Part 3 of this 3-part article focuses on the benefits a robust and clearly coordinated Cx Process can provide for the Owner. In this case, the Owner benefits from all the benefits of the Design Team and Construction Team (Parts 1 and 2) in seeing these Teams be successful in the delivery of their project. We contend that not only do they see the benefits already listed, but the CxP can provide the Owner and Facility Operators with value from move-in to renovation of their facility or systems. The CxP creates and/or reviews documentation that the Owners/Operators can utilize for the life of the facility. We confirm operation prior to substantial completion, which allows the initial move-in to the facility to be comfortable for the occupants. Having happy occupants and properly functioning spaces ready on Day 1 ensures a project Owner is completely satisfied with the entire project team as they occupy their new spaces. Also ensuring systems operate prior to moving in minimizes down time for spaces that generate revenue for the clients.

Our experiences with commissioning services on a variety of projects from Laboratories, Hospitals, and Higher Education Facilities has shown that any project type can gain value for the project team by having a well-coordinated Commissioning Process and CxP provided.

Owner Benefits

• Minimized Re-work during Occupancy – With a CxP performing a well-planned and coordinated Cx Process, the End Users don’t have to have as much re-work performed during the first 10 months of occupying their new spaces. This creates a more comfortable environment for the staff, research, or intent of the spaces’ use. Rework is minimized by ensuring system installation and operation is accurate prior to moving into the spaces.

• Useful Close-out Documentation – CxP’s can aid with Systems Manuals, Operation and Maintenance Documents, and other system specific maintenance and operational document needs. The CxP has the Owners best interest in mind, and thus allows for them to create tools (Documents) that the Facility Operations Team can reference while they adjust to the newly installed systems. This is also beneficial for training unfamiliar staff or service team members.

• Improved warranty period performance – A properly operating building system causes less stress for users by minimizing warranty calls, ensuring energy isn’t wasted, and minimizing corrective action needed once the facility is occupied.  This allows for systems to operate as intended without major re-work or troubleshooting during the initial operating periods.

• Knowledgeable Professional to assist with Training/Operations – Once the CxP has evaluated the systems in the facility, the end user can contact the CxP with questions or concerns about these systems. This provides a knowledge resource for operators as they begin to operate their new systems. This is invaluable to a Facility Team that has unfamiliar staff, system modifications that cause unwanted results, and sometimes options to update automation programming.

• Transparent Process for Easy Project Tracking – Quality Cx Processes provide the Owner of a project easy access to accurate documentation related to the build and progress of installation. Typically, CxP’s utilize software that can used by the entire project team. This allows for better decision-making with respect to every aspect of the project during construction and provides good documentation for the life of the facility.

• 3^rd Party Input on Project Progress – Often times it takes a 3^rd party expert to see potential problems with schedules, integration coordination, product interoperability, and other unforeseen issues.  The Owner gets a non-biased opinion on progress, projections, and opportunities for improvements as a project is designed and built. Owners realize value from Commissioning when the Cx Process is coordinated early in the project and the CxP is asked to participate in OAC and other meetings. Having a non-partial professional to advocate for the owner with respect to MEPT and Building Envelope systems can save maintenance costs, improve system operations, and ensure clarity in project documentation for use in the life of the facility.

As an Owner, contracting a CxP for your project is the first step in ensuring your project will turn out as intended with accurate documentation. Having a well-coordinated and communicated Cx Process early should assist all project team members with efficiencies, areas for improvement, and confirmation that specified documentation and warranties get the attention the Owner needs them to.

Providing these services from the beginning of the project maximizes the opportunities for a CxP to provide value to your project. We want to be your trusted advisor for your project and use our experiences and lessons learned to elevate your project team from start to finish. If you’re planning a project, we believe you will find value by engaging a qualified CxP for your project as early as possible.

If you and your Team have questions or comments about these benefits, we’d love to hear from you.  Please reach out to our team for further information.