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The
Commissioning Process: In Search of a Universal
Definition and Application
Deb Pereira, Brock
Graham, and P.
Martin Sharpless, Gilbane
Abstract:
Commissioning definitions and applications vary widely across our
industry, with the "line of demarcation" between commissioning
and validation often blurred or misunderstood. While most research
organizations embrace the benefits associated with commissionin-
8-10% reduction in operating costs, greater end-user comfort and
satisfaction, etc.—their application of commissioning practices
and requirements are not uniform, nor are their expectations or
results.
The first and most important challenge is actually defining commissioning.
To define commissioning we will look at the commissioning "spectrum" that
encompasses code compliance at one end through true validation
at the other, incorporating definition elements from ASHRAE, NIBS
and others. We will look at how one of Gilbane's largest research
clients has outlined the commissioning process—defining the "team",
its roles, and its budget, process and documentation requirements.
Finally we will look specifically at the commissioning process
instituted on one of this client's most visible projects - Building
220 - a $160M, 585,000 SF new research facility that included lab,
administrative and animal space. The engineer responsible for leading
the commissioning process will explore the team's application of
commissioning, their results and lessons learned.
Biography:
P. Martin Sharpless is a Senior Manager
with Gilbane, the fifth largest U.S. domestic builder, focused
on Higher Education in the Mid-Atlantic Region. His clients include
the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
State University, Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, Towson
University, the University of Maryland System, Frostburg State
University, George Washington University, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Medical College of Virginia and Northern Virginia Community
College. Gilbane is the largest builder of higher education facilities
in the US, according to ENR Magazine in 2001, with projects at
over 50 campuses nationally.
Mr. Sharpless was previously with Kling-Lindquist, a major Architectural/Engineering
firm in Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC. In addition, Mr. Sharpless
has experience in real estate development, and with Ballinger,
another major A/E based in Philadelphia, PA. Mr. Sharpless is a
registered Architect in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia
and Pennsylvania, and graduated from Penn State University.
Professional Associations include:
- Society of College and University Planners (SCUP)
- US Green Building Council (USGBC)
- Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), Washington
Chapter
- Society of American Military Engineers, (SAME) Washington Chapter
- Construction Owners of America Association (COAA) Greater Baltimore
/ Washington, DC Chapter
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
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