enable decision making and reduced the cost of reporting by 30%. On another project, Mott Macdonald implemented Moata Insights, a data visualisation tool, for one of the largest real estate developers in the Middle East. The tool includes 13 dashboards with information on progress, risk management, quality assurance/ quality control, health and safety and commercial performance. Consolidating the dashboards in one connected digital platform has improved the value and use of data produced by project entities and increased the speed of accessibility, analysis, monitoring and tracking of data by senior management in real time. KPM ENGINEERING MOTT MACDONALD KPM Engineering (KPM) is a global multidisciplinary engineering practice active in the Middle East MEP industry for over 10 years. In the past 12 months, embraced a holistic approach to sustainability, focusing on green building design principles, energy-efficient systems, and renewable technologies. KPM has invested heavily in enhancing its in-house capabilities, enhancing the development of scripts and plugins to streamline BIM processes and workflows. For example, KPM developed a custom plug-in for Revit to streamline workflows, automates repetitive tasks, and enforce standards, leading to increased efficiency and accuracy in project delivery. Additionally, KPM’s exploration of digital twin capabilities has allowed the company to pioneer smart technologies, transforming its offices into testing grounds for cutting-edge solutions. KPM’s vision for 2024 revolves around sustainability, innovation, client satisfaction, and excellence. The company aims to enhance its utilisation of BIM and explore AI, machine learning and emerging technologies such as VR and AR to optimise project delivery. Colin Scott, Director – MEP, KPM Engineering, says: “With the impacts of climate change becoming increasingly evident, it is essential that we prioritise the adoption of sustainable and resilient building practices. This includes integrating renewable energy technologies, optimising building performance, and designing for resilience against extreme weather events.” Colin Scott, Director – MEP Fergus Donaghy, Technical Director34 MEP Middle East | May 2024 POWER LIST www.mepmiddleeast.com Ramboll is a global engineering, architecture and consultancy company active in the Middle East MEP industry for over 18 years. In the past 12 months, Ramboll has been instrumental in pioneering engineering and sustainability innovation for landmark projects in the region. The desire for sustainable solutions by clients, who seek to decarbonise value chains and meet climate and nature goals, is a vital growth driver for Ramboll. Ramboll’s strategic vision for sustainability is built on four pillars: decarbonisation for net zero, resilient societies and livability, resource management and circularity, and biodiversity and ecosystems. In line with this vision, the company partnered with the Open Data for Climate Initiative to create an open database for embodied carbon, which aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of the construction sector. Ramboll also developed the Sustainability Fit Assessment tool, a structured process to evaluate opportunities based on sustainability impact. Ramboll has embraced cutting-edge technologies such as parametric design and automation to enhance the precision and efficiency of projects. The company’s advancements in project management and communication have further bolstered its operational excellence. Moreover, Ramboll’s involvement in the Middle East’s most ambitious projects has not only showcased its expertise but also invigorated its commitment to continual innovation in the engineering sector. P&T ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS RAMBOLL Rehan Shahid, Director – MEP P&T Group (P&T) is a global design firm active in the UAE, KSA and Bahrain for the past 20 years. The company specialises in low-energy and low-carbon building design, provides design peer review services to major firms in the region, and offers sustainability consultancy services for LEED, Estidama, DM Green Building and Mostadam rating systems. P&T is embracing digitalisation and investing in digital tools and skill development to improve project outcomes and lifecycle management. The main focus area of the company in the past 12 months has been hospitality and chiller plant design projects in the UAE and KSA. For one of P&T’s recently completed projects, the company successfully implemented AI and AR tools to optimise chiller plant efficiencies. AR is being used by the operations team to read parameters such as flow, pressure, temperature, etc., and the state of the equipment in real-time on the plant floor using hand-held smart devices just by pointing at the equipment. In 2024, P&T will continue focusing on the UAE and KSA markets while prioritising sustainability and energy efficiency solutions. Rehan Shahid, Director – MEP, P&T, says: “The region has a high demand for energy, and there is a pressing need to improve energy efficiency in buildings and infrastructure projects by providing sustainable design solutions, reducing carbon footprints and promoting healthier indoor environments. Imran Shaikh, Director – MEPAugust 2023 | MEP Middle East 35 POWER LIST May 2024 | MEP Middle East 35 www.mepmiddleeast.com WSP is a global professional services firm providing technical and strategic advisory services in diverse engineering and infrastructure sectors in over 70 countries. WSP has a long heritage of specialist green building design, always at the forefront of the development of new, sustainable technologies to reduce the environmental impact of tall buildings. The company considers the overall emissions and resource consumption over the whole lifespan of a building and prioritises strategies such as using recycled or locally sourced materials, low carbon building services design and minimising waste. Through its global innovation programme, named Future Ready, WSP challenges and inspires its staff to advise and design programmes for the future. The company analyses future trends through four lenses: climate, society, technology and resources. Future Ready puts WSP at the heart of delivering a sustainable, prosperous and resilient society, bringing lower total ownership costs and peace of mind to clients. Beyond helping clients achieve sustainability and environmental compliance objectives, WSP sets its own ambitious ESG and performance targets. The company has a Science-Based Targets initiative-approved net-zero target in place; aims to source 50% renewable electricity by 2024; and is committed to increasing the representation of women and under-represented groups in its workforce by 5% year-over-year from 2022 to 2024. SSH WSP IN THE MIDDLE EAST Yashin Maharaj, MEP Technical Director Naji Zerbe, Director of Building Services SSH delivers architectural and engineering consultancy services throughout the MEA region. In the past 12 months, SSH embarked on a transformative journey redefining its operational strategies and client engagement approaches amidst volatile market conditions across the Middle East. The company embraced a culture of continuous learning and innovation and made strategic investments in talent development and operational flexibility during this period. This proactive approach helped SSH mitigate immediate risks and positioned the company as a leader in agile project delivery. The technology strategy for SSH is cloud-first. The organisational culture has enabled the company to be at the forefront of digital transformation and accelerate design and project delivery. SSH investigates cutting-edge technology tools and applications such as reality capture and AI-powered 3D imaging software, to fully document jobsites, capture the images needed to visualise progress, reduce risk, and solve problems. Utilising design tools such as design collaboration, model coordination, and cloud work- sharing capabilities has enabled the company to break down silos and connect design teams across different countries. In 2024, SSH aims to strengthen its position in the UAE and KSA, increase market penetration in Egypt and explore opportunities in Africa and other emerging markets.www.mepmiddleeast.com 36 MEP Middle East | May 2024 MODULAR CONSTRUCTION With streamlined delivery and greater quality control being prime drivers, the modular construction segment has rapidly matured FROM FRINGE TO FUNDAMENTAL: THE GROWING ROLE OF MODULAR MEP IN MIDDLE EAST CONSTRUCTION By Abdullah Shah, Modular Manager, ALEMCO As the Middle East construction industry accelerates confidently towards ever greater degrees of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, new paradigms are emerging and rapidly growing in popularity. The region’s ambitious mega and gigaprojects are not only transforming skylines and landscapes but are also advancing the sector through their eagerness to utilise the very latest technologies and methodologies. Prime among these has been modular MEP, a form of modern method of construction, where you can achieve up to 90% of installation offsite. RIGHT HERE, AND RIGHT NOW Remote locations, demands for uncompromising levels of quality and sustainability, a digital-first mindset, and tight timelines have converged to create the perfect opportunity for modular MEP to shine. Of course, modular construction isn’t itself a modern concept. Dating back several decades, this paradigm has evolved slowly on the sidelines, having suffered its share of setbacks due to perceptions set by early- stage efforts where the focus was placed on cost-cutting above all else. Today, the tide has turned, and with streamlined delivery and greater quality control being prime drivers, the segment has rapidly matured. Given the inherent intricacy, complexity, and interconnectedness of the components involved in modern MEP deployments, this segment stands uniquely positioned to reap significant advantages from the modular approach. Prefabricating MEP units offsite allows for precise assembly and testing in controlled environments, mitigating on-site risks and errors. With repeatability lying at the heart of the approach, economies of scale rapidly come into effect, yielding both time and cost savings. Repeatable processes MODULAR CONSTRUCTION www.mepmiddleeast.com May 2024 | MEP Middle East 37 “Prefabricating MEP units offsite allows for precise assembly and testing in controlled environments, mitigating on- site risks and errors” Modular units can take much of the complexity of on-site construction out of the equation Abdullah Shah, Modular Manager, ALEMCO greatest results when applied to projects that align with its inherent strengths and characteristics. Projects best served by modular MEP include high-rise towers, commercial buildings, hotels, and modular volumetric houses. These projects typically exhibit a degree of consistency in design and layout, allowing for the implementation of repeatability—a cornerstone of modular construction. Furthermore, segments such as vertical distribution, horizontal distribution, and plant areas lend themselves well to the modular approach, facilitating streamlined fabrication and assembly processes. Just as such applications are perfect candidates for the modular paradigm, there are many instances in which traditional approaches will continue to be the preferred route. Developments characterised by significant deviations from one floor to the next may present challenges in modular implementation, as the standardised nature of modular construction may not accommodate such variability effectively. A HEALTHY MIX The growing adoption of modular MEP in the Middle East will usher in a new era of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Its ability to streamline processes, enhance quality, and optimise resource utilisation makes it a compelling choice. However, while modular MEP offers significant advantages, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Rather, the best path forward is embracing a hybrid approach, where modular and traditional paradigms are leveraged to their individual strengths. This will require working with partners who are unencumbered by vested interests in either methodology and can, therefore, set their clients’ best interests as their north star. What follows will be a ‘best of both worlds’ approach, where highly tailored solutions are deployed to suit the unique requirements of each project. in precisely controlled environments lend themselves perfectly to optimising material utilisation and thus supporting sustainability objectives. Waste management practices are also far easier to streamline at a purpose-built factory. On-site, the modular approach has further advantages to offer. MEP systems often require complex coordination and integration with architectural and structural elements. With their potential ‘plug-and-play’ ability, modular units can take much of the complexity of on-site construction out of the equation. With so many benefits to be had, it would seem that the industry is poised for a modular MEP renaissance— but in reality, there are nuances to navigate. THE PATH FROM FRINGE TO FUNDAMENTAL Before modular MEP truly goes mainstream, several factors will need to be addressed. Foremost among these will be a fundamental shift in the mindset of the industry. As with any departure from set precedents, this shift will be predicated on an openness to new approaches and a willingness to challenge existing norms. Within the Middle East, the region’s gigaprojects play to the advantage of advocates of the paradigm. These landmark undertakings realise that with the eyes of the world firmly fixed upon them, they have the potential to inspire awe, not only at project unveiling but through their well-documented construction stages. They are actively championing pioneering approaches, and being prime among these, modular MEP has an unmissable opportunity to cross the chasm from fringe to fundamental. There is risk, however, and the eagerness to embrace this approach should be tempered with a healthy dose of understanding around how current ways of working must adapt if modular is to yield success. Most critically, it will require a departure from the tendency to make changes once designs have been finalised. This is disruptive even to the traditional MEP deployments, and its negative impact is amplified when modular is involved. After all, the benefits of the latter approach hinge on repeatability, which is only possible when designs are fixed. Additionally, stakeholders must recognise that certain products may need to be reevaluated for suitability in modular MEP. We often see materials and components being specified that, while suitable for traditional on-site works, are not the best fit for offsite fabrication methods. NO SILVER BULLET Far from being the all-encompassing solution to every ambition, modular MEP is another tool in the arsenal. It will yield the www.mepmiddleeast.com 38 MEP Middle East | May 2024 MODULAR CONSTRUCTION Currently, none of the main stakeholders have incentives to adopt modular construction on their own, according to Bain & Company SCALING CHALLENGES IMPEDE WIDER ADOPTION OF MODULAR CONSTRUCTION The benefits of off-site modular construction or industrial design and construction (IDC), especially in large greenfield projects such as those in the Middle East, are clear and their adoption is on the rise, according to a new analysis by Bain & Company titled ‘Breaking New Ground: The Efficiency Gains of Industrialised Design and Construction.’ IDC can save as much as 20% in labour and material costs, reduce the need for on- site labour by up to 30%, and condense construction time by 20% to 50%. Other benefits include designs that focus more on residents’ needs, better quality of construction, and full adherence to design specifications due to the more controlled production environment. Modular construction can also be more sustainable, as efficient processes generate less waste and fewer emissions, and improved designs use less material and may be more recyclable. This transition will shift profit pools, benefiting some industry players more than others. Real estate developers could see higher margins due to better-executed MODULAR CONSTRUCTION projects, but they could also face pricing pressure as risk levels drop. CHALLENGES TO SCALE The industry’s fragmented nature among investors, architects, manufacturers, and construction companies has slowed adoption. To encourage IDC adoption, industry players will need to work together and share transitional costs in the interest of generating better returns on investments in the long run. None of the main stakeholders have incentives to adopt modular construction on their own. But through shared MODULAR CONSTRUCTION www.mepmiddleeast.com May 2024 | MEP Middle East 39 Real estate developers are in a strong position to shape demand for modular construction Dr Houssem Jemili, Global Leader of the IDC service line, Construction, Building Products, Real Estate and B2B Services sector, Bain & Company Karim Shariff, Head of Construction, Building Products, Real Estate and B2B Services sector – EMEA, Bain & Company action, the industry can move in this direction. Designers and manufacturers can prepare for these shifts by investing in digital capabilities, while the construction workforce skills up in assembly techniques. Designers will need to work closely with manufacturers to better understand their production systems, and with construction companies further downstream, to develop expertise in assembly. Dr Houssem Jemili, Global Leader of the IDC service line within Bain & Company’s Construction, Building Products, Real Estate and B2B Services sector, explains: “The transition to modular construction will require three key prerequisites: clarity on the most adequate building technologies to the asset class mix, adjustments to the developers’ operating models, and finally, upgrade to the capabilities that may not be available locally. Builders will need to ensure tighter coordination between design, procurement and delivery functions as well as developing IDC awareness and skillsets across all layers of the organisation.” POSITIONING FOR SUCCESS While different industry segments will need to cooperate to increase adoption, each organisation will need to act to ensure its success, depending on its position in the value chain. Karim Shariff, Bain & Company’s EMEA Head of Construction, Building Products, Real Estate and B2B Services sector explains: “Real estate developers are in a strong position to shape demand for modular construction, more than most other industry players. A long-term focus on higher returns could help many real estate firms weather a period of higher investments, as the industry climbs the experience curve.” Architects and designers will need to skill up in digital design, so that they can produce plans for fully engineered products and modules. Manufacturers have a rare opportunity to rethink completely how they construct buildings and their components. Innovations are likely to set new standards, and those who set them will be poised to capture a greater share of the profit pool. Construction companies will expand their business beyond on-site construction, moving increasingly into off-site assembly and even manufacturing. With the growth of prefabrication, the boundary between the builders and the manufacturers will blur further, and scale will matter more, leading to a consolidation of companies. Next >