Modern Building Services

Following a robust commissioning process not only helps with the handover process, but also means the pieces are in place for ongoing service and maintenance. This in turn supports better long-term building performance, maximising efficiency and limiting emissions, all of which benefit building owners and occupants. The process is vital to keep us on track to meet the government’s 2050 net-zero ambition. At the same time, avoiding an energy performance gap, protects businesses from the risk of unnecessarily high bills at a time of soaring energy prices. Planning ahead Commissioning might already be a legal requirement, but it is often not carried out systematically. Given the evident importance of the process, why is it often left to the eleventh hour? One reason is that commissioning is the last stage of the project, taking place just before handover. Clearly, it’s natural to want to get the systemup and running as soon as possible. But the deadlines on some projects can be so tight that the commissioning of heating and hot water equipment can end up being squeezed in or left to the last minute. So how to overcome this? The more formal approach outlined in the latest revisions to Approved Document L is intended to address this. Another practical solution is to include manufacturer- led commissioning within the specification. This would then transfer to the tender document and so make it more likely that a rigorous commissioning procedure takes place. Manufacturer commissioning brings peace of mind that a product will deliver optimum performance from Day One and long after its installation. After all, no one knows a product as well as its manufacturer. Involving manufacturer commissioning specialists earlier in the project will also ensure that easy access to the equipment is included in the design, helping to speed up the process and minimise disruption or delays for building operators. Manufacturer-led benefits Specifyingmanufacturer-led commissioning can additionally unlockmajor benefits for building owners and occupants. For example, some heatingmanufacturers offer an extended boiler warranty on the condition that the appliance is commissioned by their own engineers. The warranty on Remeha boilers is a case in point as it increases from two years to an industry-leading seven-year warranty when commissioned by our own engineers. In addition to receiving a full commissioning report, on-site staff can take the opportunity to record the initial settings that the manufacturer specifies and note any tips for maximising operational efficiency. Good manufacturers will offer product training on best practice maintenance, if required, to maintain high whole life efficiencies. This level of information and support will help avoid unnecessary increases in energy consumption, emission levels and maintenance costs and will prolong the lifespan of the equipment. Working towards net-zero The efficiency of heating and hot water services in commercial buildings is under greater scrutiny as we work towards our net zero emissions target. As we strive to drive down heat-associated emissions, we must actively ensure that new heating equipment and the overall system perform as intended to avoid unnecessary energy waste. The commissioning process provides certainty that the specification is met while providing businesses with the assurance of safety and optimal building energy performance. Specifyingmanufacturer commissioning is one way of helping ensure that this crucial procedure is carried out scrupulously. It is also an excellent way for building owners and operators to access enhanced warranties, set controls so that the systemworks efficiently from the outset, and benefit fromguidance on futuremaintenance. By working together to ensure that the technology – and the heating systemas a whole – operates as intended, we can ensure a smooth commissioning process, optimise performance and support businesses in achieving their environmental and financial goals. More information can be found at www.baxi.co.uk MODERN BUILDING SERVICES JUNE 2022 19 FEATURE COMMISSIONING