I really appreciate this set of "Lessons Learned" on the Life Support Facility (Building M6-490) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Frank, revealing, sometimes obvious, but interesting nonetheless.
- Firestopping and backerboard fire retardant paint did not meet LEED requirements.
- Missing floor concrete sealer specification—should ensure that all specs are kept for LEED compliance.
- Should allow for maintenance training on plumbing fixtures (i.e. waterless urinals, dual flush toilets, etc.).
- Proper use of AHU and occupancy sensors is critical—found some sensors to be missing.
- Easy to overlook required trending and specifications for the HVAC Controls.
- Must have all proper controls interface cards for HVAC equipment.
- Proper control sequencing for HVAC equipment was not always available during Occupied mode.
- Contractor should pay for additional Commissioning Authority (CxA) time if controls & equipment are not ready when scheduled.
- CxA should provide a formal briefing prior to equipment start-up to ensure everything is ready to operate.
- Commissioning should be scheduled through NASA only after all controls and equipment have been installed.
- A Measurement & Verification (M&V) Plan must be drafted prior to bid, so bidders can price the correct M&V option.
- Make sure to acquire subpower meters for Measurement & Verification (M&V) of lights, HVAC and process loads.
- Use of a control system designed with iLons may not be LEED friendly; limited fixed memory offered by iLons make necessary trending difficult and a more flexible design may be required.
- Teamwork is crucial to project success.
The full case study is available for BuildingGreen Suite members onBuildingGreen.com.
