kW Engineering | Sustainable Buildings & Energy Efficiency Consulting
Sole sourcing for an HVAC control system is an unquestioned norm but has not been widely accepted in the lighting control system world. There are many reasons why sole sourcing benefits you. A single lighting control system can not only be networked, but it also allows the facilities folks to learn one control system, freeing […]
Why and how to sole source your next lighting control system Read More »
From my experience as both an acceptance tester and commissioning provider, I’ve realized that not everyone knows the difference. It’s helpful for stakeholders to understand how they are different to be sure expectations are aligned and construction moves smoothly. Commissioning is a SYSTEMATIC process, not a functional testing EVENT Commissioning is not functional testing. It
What’s the difference between commissioning, acceptance testing and functional testing? Read More »
It’s 2018 and lighting controls are not standalone anymore. Owners, lighting designers and commissioning authorities need to recognize that lighting is a system, and controls are often networked. Now more than ever, it’s extremely important to practice sound lighting control design for efficiency, code as well as safety. When network control approaches are not adequately
Don’t Let Your Lighting Control Fall through the Cracks Read More »
I became a commissioning (Cx) provider because I believe it makes a difference in the quality and efficiency of buildings. Title 24 (part 6) has the same goals. Unfortunately, as it stands the goal of efficient buildings through commissioning isn’t being enforced as well as it could be. As written, code allows almost anyone to
In 1982, an explosion of a Gasprom pipeline in Siberia was the first cyber-attack of an Industrial Control System (ICS). Stuxnet (the malware that took down Iran’s nuclear centrifuges) was released 10 years ago. According to Joe Weiss, an ICS cybersecurity expert, who recently wrote a brief history of ICS cybersecurity, it has been a
Protecting Your Building: Cybersecurity in Building Automation Read More »
Commissioning has been around since the 1980’s, but has gained prominence with the requirements in LEED, energy codes, and even federal requirements. As the industry has evolved, so has the title for the people that do it. There are currently three titles: Commissioning Agent (CxA), Commissioning Authority (also CxA), and Commissioning Provider (CxP). I’ve also
Commissioning Titles: Agent, Authority, or Provider – which one right? Read More »
California utilities are now allowed to define the new rate periods for on-peak thanks to a recent CPUC ruling. For many, the CPUC’s actions have been distant. However, this ruling has the potential to impact your bottom line. But have hope – you can mitigate effects through (properly commissioned) lighting controls. With the new rate
