UC Santa Cruz Reaps Benefits of Using Third-Party
Commissioning
Authority for New Campus Laboratory Building
The new Physical Sciences Building, a complex laboratory building on the UC Santa Cruz campus, is performing at optimal levels largely due to the University retaining Cogent Energy as its third-party Commissioning Authority. This was the University’s first new construction project using a third-party Commissioning Authority. This highly successful project led to the smoothest transition from construction to operation of any complex building on campus.
Cogent Energy worked closely with University staff and the general, mechanical and controls contractors to implement the commissioning process. The effort resulted in the resolution of over 200 identified issues. Based largely on this experience, the University intends to retain a Commissioning Authority for all future major campus buildings.
Building/Project Summary
138,830 square feet
Five stories
97 fume hoods with zone presence sensors
51 room pressurization controllers
Specialized gas distribution systems
Environmental rooms
Innovative natural ventilation design
Advanced energy management and control system
Commissioning Accomplishments:
Diagnosed incorrectly designed fume hood exhaust ducting
