Story

Design Program: Kalamazoo County was interested in the added value of Third Party Commissioning of the Juvenile Home; however due to budget constraints it was determined that Third Party Commissioning would be too costly.   Incorporating the knowledge of the design team and developed Commissioning checklists, created the process that was labeled "System Verification".  A verification process was developed by Byce & Associates, Inc. (Byce), and County personnel in lieu of Third Party Commissioning to ensure that the mechanical and electrical systems perform according to design intent and the owner's operational needs.   

The systems incorporated into verification included: air handling units, fans, terminal units, reheat coils, snowmelt systems, domestic hot water systems, heating water system, chilled water system, generators, power meters, lighting controls, and temperature controls.  As the System Verification Authority; responsibilities included performing construction field visits, scheduling, coordinating, and performing verification activities, scheduling and conducting verification progress meetings, reviewing test and balance work, reviewing controls testing, maintaining an issues log of all deficiencies discovered and ensuring follow-up on items until solutions were implemented.

Byce & Associates, Inc. began the verification process in November of 2008. Byce led system verification progress meetings, performed field installation reviews, educated the construction team on verification roles and responsibilities, reviewed test and balance work, and began verification activities.  The verification process was an integral part of the construction schedule with the intent of complete verification prior to occupancy of the facility.  Unfortunately due to the amount of deficiencies found in the verification conducted May thru July 2009, completion of verification was delayed. Verification meetings were held weekly until July 2010 to ensure the issues log was addressed and controls were completely resolved. 

As a result of the verification team's commitment there was significant improvement in building systems and equipment.  The process of System Verification has led to systems operating in a more stable manner, operating at higher efficiencies, and has provided greater owner understanding of system capabilities.