New York City – Columbia University contracted EBI Consulting for commissioning of its new University Forum Building located in Manhattan.
This new multipurpose venue consists of an auditorium, meeting rooms, catered and grab-and-go food service, and over 30 faculty and support offices.
The structure will foster community activity and growth as the gateway to Columbia University’s new Manhattanville Campus.
This project was designed in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Green Building Council to achieve LEED Gold status.
EBI also provided the most efficient infrastructure to reduce overall energy impacts by integrating passive efficiency measures on the building envelope with passive and active measures such as natural ventilation, heat recovery, under-floor air displacement, efficient mechanical systems, efficient lighting, etc., per Columbia University’s request.
A multiphased commissioning scope ensures that all building systems perform interactively according to the design intent and the owner’s operational needs. This is achieved by beginning in the design phase, documenting the design intent, and continuing through construction, acceptance, and the warranty period with actual verification of performance.
By the end of the acceptance phase, over 147 issues were documented and resolved.
Systems commissioned:
- Building automation systems (BAS).
- Chilled water.
- Heating hot water.
- Domestic hot and cold water.
- Building ventilation.
- Air terminal units.
- Radiant floor systems.
- Low and high voltage power.
- Lighting controls.
- Fire alarm system and devices.
- Loss of power response.
