OVERVIEW History of commissioning at WMU What we wanted to accomplish Our 5 best practices in building commissioning Lessons learned along the way

Why We Started Commissioning 1970’s oil embargo era 1980’s economic recession No $ for deferred maintenance Energy reduction initiatives drove decisions Equipment modifications

History and Evolution 1996, Building Performance Team “Mission Statement” The Building performance team is a highly skilled group of service technicians working toward optimum building environmental performance with an emphasis on occupant comfort and energy efficiency. The team works in co-operation with building occupants, management, engineering, and maintenance services. Our aims are to upgrade building documentation and to survey, diagnose, and address building comfort deficiencies within the facilities budget and existing mechanical design parameters.

What the BPT Did Re-commissioning 26 Buildings Update documentation

Are New Buildings Problem Free?

Making Old Ideas Work for New Project Commissioning Focus on design intent Restructure building performance team More co-operation, less confrontation

College of Engineering The Commissioning Plan Build a team Maintenance Services/Operations & Capital Construction partnership Create a plan that states the commissioning intentions Get rolling!

Build a Leadership Team OPERATIONS/ MAINTENANCE SERVICES Energy Systems Specialist Commissioning Coordinator Area Maintenance Supervisor CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION/ CAMPUS PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT Project Manager Construction Manager Project Engineer

Scope of Commissioning What We Wanted to Accomplish Equipment properly installed and operational Equipment must be serviceable Verify shop and submittal documentation Ensure adequate training Functional testing performed Identify deviations from documentation Receive warranty and as-built documents

The Commissioning Plan Commissioning plan is in the conference CD What we set out to accomplish

How We Made It Work, BRONCO STYLE! How we made it work for us What we did differently Enhanced relationships OUR TOP 5 BEST PRACTICES FOR NEW PROJECT COMMISSIONING

In-House Commissioning Best Practice #1 Adopt a Team Concept Why? Eliminate blame game Draws on WMU’s inherent strengths Too much for the Project Manager alone

In-House Commissioning Best Practice #2 System Analysis Not merely individual component analysis

In-House Commissioning Best Practice #3 Serviceability Vs. Service Ability Serviceability = Equipment accessibility Service Ability = People are better trained, trades people get off to a running start from day1.

In-House Commissioning Best Practice #4 Maintenance Services & Skilled Trades; Part of the process Pay’s dividends Early involvement in the project Enhanced communication

In-house Commissioning Best Practice #5 Life Cycle Cost Reduction Focus Identify issues early Reduction in service call time based on Experience, enhanced document awareness Everyone saves $

Lessons Learned Along The Way Get in early with the right people Fund the process up front Stick to the important building systems K.I.S.S Be flexible, use what works for you Set priorities and limits

Summary and Conclusion A good building, a positive outcome Well trained, enthusiastic staff Cost savings now & for the future

CONTACT INFORMATION Rick Updike, Regional Maintenance Supervisor rick.updike@wmich.edu (269) 387-2287 Michael Hodgkinson, Environmental Controls michael.hodgkinson@wmich.edu (269) 387-8562

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS INCLUDED IN THE CD Design verification plan for College of Engineering, Western Michigan University Commissioning flowchart Commissioning process SMACNA Template

Questions & Comments