Inimtehnika

Inimtehnika is an engineering field focused on the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the internal systems that support building function and occupant safety. In Estonia, the term is commonly used to refer to what is called building services engineering, or MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) engineering, in other countries. Core concerns include heating, ventilation and air conditioning, energy supply and management, electrical power and lighting, fire protection, water and sanitation, building automation, acoustics, indoor air quality, and ICT networks inside buildings.

Practitioners plan and integrate these systems with architectural design, perform load calculations, select equipment, and oversee installation, testing, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance. Common specializations include HVAC engineering, electrical services, plumbing and sanitation, fire protection, and energy efficiency consulting. Collaboration with architects, structural engineers, and contractors is central.

Education typically comes from civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering programs with a building services or inimtehnika specialization. Graduates work as building services engineers, MEP engineers, facilities managers, energy consultants, or BIM coordinators.

Practice follows national and international standards for safety, energy performance, and reliability. Current trends emphasize energy efficiency, sustainable design, and smart-building technologies, including building information modeling, automation, and integration of renewables and indoor environmental quality.