Page 7 - CSA INDEX - Spring Summer 2021

FEATURE COMMISSIONING

So where is commissioning interfaced and controlled in an ever stringent targets – are carbon with interfaces between systems.
management now? more sophisticated manner that is neutral commercial buildings a These often do not generate off
Pretty much every major project changed and the commissioning realistic target? the shelf test sheets so require
(and quite a few smaller ones) now management role is perfectly placed the production of bespoke check
has a commissioning management to identify and deal with any gaps in So, tomorrow’s commissioning sheets that again need to be
function involved, usually bolted on the way those systems interact. manager must: compiled into a proper report.
to the main contractor’s organisation. a) Have a holistic view of the different Perhaps the real skill at this point is
OK, so sometimes this is only because Accepting all of that, where is systems and be fully aware of the making sure the report audit trails
it gets the developer another commissioning management ways in which they interface. Yes, it pass muster. An interface between
BREEAM point, but it is more often heading? does mean taking time to identify systems has two ends. Make sure
because the project team recognise The contention is that the following those interfaces, being aware the reports cover both ends!
that the wide range of systems in a influences will affect the role over of their importance in proving
building needs a particular skill set to the next few years: systems and acting as a co- Of course, none of the above
pull them all together to provide the 1. Breadth of Focus – more and more ordinator between the narrowly mentions the programme aspect;
client with a properly co-ordinated people in the building services focussed package managers so and that is deliberate. It has always
building. The fact that the function industry are in roles where they that the right bits of the systems been an issue and will continue to
does have a particular skill set not have a very narrow view of the come together at the right time be so, but that is another story.
found across the building industry world. They have a specific work to meet the project requirements, Are there distinct project
in general is underlined by the package to look after, and they but no one else is going to do it. management aspects to where
popularity of the Commissioning must devote all their energy to b) Have an appreciation of the the commissioning manager role
Specialists Association’s (CSA) getting those works completed commercial aspects of the work might be going? Is that a natural
“Introduction to Commissioning on time and on budget – or as packages, but not necessarily to progression resulting from the
Management” training course that near as they can get! be concerned with the last couple developments in the construction
has been running for the last few 2. Commercial Emphasis – it does of pounds. It is more to do with industry? The CSA feels that it is
years. This draws interest from many not matter what form of contract convincing people that spending a distinct possibility. That is why
facets of the construction industry, is in place, be it JCT, NEC, etc., the a few extra pounds now to get they are looking at extending and
not just the commissioning industry. importance of getting the money the systems dovetailing correct developing their training efforts into
Today’s commissioning manager right will not diminish – see 1 above. saves money in the long term. the project management sphere.
needs an appreciation of many 3. Bureaucracy – everyone hates c) Be on top of the paperwork! The
different types of equipment paperwork, right? Correct. The adage that ‘if it isn’t written down it
and systems – remember, the drawback is that it is not going to never happened’ is truer than ever For further
basic building environment is go away. And it is not just that, it before. The basic commissioning information on the
still provided by fans and pumps is the complexity of it. Plonking a of a system generates a test sheet training programmes and other
pushing air, chilled water and stack of test sheets on the desk pack. But it needs to be presented services offered by the CSA,
heating water around the building will not cut it anymore. as a proper report to identify the please contact Secretary,
which is all operated by electricity 4. Building sustainability and scope, summarise the results Julie Parker, on 01403 754133,
running along cables to feed energy efficiency will be ever and provide conclusions about by email at office@csa.org.uk or
control panels and lighting. It is more important, especially as the success (or otherwise) of the via the website www.csa.org.uk
the way those basic systems are governments introduce more exercise. The next step is dealing

MODERN BUILDING SERVICES JUNE 2021

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