ECC COMMISSIONING

Energy Code Compliance (ECC) Commissioning is a process where a building’s components are tested to verify functionality and ensure optimal performance and efficient energy use. The practices and procedures for commissioning building systems are outlined in the 2016 NYC Energy Conservation Code and ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standard for Buildings. While the process is good practice for all new installations, the NYC Building Code mandates that commissioning is required for the mechanical systems, service water heating and electrical power and lighting systems for larger scale projects, with greater than 50,000 square feet of conditioned space or where the total mechanical equipment capacity being installed is greater than or equal to 480,000 Btu/h (40 tons) of cooling capacity or 600,000 Btu/h (50 tons) of heating capacity.

RETRO-COMMISSIONING

Additional legislation requires some large buildings to undergo the commissioning process for the property’s existing systems. This process is known as Retro-Commissioning and is required for buildings greater than 50,000 square feet under Local Law 87 (LL87). Retro-Commissioning is similar to ECC Commissioning, only it is specific to existing systems and requires reporting and general consulting in place of requirements for corrective actions standard to the commissioning process. The requirements for Retro-Commissioning are generally identified when building owners submit annual reports under Local Law 84 (LL84) for energy benchmarking audits. Buildings that do not comply with the energy audits and retro-commissioning specified in LL84 and LL87 are subject to violations and fines from the NYC Department of Buildings. The best way to ensure compliance with regulations related to commissioning is to consult with a local engineering firm with within the building industry, who has the experience and expertise to advise on best practices.

FEATURED PROJECTS

AK Engineering specializes in conducting ECC Commissioning, LL84 Benchmarking Audits and LL87 Retro-Commissioning for projects in new and existing buildings in New York City and the Tri-State Area. Our team of professionals can help guide you through the process and ensure components are functioning in accordance with specifications and reference standards and performing with maximum efficiency.

AK Engineering will assist in realizing the added value benefits of commissioning that include improved equipment lifetimes, reduced change orders due to early detection of problems, prevention of premature equipment breakdown by timely correction of problems, reduced operation and maintenance costs, and improved indoor environment.

Museums

International Center of Photography

The International Center of Photography (ICP) is the world’s leading institution dedicated to photography and visual culture. Through its exhibitions, school, public programs, and community outreach, ICP offers an open forum for dialogue about the role that photographs, videos, and new media play in our society. At the museum space in lower Manhattan, located at 250 Bowery Street, there have been more than 700 exhibitions and thousands of classes offered to help bring together photographers, artists, students, and scholars to create and interpret the realm of the image. The museum takes up approximately 11,000 square feet of space on the ground floor and cellar at the 6-story building. AK Engineering was responsible for verifying the functionality and efficient operation of the new MEP and lighting systems for the museum space. The scope included verification of the installation, training, operation and maintenance of the HVAC and lighting equipment and controls for conformance with NYC Building Codes and reference standards.

Commercial

Squarespace

When Squarespace moved its offices to 225 Varick Street, they contracted AK Engineering to conduct the special inspections and complete the energy code commissioning services. Squarespace is a rapidly growing provider of innovative web site designs for a large range of clients that include major corporations, small business and individuals alike. The web design company leased the 10th, 11th and 12th floors at the downtown property, as well as a ground floor reception space and rooftop assembly area. The approximately 100,000 square foot office boasts inspiring design features that create a unique and efficient office environment for its New York City area based staff. AK Engineering’s commissioning services included the coordination, documentation and inspection of the HVAC and lighting systems to verify performance and energy efficient operation. The new cooling tower, AC equipment, Variable Air Volume (VAV) boxes, ductwork, piping, lighting controls and Building Management Systems (BMS) controls were all integrated and commissioned to meet NYC Energy Conservation Code regulations.

Retail

Zara at the Staten Island Mall

AK Engineering was hired to complete energy code commissioning for the 30,000 square foot space in the newly built section of the Staten Island Mall on Richmond Avenue. Zara boasts of being one of the largest international retailers, offering high fashion apparel for women, men and children. The company is part of Inditex, one of the world's largest distribution groups. The customer is at the heart of Zara’s unique business model, which includes design, production, distribution and sales through its extensive retail network. The expansive Staten Island store is filled with fashions for the whole family. The build out included retail areas for men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, as well as back of house areas that included bathrooms and break rooms. AK Engineering commissioned the HVAC and lighting systems for the Rooftop Units, Exhaust Fans, Split Air Conditioning Systems and Water Heater, as well as the lighting equipment and controls.

Commercial

ORDA Management – 225-233 Park Avenue South

AK Engineering was contracted by Orda Management to complete commissioning for the new MEP infrastructure renovations for the properties at 225 and 233 Park Avenue South. The upgrades modernized the building systems to include new elevator cabs, HVAC equipment, a back up generator for life safety and interior MEP renovations for many of the floors in each of the 12-19 story buildings. The enhanced building infrastructure is environmentally friendly and supports the needs and lifestyles of the various tenants in the approximately 675,000 total square foot property. AK Engineering’s role included commissioning of the equipment, piping, ductwork and pumps for the chilled water, hot water heating, air distribution, exhaust and automatic temperature control systems. The commissioning scope ensured the energy efficient operation of the central plan equipment for the chillers, boilers, emergency generator and cooling tower, as well as for all HVAC distributing items such as the air handlers, piping and ductwork. AK Engineering’s commissioning services guaranteed that the building’s infrastructure was operating at maximum efficiency. AK also assisted the building management team to confirm its staff was equipped with the tools needed for proper maintenance and training.

Commercial

Cushman & Wakefield – 2 Park Avenue

2 Park Avenue at 32nd Street is a LEED certified landmark Art Deco skyscraper with recently renovated lobby, state of the art infrastructure and fantastic amenities. The historic 29 story office building has an impressive tenant roster in tech, media, information technology and advertising and encompasses the Murray Hill and Midtown South districts. AK Engineering has been working with the property management team at 2 Park Avenue since 2010, conducting special inspection, MEP engineering design and energy code commissioning services for the prestigious property. When it came time to install a new chilled water system in the building, the real estate developer turned to AK Engineering again for its quality services for building systems commissioning. The project included commissioning for the new chiller, pumps, air handlers electric duct heaters and distribution ductwork, VAV boxes, piping and all ancillary components. The complex project, converting the HVAC infrastructure in an occupied building, was completed over several phases. AK Engineering worked with the team at each phase to ensure the proper operation of the related components and seamless transition without disrupting the daily operations of the property’s many tenants.