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PALADIN’S COMMISSIONING SERVICES

The commissioning discipline may have started as a way to achieve energy savings, but these days we consider that benefit a side dish. We believe the real purpose of commissioning is ensuring an array of successful operating systems. This includes building envelopes that keep out rain and unconditioned air, HVAC systems that heat and cool efficiently and comfortably, electrical systems that provide reliable and safe power, plumbing that moves water where you want it at the right temperatures, and security that admits the people you want in and excludes those you don’t. 

Sadly, those statements about systems operations aren’t a sure thing, no matter how clearly you’ve demanded them. Fortunately, you have Paladin to review, observe, test, and document just how well they’re working, and help solve things that go wrong. We help you achieve your end goals of comfortable people, secure assets, and…yes, energy savings.

NEW CONSTRUCTION COMMISSIONING SERVICES

The commissioning discipline may have started as a way to achieve energy savings, but these days we consider that benefit a side dish. We believe the real purpose of commissioning is an array of successful operating systems. This includes building envelopes that keep out rain and unconditioned air, HVAC systems that heat and cool efficiently and comfortably, electrical systems that provide reliable and safe power, plumbing that moves water where you want it at the right temperatures, and security that admits the people you want in and excludes those you want out. 

Sadly, those statements about system operations aren’t a sure thing, no matter how clearly you’ve demanded them. Fortunately, you have Paladin to review, observe, test, and document just how well they’re working, and help solve things that go wrong. We help you achieve your end goals of comfortable people, secure assets, and…yes, energy savings.

HVAC Commissioning

During HVAC Commissioning, Paladin inspects each HVAC component to ensure that the system was installed correctly and meets the owner’s project requirements and the designer’s intent. Meeting the owner’s vision and, when applicable, delivering requirements for LEED or other green building standards, is part and parcel with our standard process.

Electrical Commissioning

Paladin’s commissioning of electrical systems verifies and documents low-voltage, normal, and emergency power operations of the building. Meeting the OPR of safe, reliable power is essential to a well-commissioned electrical system.

Plumbing Commissioning

Paladin’s commissioning of Plumbing systems, verifies the generation and distribution of potable water sources, lab, and R/O systems, among others. The focus is on risk reduction and safety as well as operational effectiveness and compliance with local standards. 

BAS Commissioning

Building Automation Systems (BAS) are crucial tools for facility managers and custodial staff to maintain a building’s operations. Through BAS Commissioning, Paladin works to ensure the system communicates correctly, integrates disparate system information, and notifies of crucial equipment status all in a usable and intuitive interface.

Building Enclosure Commissioning

The Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) process is vital in assessing and validating the performance of the materials, components, assemblies, systems, and design of a building’s enclosure as they relate to the defined criteria. Paladin brings both the commissioning and testing of systems to bear when verifying these varying and complex systems.

EXISTING BUILDING COMMISSIONING

Paladin’s Existing Building Commissioning supports your specific project outcomes of carbon reduction, energy performance, operational stability, risk reduction, and operating cost containment. Our capabilities encompass the entire built environment where we work to ensure seamless performance. When challenges present themselves, we partner with you to achieve your project goals.

Retro Commissioning

Times change, buildings switch hands, and owners sometimes need to pivot from the building’s original design intent. Paladin’s Retro Commissioning capabilities support adaptations and address changes in occupancy since construction.

Functional Testing

Putting a direct digital Control system through its paces by performing functional testing and running the systems through every possible scenario it might face can inform decisions on repairs and material upgrades. Paladin can run these tests and provide an owner with a clearer picture of what needs to be improved and how much it will cost. 

IECC VERIFICATION AND TESTING

For buildings where the total mechanical equipment capacity is greater than 480,000 Btu/h (140 690 W) for cooling and 600,000 Btu/h (175 860 W) for heating, the project is required under International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) standards to submit evidence that the building was “commissioned.” These baseline standards improve a building’s efficiency, serve as a helpful aid in curtailing runaway operational costs, and prompt project owners and managers to explore the greater benefits of a more comprehensive commissioning program.

COMMISSIONING FOR GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION

Green Building Certification programs such as LEED, WELL, Green Globes, and Living Building Challenge, among others include commissioning to ensure that the sustainability features of the building design are realized through construction. Paladin’s commissioning process aligns with the requirements for credits such as those outlined in LEED’s Fundamental Commissioning prerequisite and Enhanced Commissioning credit options. Paladin’s delivery to meet the specific needs of Green Building Certification is confirmed during early scope development. 

BUILDING ENVELOPE COMMISSIONING

Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) is a process geared toward driving your building’s enclosure performance to meet today’s requirements for water, thermal, air, and acoustical barriers. Paladin’s team of specialists not only understand the general commissioning process and architectural design, they have mastered the Building Enclosure Core Competencies and field-testing procedures such as those outlined by ASTM.

Water Infiltration

Paladin can help business owners identify the source of water infiltration by inspecting the building enclosure for roof or facade deficiencies. We conduct site walks, occupant interviews, and research the age and history of the building to better understand the conditions before performing tests. Then, we match the test to the application and report on testing results to inform recommended waterproofing improvements and repairs.

Air Infiltration

Air infiltration can reduce the efficiency of your building’s HVAC system and cost an owner unnecessary energy costs and indoor environmental quality issues. Paladin uses diagnostic testing to identify potential sources of air leaks (those hidden cracks and openings in the building enclosure). The goal of those tests and investigations is to pinpoint the root cause and support remedy. 

Thermography

Paladin professionals use infrared thermography tools as a non-destructive method to identify a wide range of building envelope issues including air infiltration, water infiltration, inadequate insulation, and other system or assembly deficiencies.

Building Envelope Consulting

Paladin’s design team cares deeply for the long-term success of every Project. Our building envelope consulting team will work tirelessly with building owners, facility managers, architects, and contractors to identify and fix air, water, or other energy leaks in roofs and exterior walls

ONGOING COMMISSIONING SERVICES

Ongoing Commissioning is the process of supporting the operations and sustaining building systems. HVAC, lighting, and other systems have a tendency to change or “drift” over time, and ongoing commissioning is a regular review of the system’s performance to keep it in check over the long term.

Again, it begins with the definition of the owner Project Requirements and Current Facility Requirements. By understanding how the building is intended to operate, the ongoing commissioning plan can identify procedures and activities to confirm all systems continue to provide the desired comfort and efficiency. It is a great investment to support a maintenance team learning their building. On-going commissioning can also be performed remotely to assess the energy consumption through metering and utility data.

Commissioning Closeout Documentation

Commissioning Closeout Documentation is critical for an effective handoff to a building owner or facility manager. During this process, Paladin provides administrative validation of the completed contracted work, evidence of paid bills, and documentation that the building meets all proper standards for an owner to legally occupy the building.

Maintenance Reviews

Maintenance Reviews are periodic reviews of a building’s HVAC system to ensure it is operating as the Paladin design team intended. This is an ongoing commissioning service that may include the inspection of equipment, testing of components, and making adjustments to ensure the system is operating properly.

Energy Management Plans

Paladin supports you and your project team to reach the levels of sustainability you desire. Our Energy Management Plans are designed with this in mind and typically include goals, objectives, and action items to help organizations achieve their energy-efficiency goals

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT

The skills needed to run your project and your building aren’t exactly stocked on a shelf. That’s why we provide guidance with technical equipment that requires specialized knowledge or skills to operate. HVAC, lighting, and plumbing systems can have complex and nuanced operations in today’s high-performing buildings. We will advise you on the best practices for efficient operation and maintenance of all technical equipment.

WHY CHOOSE PALADIN FOR YOUR COMMISSIONING SERVICES?

Paladin is persistent through the process—we continue to track and follow up on issues identified during the commissioning process, particularly when these issues will affect occupant comfort, safety, health, and experience. We engage the commissioning team—architects, engineers, owners, and contractors—to participate in the resolution of concerns and conflicts that might arise during the construction process. 

Our experience and willingness to bring reality to the table have established our strong partnerships with many repeat clients. We embrace the mission and intention of our clients and partners to deliver the building to its outcomes—we are willing to identify hard issues and break them down or facilitate work sessions where the issues can be addressed. Contact us today to learn more about how our commissioning providers can guide you through this process.