Page 14 - CSA INDEX - Spring Summer 2021

to explain this to other built environment professionals. In 2020, there is still too much variability and inconsistency in
front-end work relating to Building Services – and this causes
Only use the term M & E to explain why the term M & E should unnecessary problems in the subsequent stages of projects.
not be used.
The terms Mechanical and Electrical or M & E should not appear
in any of the outputs that you create.

Main contractors:

Your projects are only ever going to be as good as the Building
Services sub-contractors and suppliers that you enter into
contract with.

When all the people you employ think Building Services instead
of M & E, you will get better project outcomes.

For each project,
you need to clearly
define the Building
Services work scope
in accordance with
the NRM and develop
a detailed shared,
understanding of this
work scope with your
Building Services
partners.

Client organisations: You should only work with Building Services specialists that think
in terms of the NRM.
The success of your construction projects, and the ability for your
buildings to do what you need them to do, is entirely dependent Facilities management companies:
on the correct execution of Building Services works.
Building Services bring your buildings to life. They are also the principal
When appointing any construction project delivery team or cause of failures and performance problems in your buildings.
facilities management provider, demand that they define in
detail how they are Make sure that all of your management, operation and
going to use the NRM maintenance work for Building Services is configured using
classification structure tools that use NRM terminology, such as the SFG20 Standard
for Building Services Maintenance Specification for Building Services.
to plan, monitor and
control this crucially Do not form relationships with suppliers and sub-contractors that
important work scope think in terms of M & E.
– on a system-by-
system basis.
If anyone uses the
term M & E, show
them the door.

Cost consultants and other front-end project professionals:

The work that you do
at the pre-design and
concept-design stages
of a project is key to its
ultimate success.

Your work breakdown
structures, programmes,
cost plans and other
project documents need
to create the conditions for
success by using the NRM
classification structure for
Building Services.