Page 8 - CSA INDEX - Autumn WInter 2021

Chairman's

Say

s my first entry into the CSA Index I would like to thank Mark Todd for his past 3 years a CSA chairman and for handing
Aover a tightly ran ship. I’m looking forward to working with Andrew Watkin who has stepped in as Vice chairman
even though only a few years ago he was the CSA chairman, also pleased to be working alongside the various CSA sub-
committees and the CSA office staff.

I am delighted to be taking over the role as chairman for the next three years having been a member of the CSA since
starting as a trainee commissioning engineer, straight out of school in 1993.

Employed as an apprentice, under the direction of the late Brian Townsend (End Systems), CSA chairman between
1994 -1996, who guided myself and his other commissioning engineers through the CSA training scheme. From there
to Banyards, huge advocates of the CSA, where I’ve been for the past 8 years. Nick Till a former Chairman himself
(2009-2011) and David Cocksedge, who at present sits on the technical committee, were very keen for me to join one of
the CSA committees. So, a special thanks must be given to Brian, Nick and Dave for the trust and guidance they have given
me over the years.
For the last 28 years the CSA has always been at the forefront of my mind, with the CSA commissioning compendium being
one of the tools I use on a frequent basis.
It has been a few weeks since the CSA AGM & annual CSA Awards Gala Dinner which was well attended, we acknowledged
some excellent achievements on the evening, congratulations to all the winners and finalists you are a merit to our industry.
I would like to give a special thanks and congratulations to Paul Brown on his lifetime achievement award, having worked
closely with Paul on the assessment panel for the past seven years and more recently developing the commissioning
management grading system, Paul is a true asset to the commissioning industry and I’m looking forward to working with
Paul for many more years to come.

We could not do the CSA awards without the sponsors so a special thanks to Airtech Premier, Ashford, BSRIA, Cross Count,
HDR, Media Control, MBS, PW White & Partners, RED & Vexo. Everyone enjoyed themselves on the night and even our
entertainment joined in the spirit of the evening and was in the bar with the rest of us until quite late!
During my time as the CSA’s chairman my goal is innovate the CSA’s offerings with online training and exams that will keep
the CSA moving forward with the technology trend all of which would not be possible without our dedicated committee
that volunteers hours of valuable time to the association to ensure that the CSA remains at the forefront of ‘making
buildings work’.

We are also working alongside CIBSE to redevelop Commissioning Code M which are significant CIBSE guidance, referenced
in the Approved Documents, to comply with the Building Regulation requirements for commissioning. Recognising the
importance of CIBSE Code M and the need to include emerging Building Safety requirements and low or zero carbon designs,
a technical update is underway in partnership with the Commissioning Specialist Association and an industry wide steering
group, which provides a strong focus and brings expert practitioner expertise, look out for the publication mid-2022.

Early 2022 our new CSA commissioning managers grading system will be released which brings more balance to the existing
grading system, as we recognise that the current Grade 1 to 6 is heavily weighted towards mechanical commissioning.
These days a commissioning manager can be witnessing systems as simple as an extract to a heavily serviced building with
Integrated systems testing and smart building technology. More thanks to Paul Brown and my old mate Lee Hewitt (Middle
East GCC Chapter Chairman) for the assistance in developing the new CM grades. More news on this soon!
All that’s left to say is thank you to all of our members for your continued support and hope all your company Xmas parties
have been as enjoyable and eventful as BoJo’s were last year! I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and Best
Wishes for the New Year!

Neil Burdess – CSA Chairman & Associate Head of Commissioning – Banyards