Managing the Team
Timothy Chin, CEM, LEED-AP, Enovity, Inc.
Kevin Fish, P.E., LEED-AP, Northwest Engineering Service, Inc.

Establishing a Team Environment During New Building Commissioning
Timothy Chin, CEM, , LEED-AP

Commissioning Authorities know the great value that commissioning can provide to the entire project team. We provide the owner and designers with the comfort of knowing that an objective peer review has been completed as well as integrating commissioning requirements into the construction documents before construction contracts are awarded. We help the contractors plan for smooth start-up, testing and turnover, and reduce the number of warranty period call-backs. Finally, the building is placed into operation as intended, with well-trained facilities staff, providing benefits to the owner in energy and operational efficiency. So why do we still feel so unwelcome on some projects?

This paper will analyze the different perspectives of the team members, communication breakdowns, and how commissioning authorities can approach a project to encourage a team environment. The content and sources of this paper will be primarily first hand experience of the author in the design, construction and commissioning field. The paper will make the argument that technical knowledge isn't enough to be a good Commissioning Authority and that an understanding of the team roles and each individual's skills and value are equally important for a successful project.

Managing the Line between Cx Provider and MEP Coordinator
Kevin Fish

It is easy for the knowledgeable Cx provider to find him/herself functioning in the role of MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) coordinator. Too often either there isn’t an MEP coordinator, or he/she is too busy with other issues - or is not knowledgeable enough to effectively coordinate many of the Cx-related issues (especially controls issues). A vortex of needed expertise and attention is created that can have a strong pull on the Cx provider. Responding effectively to this pull is a challenge that is important to the success of the project.

Topics to be discussed include:
• How to determine and effectively communicate what coordination activities   are and aren't in your Cx scope.
• Budgeting for an appropriate amount of coordination.
• Potential problems with the Cx provider acting in the role of MEP coordinator.
• When is it ok for a Cx provider to act in role of MEP coordinator.
• How to effectively work with the MEP coordinator.