Building Services Engineering- Things You Should Know About It

Engineering is a high-paying, high-demand field made up of many disciplines. Of these, Building Services Engineering is a subgroup that includes the components and systems you find within a building. If you enjoy solving problems and understanding how buildings work, you might be successful in this career. In this article, we will describe building services engineering and what this job entails.

What is Building Services Engineering?

Building services engineering is the design, development, installation, and maintenance of comfort and convenience systems in buildings. It includes any system or equipment within the building that makes that space comfortable and safe. Building services help create spaces where people can live and work while having as little impact on the environment as possible. Building services systems include:

• Natural Gas, Electricity and Other Energy
• Heating and Air Conditioning
• Water, sewage, sewage, and pipes
• Light
• Escalators and Elevators
• breathe
• Air purification
• Cool down
• Internet and phone lines
• Protection System
• Fire and carbon monoxide detection
• Acoustics

Architectural services also fall under other titles, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, construction, building engineering, and technical building services.

What does a building services engineer do?

Building services engineers design and install all work components within a building, from lighting to plumbing. They typically work in commercial buildings and projects such as schools, offices, hospitals, laboratories, stadiums, arenas, and retail centers, as well as residential developments. Building services engineers combine their creativity, problem-solving, and engineering skills to come up with innovative and environmentally friendly interior system designs.

Some building services engineers are self-employed and work on a consulting or contract basis, while others are employed full-time by employers, such as:

• Facility Management Company
• Property Group
• Government Agency
• Research Or Educational Institution
• Engineering Design Consulting
• Construction Company
• Building Contractor
• Construction Equipment Manufacturer
• Hospital
• Manufacturing Plant
• Utility Company

Building services engineers must have strong communication skills and work well in teams as they work with a variety of professionals, including architects, contractors, plumbers, electricians, surveyors, other engineers, and construction workers. They must also have good computer and technical skills, as modern building services engineering relies heavily on computer-aided design and other drafting and modeling software.

Typical responsibilities of a building services engineer include:

• Consult with builders and clients about their needs and budgets
• Visit a construction site
• Contract negotiation
• Design unique systems for each individual building
• Arrangement of power supply, ducts, ventilation systems, etc.
• Choose the right building material
• Create plans, drawings, and diagrams using CAD and modeling software
• Install or supervise the installation of building elements
• Test systems to ensure they are working properly and make necessary adjustments
• Maintain, repair, and replace systems as needed
• Create cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions for buildings
• Ensure all systems and equipment meet health, safety, and environmental standards
• Write reports and give presentations.
• Research new technologies and systems.

Building services engineers must consider human health and safety, sustainability, and cost in everything they do. As laws and regulations increasingly demand energy-efficient or energy-free buildings, more building services engineers are focusing on green and sustainable features such as daylight-controlled lighting systems, water-saving fixtures, low-carbon technologies, and occupancy sensors. Some building services engineers specialize in sustainable or renewable energy. Other majors include:

Public health, including plumbing, sewage, water supply, sewerage, sewerage, indoor air quality, and sanitation technology.

Electrical engineering, including switchboards, communication lines, lighting, automation, fire, and alarm systems.

Facade Architecture, including the appearance, materials, and energy-efficiency features of a building’s façade or facade that affect comfort and sustainability within a building.

Mechanical engineering, including electricity, gas, and other energy sources, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, escalators, and elevators.

Building services engineers typically work during regular business hours but may need to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines and complete projects on time. Therefore, they must be flexible, have good time management skills, and be able to solve problems quickly and efficiently.

How to Become a Building Services Engineer?

Building services engineers typically require a bachelor’s degree and sometimes a master’s degree, as well as training, to enter the profession. If you’re considering this career, follow these steps:

1. Identify your strengths

Building services engineers are usually specialists in mathematics, physics, and computer science. They may have good mechanical skills and enjoy problem-solving.

2. Earn a bachelor’s degree

Almost all building services engineers have a bachelor’s degree in building services engineering or a similar field, such as mechanical or electrical engineering. These courses typically take three to four years to complete and include courses in sustainability, HVAC systems, motion engineering, thermal fluids, refrigeration, electrical services, and more.

3. Gain experience

Entry-level work experience in the industry can prepare building services engineers for career advancement. This can include internships during college, or working as a heating technician, electrician, or mechanic between semesters or after graduation.

4. Consider getting a master’s degree

Although not required, building services engineers can expand their skills and knowledge as well as their job options by earning a master’s degree in building services, mechanical or electrical engineering. These programs typically take 18 months to two years to complete.

5. Search for licenses

Some cities and states require building services engineers to obtain a license to work on equipment such as air conditioning units or electrical systems. Getting a license usually requires paying a fee and passing an exam.

6. Get a certificate

To demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and dedication to the industry, some building services engineers choose to earn certifications such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, BRE Environmental Assessment Methodology, Low Carbon Consultant, or Low Carbon Energy Consultant. Although these degrees are not required, they can make engineers more attractive to employers.

After earning a degree and gaining basic training through internships and part-time jobs, you can apply for construction services engineer positions in contracting firms, real estate firms, construction companies, and more.