Every month from July 2024 – December 2024, join ACG for a new presentation covering different facets of the commissioning process. Each presentation is worth 1 AIA LU.
Indoor Environments: Wellness & Sustainability for Building Occupants
Al LaPera, CxA, EMP, Kimley Horn
Abstract: Review why the Health & Wellness of buildings, is such a hot topic. The presentation will illustrate why we are where we are today. Show what can be done about improving the environment in which we spend most of our time. Review what can be implemented for a better working environment.
Learning Objectives:
- Show connection between architecture and public wellness, including documentation of recent downward trend in public health.
- Explain the various organizations approaches to improving wellness of building occupants.
- Detailed review of design strategies like biophilic design, air and water filtration.
- Case studies of healthy buildings
Sponsored by
Shift Left for the Commissioning Process of Data Center Projects
Derek De Jesus, CxA, LEED AP, Derek De Jesus, LLC
Abstract: Like many aspects of the building industry, the traditional methods used to commission data center construction projects have shifted to accommodate the faster speed to market requirements, environmental concerns, an aging utility infrastructure, and global crisis that affect supply chain and travel. This webinar will provide Lessons Learned on areas that through modular deliveries of critical MEP infrastructure; many contractors, owners and builders are shifting left the Cx process to manufacturing and integrator plants.
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the purpose, methodology, and benefits of the commissioning process as it relates to data center construction projects.
- Identify and distinguish between the five phases/levels of new construction commissioning – (1) Pre-Design, (2) Design, (3) Construction, (4) Acceptance, and (5) Post-Acceptance – and the activities carried out in each of them, using Mission Critical terminology of "Levels"
- Describe the documentation and deliverables that are essential to the delivery of quality commissioning services.
- Identify the roles and responsibilities of all commissioning team members within the commissioning process, with particular emphasis on the role of the commissioning provider.
Sponsored by
ACG Does Solar! This is Not your Father’s Commissioning Guideline
Mark Gelfo, P.E., CxA, EMP, LEED Fellow, TLC Engineering Solutions
Abstract: 20 years ago, “commissioning” was almost exclusively focused on HVAC systems, but today total building commissioning includes every system seen in modern high performance buildings. This can be challenging and even overwhelming to commissioning providers, but have no fear, the new ACG Commissioning Guidelines is here to help! The Guideline is not only structured to address best-practice commissioning of all building systems, but it will also continue to expand as the industry expands.
This session will focus on the Renewable Energy section of the ACG Commissioning Guidelines, particularly on photovoltaic (PV) systems. We will review the basics of PV systems and give real world examples of PV system analysis, design, and commissioning of large PV system, small PV systems, microgrids, and retro-Cx of existing systems.
We will also review the important role renewable energy systems have in decarbonization and electrification, and what every commissioning provider should know before talking to their clients about these topics.
Learning Objectives:
- Acknowledge and understand that ACG & commissioning isn’t just about HVAC anymore! Attendees will be able to located, review, and understand the Renewable Energy Systems chapter in the new ACG Commissioning Guideline.
- Understand the different components of renewable energy systems, with special emphasis on PV systems, and from analysis and design to installation and commissioning.
- Understand the different aspects of PV systems from analysis and design to installation and commissioning, and be able to apply best practice commissioning of PV systems to their next project.
- Understand the relationship between renewable energy systems and Decarbonization & Electrification, and apply that knowledge to their future projects.
Sponsored by
VRF: Good Intentions Gone Bad
Peter Turek, CxA, EMP, LEED AP O & M, CBRE
Abstract: A LEED Platinum middle school that cost $25 million and opened in 2017 has experienced over $350k in expenses related to maintaining the VRF condensing units. We were brought in to identify issues and assist the client in correcting the installation and restoring the community’s faith that their decision to be Net Zero was the right call.
Learning Objectives:
- Documentation is key!
- Site visits and walking the project are essential to a proper installation
- Identify proper piping installation of a VRF system
- Create proper lines of communication
Sponsored by
AI’s Growing Impact on Buildings – Design, Construction, Cx and FM
Robert Knoedler, P.E., CxA, EMP , Hanson Professional Services Inc.
Abstract: As more economic sectors explore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their operations and efficiency, the commercial building industry is actively engaged in exploring various uses of AI throughout the design, construction and turn-over process, including systems commissioning and ongoing facility management.
AI enables architectural and engineering teams to design and plan structures more efficiently, conceptualizing their ideas and optimizing the facilities for energy efficiency and sustainability. Using building information modeling (BIM) and generative adversarial networks (GAN), A/E teams can generate floor plans and create a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of their buildings. Meanwhile, contractors are employing AI to manage construction schedules and logistics, including delivery of materials and oversight of on-site construction equipment.
With building systems incorporating more smart infrastructure and IoT devices, facilities are generating and collecting a mountain of data. AI can evaluate this information faster and more thoroughly than human analysis. When this smart infrastructure is started and employed near the end of the project, AI can help assess the operation of the building and reports from this analysis can assist the Cx team in troubleshooting and reducing the total time for commissioning. Once occupied and operational, the facilities management (FM) team can utilize AI to assess the data collected from the various sensors and IoT devices to immediately identify issues, develop preventative and predictive maintenance requirements, and allocate operational resources.
Learning Objectives:
- Various ways AI is being used in building design and construction.
- Various ways BMS-managed solutions are using AI for different building systems, including HVAC, lighting, power management, water management, fire safety, and system and data security.
- How AI can assist Cx teams and energy managers in commissioning and auditing activities.
- How facility management teams are relying on AI for improving building systems’ operation and maintenance.
Sponsored by
Cx University: Taking An Active Role in Training
Charles Jackson III, P.E., PMP, CxA, LEED AP, CMTA, Inc.
Abstract: Commissioning Professionals often take a passive role in training, Whether reviewing the agenda, confirming the sign-in sheet has been completed, or attending the training. Oftentimes, operations staff and owners are either overwhelmed with the abundance of knowledge from the subject matter experts or disinterested in boilerplate training that does not dive deep into their systems. As Commissioning Professionals, we should use this as an opportunity to show our expertise and include training from a Commissioning Perspective detailing how we tested the systems, going through documentation and trends that are set up, and providing a more hands-on approach to help the operations staff ease their transition on Day 1.
Learning Objectives:
- Taking a more active role when witnessing training.
- Understanding what training looks like from a Cx Perspective.
- Providing a hands-on approach to the operations team.
- Ensuring Cx Documentation is actually utilized by the operations team.
Sponsored by
The B.E.S. Plus Tech Platform is the single software needed to manage the entire life cycle of a facility through design, construction, and operation. The platform provides an integrated software solution for commissioning process management, facility documentation, utility data tracking, and performance optimization and monitoring. Our commissioning forms are extremely flexible and powerful allowing you to perform checks and testing to your exact needs. Utilize data from facility management systems to perform dynamic functional testing and on-going monitoring with customizable and easy-to-understand data analytics. Engineering and Commissioning Professionals empowered by our platform can provide improved systems performance, increased professional labor efficiency, and expanded service offerings.
