Our approach to commissioning

The generally accepted definition of "building commissioning" is the process of ensuring that building systems are designed, installed, functionally tested and capable of being operated and maintained according to the owner's operational needs. While this approach addresses the basic elements of traditional commissioning, it falls short of defining the holistic approach to commissioning advocated by Syska Hennessy Group.

In the delivery of a large and complex facility, multiple factors of varying weight bear on the decisions surrounding criteria development. The most commonly recognized of these within the engineering community are cost and schedule. A multitude of other, often competing factors however, also bear on criteria formulation.

It is the goal of Syska Hennessy Group's holistic commissioning approach to ensure that all the essential factors and expectations are adequately addressed and properly translated into facility criteria which can be understood and properly applied to design and then contract documents to enable the delivery of a facility which will meet or exceed those expectations. Syska Hennessy Group can then develop processes to check and validate the incorporation of those expectations into the contract documents and ultimately the constructed facility.

In this case, the basic objectives of any commissioning process are:

  • Ensure that the client's expectations have been properly of interpreted and incorporated into the Basis of Design and subsequently the Contract Documents.
    Ensure that systems are designed and installed to meet the client's expectations as defined in the Basis of Design and Contract Documents.
  • Ensure LEED Requirements are properly interpreted and incorporated into the project documents.
  • Ensure that equipment and systems are installed properly and receive adequate operational startup checkout by installing contractors.
  • Ensure that installed equipment and systems are properly balanced, calibrated, and coordinated.
  • Verify and document proper performance of equipment both as functional individual equipment and as integrated system.
  • Ensure that the Owner is properly empowered to maintain and sustain the performance of the facility.
  • Operations, Maintenance and "As-Built" documentation is clear and complete.
  • Ensure that the Owner's operating personnel are adequately trained.
  • Ensure that the site can be properly and efficiently maintained within established O&M Budget.
  • Validate that facility performance meets or exceeds target levels defined in the design criteria and documentation.

There are various commissioning guidelines and standards prevalent throughout the building design and construction industry. Syska Hennessy Group's commissioning philosophy is that these industry standards can be adhered to in conjunction with a more client-oriented  process to ensure that not only do we meet the Owner's Project Requirements (OPR) but that we also investigate and incorporate as appropriate all the latest innovative best practices and industry accepted innovations to ensure the most state-of-the-art facility possible in an ever evolving business climate.  To do this, Syska Hennessy Group takes a holistic approach to Commissioning, which involves all the phases of a facility's life cycle.

 

White Papers

Commissioning Critical Facilities
An important factor in achieving a reliable 7x24 facility is an infrastructure Commissioning Process: a systematic process ensuring that infrastructure systems perform as per design and planning intent. Current industry practices, often shaped by the vendor-contractor perspective, means the Equipment Start-Up Process can be insufficient to detect latent failures and prevent costly operational incidents. This white paper offers a comprehensive explanation of Commissioning phases, levels of testing and benefits; and a sample protocol for optimum system Commissioning.
Order this free white paper »

News Articles

How Should I Grow My Data Center (PDF, 253 KB)
7x24Newslink - Nov 10, 2011
Knowledgeable data center owners and operators have learned, to their regret, over many years that building too much or too little data center critical IT load capacity (simply called capacity in this article) at one time often causes major problems. This article examines the typical problems encountered, proposes a strategy for rational growth, and illustrates an example of how to implement the strategy.

Engineering Firm Launches Dubai Joint Venture with Local Player, LZ
DatacenterDynamics Focus Magazine - Nov 10, 2011
After 30 years of being active in the Middle East, Syska Hennessy Group opened a dedicated office for the region in Dubai. The firm discusses its plans to grow Syska Hennessy MENA.

Expansion Advantages of Wireless Controls
Building Operating Management/FacilitiesNet - Nov 08, 2011
The growing use of wireless devices has produced, along with gains in flexibility and energy savings, some surprises for facility managers. Learn what some of the pros and cons are with wireless controls.

Keeping Communication Lines Open
Consulting-Specifying Engineer - Oct 18, 2011
Gary Brennen, the Co-President of Syska Hennessy Group in Los Angeles, talks about his experiences with the company and his hopes for the future.

Making Sure you get your money’s worth in the Commissioning Process
Today's Facility Manager - Mar 28, 2011
How do you know if the commissioning is being done correctly? What guidelines can be built into the process to maintain the right checks and balances? The answers lie in a greater understanding of the commissioning process itself. More than just testing systems and securing energy efficiencies, commissioning is the holistic process of assuring full reliability and functionality throughout building systems and equipment and beyond baseline LEED commissioning.

Part 1: Commissioning: From Optional to Mainstream article
Today's Facility Manager - Feb 28, 2011
Current business financial pressures and uptime demands have created an environment where owners can no longer afford for a building to go through its classic phases of design and construction and then progress through a “teething” stage to become fully functional. Instead, owners must be sure that their complex systems and infrastructure are performing as designed on day one.

Press Releases

Syska Hennessy Group's Princeton Office Moves to College Park Location
Dec 07, 2009
Our regional office has made 105 College Road, within the College Park complex at Princeton Forrestal Center its new home.

Bill Caretsky to Head New England Region
Sep 24, 2009
Bill Caretsky has been named managing principal of the New England Region of Syska Hennessy Group. In addition to his new regional leadership responsibilities, Mr. Caretsky will continue in his position as operations manager for Syska Hennessy Groups national healthcare/health sciences practice to accelerate the growth of this market in the New England region.

Syska Hennessy Designing Building Systems/Lighting for UCLA, Terasaki Life Sciences Building
Aug 11, 2009
Syska Hennessy was awarded a contract to design architectural lighting for a new University of California, Los Angeles, Terasaki Life Sciences Building.

Syska Hennessy Group Launches New Web Site
Apr 22, 2009
Syska Hennessy Group, Inc., a global leader in consulting, engineering, technology and construction, announces the launch of its new web site, www.syska.com. The new site is not only more visually exciting, but expresses a clear and concise message of the firm’s Vision and its Mission.

Syska Hennessy Completes Lighting Design for San Diego Banner Art Display
Mar 11, 2009
The Port of San Diego engaged Syska Hennessy Group to illuminate the Banner Art Display for the Imperial Beach Art Walk.