CBRE’s new downtown Chicago headquarters utilizes an open-concept design across two floors. The space offers low panel workstations, interior enclosed offices, conference rooms, pantry areas, and technology rooms for basic office functions.
Baumann Consulting provided fundamental and enhanced commissioning requirements for the LEED for Commercial Interiors Certification. The scope of services included commissioning of the energy and water consuming systems serving the CBRE headquarters including:
Mechanical
- Pneumatic fan-powered boxes for interior cooling
- Perimeter electric re-heat
- Condenser water circulating pumps
- Perimeter baseboard heating
- Condenser water-cooled supplemental cooling units serving 33rd-floor server room
- Exhaust fans for unisex toilet and IDF room
Plumbing
- Hot water heater
- Electric hot water heaters
Electrical
- Lighting and lighting controls
Baumann identified and resolved issues with fan terminal units such as rattling, uninstalled temperature sensors, and room thermostats requiring rewiring. These could not have been determined through a standard inspection. Baumann identified these items by running the system through various temperature scenarios. Without commissioning, the tenant likely would have been unable to identify the cause of the thermal variations, experiencing temperature swings and discomfort indefinitely.
