Optimising MEP systems adds value

VE Solutions founder Arkady Siterman and director of development Eugene Siterman.

Value engineering stands to play a critical role in getting developers to relook at shelved projects by offering significant cost savings and energy reduction.

Value Engineering
VE Solutions founder Arkady Siterman and director of development Eugene Siterman attended Cityscape 2009. The New York based company was established in the UAE in 2008.

The company aims to correct the general misunderstanding around the concept of ‘value engineering’. “We feel the definition has been misunderstood. The first thing one thinks of is a cost-cutting exercise, but this is exactly what it is not.

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Our definition – which applies not only to MEP but any form of value engineering – is the art of applying engineering principles to achieve utmost value with the least possible resources,” explains Eugene.

Savings
Arkady comments that the total project savings are significant: “What we have seen on all projects is that a 10% to 15% cost saving and a 20 % to 25% energy reduction can be effected in terms of value engineering.”

The biggest scope lies in oversized systems, which present problems in terms of consolidation of equipment and inefficient layout of engineering communications.

Such systems have often not been designed in accordance with the prevailing climatic and market conditions.

“When a system is oversized, you cannot control the humidity level effectively,” explains Arkady. This impacts MEP and architectural and structural aspects as well.
 

“Oversized systems require more space for mechanical equipment, and more space in the ceiling for ductwork and pi-ping. It impacts on everything.”

Eugene acknowledges that, “in a perfect world, there would be no need for value engineers. Having us as part of the team keeps them on their toes. It is a positive impact.

We are not here to criticise and say you did it wrong. We are not trying to supplant the professional team. We complete the circle, integrating the established design process with cost management.