ASHRAE Guideline 0-2005 talks about Cx in broad, general terms and is applicable to both HVAC as well as Building Enclosure Cx. It provides a detailed list of all the activities performed at each stage and explains the roles and responsibilities of the BECxA in every phase.
ASHRAE GUIDELINE 0 2005 FOR FREE
NIBS guideline 3, available for free online National Institute of Building Sciences = NIBS lays out the full scope of BECx across all phases of a project, starting from early design (Schematic Design or perhaps even Predesign) to end of construction and then into the occupancy phase. LEED v4 has really cast a spotlight on Enclosure Commissioning or ‘BECx’. But what is “Enclosure Commissioning” or “Envelope Commissioning,” and what about LEED Envelope Commissioning? Its scope is vast and skills and knowledge required are pretty intensive as well. Most of us have heard of Commissioning (Cx) as it deals with HVAC equipment and digital controls. Any Cx provider worth his salt can bring a better outcome if hired early in design phase.What is Envelope Commissioning or Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx)? Hire me in design phase, and the outcomes for everyone end up better. While I strive to deliver the Owners desired outcomes, I am constrained by the terms of the contract, just as everyone else. That sort of situation never results in an ideal outcome, and often damages inter-project team relationships to further detriment to the final outcomes. The problem for me comes when I identify a disparity in the design, and the Owner has to decide whether to spend the money to fix it, and possibly affect schedule in a detrimental manner.
There are a number of causes for it, not all apply to every project. There is often a separation between the Owner's stated goals and what is delivered by the design team. Some Cx specs used by the architects are good, others are so poor, the Owner often has to approve an add change to get basic Cx services executed by the Contractor.ī. In that scenario, I'm often contracted after the specs are written and the job is let. It limits my effectiveness in supporting the Owner's desired outcomes for a couple of reasons:Ī. The choice is simple.Īs someone who applies the US version, I have two questions and then a comment:ġ) How is the Cx provider hired in the UK? Through the architect? The installing contractor? Contractual relationships matter regarding the degree of independence of the Cx provider.ĭoes the Cx provider contribute during design phase?Ģ) I apply the US version of Cx in design phase as well as construction phase, but 70% of my contracts have me only working in construction phase.
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While the role of the Cxing manager, as per the UK system, is indeed a critical part of the process, the role of the CxA fully represents the owner’s long-term interests and results on a better functioning building in the long run. Final tuning and testing of the MEP systems with the occupants in the facility is crucial. The building envelope is first and the MEP systems are second). Once the occupants move into the facility, the final step of the process has to be completed (The occupants are the third system. Without getting into the in depth duties of the CxA through all the phases of Cxing, one can see the US system looks at the entire building life cycle and will continue to work with the owner to optimize the systems the best possible way with little cost impact, if possible. The Cxing manager adheres to the contract though construction to hand over only with little regard for the owner’s best interest.
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The CxA looks at the project holistically from pre-design to occupancy and has the owner’s interests to adhere to and protect. The Cxing Manager is a part of the design/construction team. The Cxing Manager (UK) ensures the contract documents are adhered to through the construction phase of the project to turn over only and is not a third party. The CxA is an independent 3rd party from the project design/construction team. The Cxing Authority (USA) documents the process to ensure the owner is receiving the design he was involved in and agreed to from pre-design to occupancy and represents the owner interests. It includes the setting to work of an installation, the regulation of the system, and the fine-tuning of the system.
ASHRAE GUIDELINE 0 2005 CODE
The process focuses upon verifying and documenting that the facility and all of its systems and assemblies are planned, designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained to meet the owner’s project requirements.ĬIBSE Code M - The advancement of an installation from the state of static completion to full working order to the specified requirements. The differences between the two commissioning processes as vast as the ocean that lies between their countries of origin: the USA and the UK.ĪSHRAE guideline-0 2005 - A quality-focused process for enhancing the delivery of a project.