AIRAH’s DA27 and DA28 design application manuals have been recognised by the GBCA in Green Star rating tools as appropriate standards for commissioning within the Management category credit criteria for Man-2.
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has recognised the Australian Institute of Refrigeration Airconditioning and Heating’s (AIRAH’s) DA27 and DA28 design application manuals in Green Star rating tools as appropriate standards for commissioning within the Management category credit criteria for Man-2 (all tools). The two must be used in unison.
DA27 Building Commissioning and DA 28 Building Management and Controls Systems, which were released last year, were recognised in a recent GBCA technical clarification. The recognition of AIRAH’s DA27 and DA28 will be written into the next revision of the credit. In the meantime, the technical clarification means project teams can automatically use the manuals.
“The decision means that Australian industry can work with processes and documents that they understand. The guidelines are clear, and there is no need for additional interpretation or regional context. References are to Australian law, Australian regulations, Australian Standards and Australian practices – and all in a language and vernacular that Australian industry can understand,” Neil Cox, AIRAH chief operating officer, comments.
DA27 aims to help define and standardise the commissioning process, outline the critical steps, and promote a common language for the various stakeholders. DA28 is intended to bridge the skills gap between the controls industry, design engineers and building operators. It outlines a generic process for the design and implementation of controls systems, and includes specific detailed and technical information relating to controls systems for HVAC&R and related services.
At present the Green Star credit criteria for Man-2 (all tools) states that “commissioning can be performed in accordance with ASHRAE Guideline 1-1996 (for mechanical services only) and CIBSE Commissioning Codes for other services.” In addition to the documents outlined in the credit, the following two application manuals are now recognised as an appropriate standard for commissioning within this credit:
- AIRAH application manual DA 27 Building Commissioning – 2011, which provides a comprehensive and Australian guide to building commissioning, similar to CIBSE Commissioning Codes, and
- AIRAH application manual DA 28 Building Management and Control Systems (BMCS) – 2011, which provides a comprehensive and Australian guide to controls and building management and control systems.
Where the credit states “CIBSE Commissioning Codes”, the credit should now be read as stating “CIBSE Commissioning Codes or both AIRAH DA27 and DA28”.
The Design Application (DA) series of 18 publications produced by AIRAH are best-practice guidelines to assist HVAC&R practitioners with their day-to-day tasks in design, operation and maintenance of mechanical building services. The series is available for purchase on AIRAH’s website.
