Construction and improvements take place throughout the world and the year. Different sets of teams and professionals combine to perform tasks and projects that result in a masterpiece of a project. When it comes construction of buildings such as commercial buildings like shopping malls, retail stores, and offices, there are more things to look out for than mere a gray structure. At the time of planning, development, and designing such complex and highly critical places require a key factor at their disposal, an MEP system plan. MEP is highly critical, valuable, and necessary for any complex building or a place of high public interest.
Saudi Arabia has seen its fair share of economic rise, development, and tourism incoming in recent times. And there is little doubt that the country knows how to keep on the pace of this new road to development with high-standard products. MEP is widely practiced and performed in the Kingdom by professional companies such as Silver Foundation. These companies perform complex and professional tasks within a strict timeline with ease. However, they do have to meet strict Saudi Arabian protocols, requirements, and regulations when it comes to MEP planning, designing, and implementing the system. So here’s our take on what you need to know when it comes to MEP and HVAC in particular in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Building Code or SBC
Every country in the world follows a standardized system for different types of work within its boundaries. While some of the standards are incorporated from global regulations and rules defined, often a country can introduce its rules and regulations based on global standards with a few improvements. The purpose of providing an improved set of regulations and requirements is due to a country’s infrastructure and environment that forces certain considerations to be kept. Hence, like in many countries, Saudi Arabia has its set of standards, regulations, and codes that must be abided by when it comes to HVAC regulations and requirements. Some of these codes are:
- Saudi Construction Codes (SBC 301-306)
- Saudi Energy Codes (SBC 601-602)
- The Saudi Green Construction Code (SBC 1001)
- The Saudi Fire Protection Code (SBC 801)
- The Saudi Existing Building Code (SBC 901)
- Saudi Sanitary Codes (SBC 701-702)
Foundation of MEP Standards in Saudi Arabia
The foundation of standards is based on certain codes and regulations that guide them. In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Building Code authorizes and directs different regulations regarding MEP. MEP is highly critical for construction projects and with construction projects increasing significantly in Saudi Arabia, there is a wide requirement for MEP applications. Saudi Arabia promotes and requires improved and innovative MEP systems practices established for which it provides codes and guidelines. This is an attempt to ensure the Kingdom’s vision towards a prosperous, green, safe, and reliable neighborhood within its boundaries. For this, there are different types of strict, law-abiding, and significant measures being taken especially in the field of construction. And you will find them significantly in the MEP systems. Here’s an overview of different kinds of requirements in an MEP system.
HVAC Regulations
HVAC is considered one of the backbone sub-systems of an MEP system. An MEP system is divided into smaller sub-systems that combine to form a bigger system known as the MEP. HVAC is the sub-system that is one of the pillars of the mechanical branch of an MEP system. HVAC stands for heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning and is the basic and foremost requirement of any complex building. The need for an HVAC system is to ensure that air quality inside any building is met with standards and there is an efficient circulation of air within the building.
The Need
When it comes to SBC, requirement from an HVAC system is that it adheres to energy efficiency. This is since there are high temperatures across the country, maintaining an ambient temperature and atmosphere inside a building is key. To achieve this, a considerable amount of energy is required. By following the regulations, an energy-efficient method must be adopted to conserve energy. Similarly, fine climate control system must be implemented within the building to meet the same needs. All of this is essential while keeping climate of the country in check.
Electrical Regulations
For any building, finely laid electrical wiring and network are essential for safety. Building safety is highly critical and electrical wiring systems contribute significantly to a building’s safety. In addition, the electrical system comprises many factors such as power distribution, power boxes, electrical wiring networks, and electrical equipment installation. When all such factors are considered and performed as per planned, they exhibit a fine electrical system. Everything within an electrical system must be up to the standards of the SBC’s rules, regulations, and requirements.
The Need
Electrical wiring and other electrical installations pose a threat to safety if not installed properly. For this, it is imperative that electrical equipment, wiring, and network installation are up to the mark without any room for safety loopholes. Power distribution must be kept by the laws and standards and energy consumption standards must be met for minimal energy consumption and high energy conservation. In short, safety must be considered significantly when planning and installing an electrical system.
Plumbing and Water Regulations
The third system in an MEP system is the Plumbing system. Plumbing systems are highly effective, essential, and substantial when it comes to a building’s construction. It is because for any building, water propagation and transmission are necessary but it will be of no use if there is water dispersion, loss, and seepage within the system. Water propagation systems need to be highly effective, efficient, and foolproof to fulfill the purpose. If not, there will be problems that may be worse than they may look in the first instance. To combat these scenarios beforehand, you must follow the SBC’s code regarding plumbing and water regulations.
The Need
As per the SBC’s code regulations, water conservation must be kept in remembrance when planning and designing an MEP system. Quality control and efficient waste management protocols must be adhered to in every aspect of plumbing system design.
"Conclusion"
“Understanding Saudi Arabia’s codes and regulations regarding construction works is key, difficult, and imperative in every respect. For this, any contractor, stakeholder, and landlord must have a sound and profound knowledge of the codes and regulations. Silver Foundation and other top MEP contractors and firms follow these codes and regulations to the full and in every inch. “
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MEP?
MEP refers to Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing and is a core aspect of construction projects.
What is the most important sub-system of an MEP system?
The mechanical system is the most important sub-system of an MEP system.
Which service comprises the major chunk of the mechanical sub-system?
HVAC is the primary service of the mechanical sub-system.
Which authority described the regulations and laws for construction projects in KSA?
The Saudi Building Code defines the laws, codes, and regulations regarding construction in KSA.
How many codes are available by the SBC regarding construction?
There are six codes available regarding construction, namely:
- Saudi Construction Codes (SBC 301-306)
- Saudi Energy Codes (SBC 601-602)
- The Saudi Green Construction Code (SBC 1001)
- The Saudi Fire Protection Code (SBC 801)
- The Saudi Existing Building Code (SBC 901)
- Saudi Sanitary Codes (SBC 701-702)