An Introduction to blockchain in building services: a literature review

Abstract

Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) systems often comprise a significant part of the construction project. These are complex systems with high stakeholder involvement, a lengthy lifecycle, and high financial cost. Due to this nature, MEP systems have complex procurement and management requirements which create uphill of challenges such as lack of transparency, instantaneous changes in designs, lack of trust, incompatibility of designs and specifications, lack of coordination, miscommunication, lack of security, traceability and confidentiality etc. This paper presents an analysis of how Blockchain technology can be used to address the issues arising from the procurement and management (P&M) of MEP systems. A literature review approach was used to identify issues in P&M of MEP systems that could benefit from the implementation of Blockchain technology. P&M phases of MEP systems is based on RIBA (2020). The literature review was carried out using articles in ScienceDirect that appeared in the context of MEP and Blockchain-related terms such as "Blockchain and MEP", and “Blockchain and building services practices". Forty papers were studied to gain insight into the issues, features of Blockchain technology and to explore how these features can provide possible solutions to the identified issues. In conclusion, this paper established that Blockchain technology can be used as a solution for the issues associated with each stage of the P&M of MEP systems.