We approach MEP design with a mindset of collaboration, flexibility and fresh thinking. The SCC team includes experienced MEP design engineers, low carbon consultants and skilled BIM technicians, who work together to integrate low carbon and renewable energy systems with building services systems on projects of all sizes.

The core focus of the practice is to establish, develop and implement the most viable low-energy systems through an analytical and flexible process, supporting and complementing the architect’s design.

Our involvement as MEP engineers in projects allows us to integrate strong energy and sustainability strategies into the building design in a robust and cost-effective manner.

We use a range of software including Revit and MEPWorx to provide bespoke, coordinated designs that strictly follow our quality processes, certified to ISO 9001.

Commissioning management is an essential step in the installation of MEP building services. The role ensures that commissioning works are managed correctly and performed to a high standard, as well as ensuring that the project is handed over on time and in accordance with MEP design intent.

This process considers areas such as commissionability, installation progress, maintainability, witnessing, handover documentation review and client training recommendations.

The commissioning manager will oversee the works of the MEP commissioning engineers and be integral in the coordination of the whole commissioning process. The commissioning manager is necessary for the MEP systems to perform efficiently, correctly, comfortably and as the designer intended.

SCC offers commissioning management services as described in CIBSE Code M, undertaken by our in-house team of managers who are recognised by Membership of the Commissioning Specialists Association (CSA). 

MEP Condition Surveys and Reports are used to identify MEP services in a building, their current condition and if they are due for replacement. Our reports include:

• Comments on the current services and their effectiveness

• comparison of the installations against CIBSE Life Expectancy and typical replacement requirements

• Identify any areas of corrosion or failure/malfunction

• Comment on the size of plant and if it is suitable for the building use

• Review MEP certificates and maintenance logs

• Provide photographic evidence

• Budget costs for replacement based on our findings

• Summary of key issues

• Identify any key concerns or safety issues with current installation

A post-occupancy evaluation (POE) is a systematic assessment conducted after a building or a space has been occupied and used. It involves evaluating the performance, functionality, and user satisfaction of the space. The primary goal of a POE is to gather feedback and data on how well the building or space meets the needs and expectations of its occupants.

A post-occupancy evaluation typically involves a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to assess various aspects of the space. This may include surveys, interviews, observations, and analysis of data such as energy consumption, indoor air quality, or user behaviour.

Our key objectives of a post-occupancy evaluation include,

Performance assessment: Evaluate how well the building or space performs in terms of functionality, comfort, and efficiency. This includes aspects such as lighting and thermal comfort.

User satisfaction: We gather feedback from occupants to understand their level of satisfaction with the space. This can help identify areas of improvement or issues that need to be addressed such as heating and cooling temperatures and time controls.

Feedback for future projects: We learn from the experiences and lessons of the current project to inform the design and construction of future buildings or spaces.

Validation of design intent: This allows us to assess whether the original design objectives and goals have been achieved in practice. This can help architects, designers, and facility managers understand the effectiveness of their design decisions.

Overall, a post-occupancy evaluation provides valuable insights into how a building or space is functioning and meeting the needs of its occupants. It helps bridge the gap between design intentions and actual performance, enabling improvements in future projects and enhancing user satisfaction. 

The goal of an energy audit is to identify areas where energy is being wasted and recommend measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs. During an energy audit we typically conduct a comprehensive assessment of the building's energy use through a variety of activities, including:

Gathering information: We collect data on energy consumption patterns, such as utility bills and historical energy usage, as well as information about the building's construction, equipment, and operations.

Visual inspection: We examine the building's physical characteristics, including insulation levels, windows, doors, lighting systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and other energy-consuming equipment.

Measurement and monitoring: We measure energy use through our specialist equipment, such as power meters, data loggers, and thermal imaging cameras. These measurements help identify areas of high energy consumption and potential energy losses.

Recommendations: Based on the findings, we can provide a detailed report that includes specific recommendations for improving energy efficiency. These recommendations may involve upgrading equipment, improving insulation, optimizing HVAC systems, implementing lighting retrofits, or adopting renewable energy technologies.

The energy audit report often includes information on the potential energy and cost savings associated with each recommendation, as well as the estimated payback period for implementing the proposed energy efficiency measures.

By conducting an energy audit and implementing the recommended measures, businesses, and organisations can reduce their energy consumption, lower energy costs, and minimise their environmental impact.