Schematic Design

Create separate zones in buildings with mixed-mode ventilation systems—one for natural ventilation and one for mechanical ventilation—and follow the appropriate compliance path for each area.

The cost of commissioning Core and Shell spaces is typically less than New Construction because the installed systems would be limited to

Case 1 – Mechanical Ventilation

If properly implemented, commissioning will pay for itself within a year of operation, or even during design.  Savings are likely to be realized from:

Increased ventilation rates come with long-term cost benefits. Well-ventilated spaces bring a premium in rents as well as the benefits of having healthy, productive occupants.

For mixed-mode and naturally ventilated spaces, it is up to the mechanical engineer to calculate the outdoor airflow rate and communicate with the architect on application of CIBSE guide for naturally ventilated spaces.

Payback may be faster for commissioning of systems-intensive facilities such as healthcare facilities and laboratories.

An integrated design approach among the mechanical engineer, architects, owners and end users will facilitate more informed decisions that can impact the mechanical system design. For example, space planning decisions will impact the architectural programming as well as access to natural ventilation. 

Begin preliminary ventilation rate calculations during project programming to help set goals for ventilation quality goals in particular spaces.

Determine the required ventilation rates for indoor spaces based on occupancy and space types. ASHRAE 62.1-2007 tables 6-1 and 6-4 list minimum ventilation rates for particular spaces.