Video: Overcoming Challenges with Core and Shell Commissioning

The core building is designed to accommodate tenants of a perceived type. Any changes to the type or the amount of occupants drastically affects performance.

By CxEnergy and the AABC Commissioning Group (ACG) November 23, 2022
Adam Herzer, Fitwel Ambassador. Courtesy: CxEnergy

Learning Objectives: 

  • Describe case study examples with real-life problems.
  • Provide engineers, owner’s reps, and commissioning agents methods for correction and appropriate communication tools for owner/tenant education.
  • Engage the audience to share similar experiences and their solutions.
  • Have the audience prepared to guide owners in the right direction, saving time and money on core and shell projects.

Video courtesy: CxEnergy

Presenter: Adam Herzer, BCxP, CEM, CxA, PEM, LEED AP; Fitwel Ambassador

In the commercial sector, developers build the shell of the building with all required HVAC for the future of the building once they gain tenants that outfit their internal space. By doing so it has become a challenge due to multiple factors, some of the factors are listed below:

The core building is designed to accommodate tenants of a perceived type. Any changes to the type or the amount of occupants drastically affects performance.

The scheduling of the fit-outs for those tenants may not allow the building’s mechanical systems to perform at all. In some cases, operating in low loads will reduce the life span of that equipment.

Engineers, developers and contractors only see their scope of work. Not taking into account the full maturity of the building’s construction.

This presentation will go over examples that myself and/or colleagues experienced while either designing, installing, or commissioning a core and shell or tenant out-fit. In addition to the historical information, I will discuss what was done to overcome the challenges as well as discuss lessons learned with a good plan of action timeline.

CxEnergy is the premier conference & expo in commissioning, building technology, and energy management. CSE subscribers receive a 10% discount to the CxEnergy 2023 with promo code CSE10 (May 2-5, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX). Learn more and register.

CxEnergy is presented by the AABC Commissioning Group (ACG), the Energy Management Association (EMA), and the Associated Air Balance Council (AABC). Together, these Authorities in Building Performance represent over 600 member companies and 2,500 certified professionals in the testing, adjusting, and balancing, commissioning, and energy management industries.