Laboratory Commissioning: Getting the Most Value—A Case Study of EPA’s AWBERC Laboratory Project
Tony Lozier, SFA Architects
Tim Griffin, RMF Engineering, Inc.
EPA’s Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center (AWBERC) in Cincinnati, Ohio—a 1970 10-story, 400,000-square-foot laboratory—is slated for a full replacement of its HVAC system infrastructure while employees occupy the building.
The Infrastructure Replacement Project (IRP) will replace all of the air handlers, vertical and horizontal supply ductwork, control systems, exhaust systems, and associated equipment at AWBERC. One of the main drivers of the IRP is reduced energy consumption. Every aspect of the HVAC system concept development, from system types to specific technologies employed, reflects strong consideration of energy impacts for long-term sustainability.
Faced with such a challenging and critical project mission, EPA invested in a commissioning agent for all phases of the project to help the team succeed. This session will highlight the value commissioning has added to the project to date, demonstrate tools used in assisting the project team, and suggest strategies for maximizing the value of commissioning on a laboratory project. The lead designer’s and commissioning agent’s perspectives will be shared.
Biographies:
Anthony Lozier, P.E., LEED® AP, is the principal engineer with SFA Architects. He has 35 years of experience designing and managing technology-based building projects, including a multitude of engineering, manufacturing, and laboratory facilities. Mr. Lozier has a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati. Mr. Lozier started the engineering department at SFA Architects 11 years ago and has seen the department grow from two to 10 employees during that time. Mr. Lozier has served as the architectural/engineering representative for EPA Region 5 for the past 14 years.
Tim Griffin, LEED AP, is a principal and branch manager with RMF Engineering, Inc., a firm specializing in the design and commissioning of laboratory systems. He has an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and a Master of Business Administration degree. He is a registered engineer and a certified building commissioning professional, and he works with the U.S. Green Building Council’s Energy and Atmosphere Technical Advisory Committee in the development of its LEED guidelines. In addition, he authored the book Winning With Millennials: How to Attract, Retain, and Empower Today’s Generation of Design Professionals, available through Design Leadership Press.