Commissioning plan completed

The Commissioning Plan for the 4th, wing has been completed, and commissioning has begun. Commissioning, as defined by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), develops a building operation plan that identifies building operating requirements and needs, conducts tests to proactively determine if the building and fundamental systems are operating in accordance with the building operation plan, and, finally, makes needed repairs so that the building and fundamental systems are operating according to the plan. An example of this process is currently underway with the remediation of the individual office heating and cooling fan coil units in the modernized space. In previous newsletters and TUG meetings, occupants were advised not to use the "off" position on their fan coil switch.

It was determined that with the switch in the off position, the hot water valve defaulted to an open position, making the unit to act as a radiator. Effectively, the air became hotter than if the fan had been left on low and the temperature dial turned toward the cooling mode.

Although this condition was recognized as a problem early on, it was only through the commissioning process, analyzing the entire system and sequence of operations-point to point, that the team was able to identify that the contractor installed the unit as per the manufacturer's instructions. However, the fan coil units were shipped from the manufacturer minus a necessary electrical component.

As a result, the fan coil units in the 5th and 6th wings are being retrofitted with the relays, and the units in the 4th wing have been ordered correctly.

The most environmentally responsible action the Modernization Program Office can take is to ensure that the building operates at peak performance and that mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems work in concert.

Whole building commissioning greatly advances that goal.

FRESH LIGHTS FOR A NEW GAME

The gymnasium opens in September with a
new floor and new skylights.

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Items of Interest

• New Furniture: When your office relocates to swing or permanent space, go green with your new furniture! Contact the Modernization Program Office at 208.7283 if you would like technical assistance.
• Blast Blinds / Blast Windows: Design is
  currently underway to provide blast resistant
  window systems to retrofit Wings 4, 5 and 6. Wings 3, 2, and 1 will be addressed during their respective phases.
• North Penthouse: The modernized North
  Penthouse will re-open in early 2008.
• New Signs: Photoluminescent signs are being installed in the modernized stairwells. Please take this opportunity to familiarize yourself with changes to exit routes.
• Recycle: For offices that are preparing to move, now is the time to start considering ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle your old files and supplies. Contact the MPO for more information.

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EVALUATING A BETTER WORKPLACE

Modernization Program Manager Dirk Meyer and
Dr. Sylvia Cohen from Federal Occupational Health tour
and discuss the construction zone.

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Schedule Updates

Wing 4 Completion: The project schedule has slipped two months: The occupant move phase is now scheduled to occur in the 60-day period of January and February 2008.

Phase 2 Gymnasium: The final completion date has been moved to September 2007.

Cafeteria Renovation: The cafeteria is expected to be shut down for renovation in the next phase. An additional snack bar is scheduled to open by March 2008 to help supplement food service during the cafeteria renovation.

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Meetings

For more information regarding the IAQ Forums and the TUG meetings, click here.

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