Preconditions for the use of simulation in M&E engineering

This paper reviews the current situation in M&E (services) engineering in the United Kingdom considering the use of simulation in the building design and engineering process. It maps out the different forces that currently act on the deployment of simulation tools in building services design and optimisation. Surveys and in-depth interviews have been used to investigate the factors (key value drivers) that influence the application of simulation technology. The results have been used to develop a deployment/non-deployment flowchart for the use of simulation tools in the building design and engineering process.
The flowchart developed in this paper identifies a set of barriers to the use of simulation in daily, general M&E practice that needs to be addressed. Interestingly many of these barriers lie outside the realm of tool development/software engineering. However, if simulation is to really go mainstream in building design, research and development work is needed that creates the right preconditions for the expert consultant to employ this technology. This requires interdisclinary research that blends ongoing technological efforts in the field of building simulation R&D with design process management.