Independent Commissioning Agent

CORA manages the commissioning of building engineering services. As an independent commissioning agent we manage the whole process to ensure that the building services function as intended right from the start. Well-managed independent commissioning will ensure that the operational costs and subcontractor defects and maintenance call backs are kept to a minimum. The role of the ICA is to ensure that the building functions well for the client and the tenant and that the performance gap between the design and the operation of the building is kept to a minimum.

We develop and direct the commissioning process for all building engineering services. These include the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, building management systems (BMS) and automatic controls, electrical services including addressable lighting controls and power distribution systems, and hydraulic systems.

Our first project as an Independent Commissioning Agent (ICA) was in 2009 as ICA on an 18,000m2 government office in Wellington. Since then, we have undertaken several ICA roles on various projects. These include new schools and substantial office buildings.

The role of an independent commissioning agent is an essential part of the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) Green Star rating system. The NZGBC requires that the Independent Commissioning Agent be appointed early on in the design phase where the input from the specialist commissioning agent can have the most impact. As an Independent Commissioning Agent we work through the construction and commissioning phases, and often through the post occupancy building-tuning phase. This ensures that building comfort for the occupants is maximised while minimising resource consumption.

CORA has, within its team, GSNZAP and EnergyMaster professionals whose skills are invaluable during the commissioning process.