.png?width=185&height=175&name=WGI%20Icon_Green%20(1).png)
Have you ever moved into a brand new residence or office space, only to find that you don't have hot water, or the HVAC system is unable to properly keep your space cool? Sadly, this is a common burden sometimes for tenants, as well as the owners of newly constructed buildings.
This is where a commissioning authority or commissioning agent (CxA) comes into play. Commissioning (Cx) is the process of planning, documenting, testing, adjusting and verifying, that a building's systems will functionally operate per the design's intent and project requirements before the buildings are occupied.
University House is a 19-story student housing development in Austin, Texas. WGI provided MEP engineering services on this project, which earned LEED Silver Certification.[/caption]
As designers, WGI cares about ensuring your original design intent becomes reality through occupancy. One of the ways we are doing this is through Commissioning. This is where we provide a 3rd party review of another MEP firm's design and are onsite during the entire construction process to ensure that the original design is properly implemented. We essentially act as an owner's rep specifically for the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing elements of the project, helping safeguard that the owner's desires and MEP-specific project requirements are being met at all stages.
We can also provide this service for our own designs, as long as the commissioning authority (CxA) is a disinterested party. Scope of services includes the following systems: Heating and Cooling Systems, Airside Distribution, HVAC Controls, Lighting, and Domestic Hot Water.
[caption id="attachment_68706" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
MoPac Centre contains over 95,000 sf of multi-tenant Class "A" office space. WGI provided design, construction administration, energy modeling and LEED Consulting services on this LEED Certified project.[/caption]
Benefits of Commissioning:
Ensures the finished product will meet the owner's design intent- Identifies issues or potential problems in the design stage
- Helps maintain the construction budget by reducing change orders & having fewer cost overruns
- Shortens the duration of the project by reducing or eliminating project delays
- Reduces the potential for future insurance claims
- Provides long-term client and tenant satisfaction
University House is a 19-story student housing development in Austin, Texas. WGI provided MEP engineering services on this project, which earned LEED Silver Certification.[/caption]
As designers, WGI cares about ensuring your original design intent becomes reality through occupancy. One of the ways we are doing this is through Commissioning. This is where we provide a 3rd party review of another MEP firm's design and are onsite during the entire construction process to ensure that the original design is properly implemented. We essentially act as an owner's rep specifically for the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing elements of the project, helping safeguard that the owner's desires and MEP-specific project requirements are being met at all stages.
We can also provide this service for our own designs, as long as the commissioning authority (CxA) is a disinterested party. Scope of services includes the following systems: Heating and Cooling Systems, Airside Distribution, HVAC Controls, Lighting, and Domestic Hot Water.
[caption id="attachment_68706" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
MoPac Centre contains over 95,000 sf of multi-tenant Class "A" office space. WGI provided design, construction administration, energy modeling and LEED Consulting services on this LEED Certified project.[/caption]
What exactly does the Cx process involve?
Your CxA will identify, document, and problem solve any MEP issues that may arise during construction and startup, to ensure that turnover to occupancy goes as smoothly as possible. Some of the major deliverables and tasks we provide are:- Review of Owner's Project Requirements and Basis of Design
- Prepare Commissioning Plan
- Monitor Construction/Equipment Install Visit
- Review Testing Reports
- Prepare and Perform Pre-Functional Checklists
- Prepare Functional Performance
- Onsite Testing
- Prepare Preliminary Commissioning Report
- Prepare Final Commissioning Report
- Coordinate/Review O&M Manuals