BUILDING COMMISSIONING PROJECT TO LOWER OPERATIONAL COSTS AT CLEMENTS
HIGH SECURITY PRISON
ARLINGTON, Va. -- The
new 226,000-square-foot Clements High Security Unit in Amarillo, Tex.,
is currently undergoing a building commissioning process that will
assure that the $23.6 million prison meets all of the design specifications
for its HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems.
EMR, a Virginia-based
engineering consulting firm specializing in facilities commissioning,
operations and maintenance, was selected by the Texas Department of
Criminal Justice to conduct this large-scale project. EMR also is
commissioning the Preston E. Smith High Security Unit in Lamesa and
the Gib Lewis High Security Unit in Woodville (see related news releases).
Building commissioning
is a systematic process that guarantees that a facility operates in
the way in which it is designed, resulting in a facility that is less
costly to operate and maintain, while meeting energy efficiency goals.
EMR’s contract
covers writing the commissioning plan and specifications and supervising
the testing and balance (TAB) for the project. Transfer switching,
emergency generator, lighting and power supply are among the electrical
systems being commissioned. HVAC system commissioning includes chillers,
air-handling units, variable air volume boxes, pumps, towers, boilers
and smoke and kitchen exhaust systems. EMR also will commission pure
water, plumbing, lab waste and domestic water systems.
The 660-cell high security
prison consists of high security cells, medical and food service areas
and office and administrative space.
"The Texas Department
of Criminal Justice is acutely aware of the operation and maintenance
savings that can come from undergoing a thorough building commissioning
process," says EMR President Naresh Khosla. "When Clements
prison opens, it will be assured full compliance with the design intent
and have well-documented operating manuals and a highly trained operation
and maintenance staff," says Khosla. "The end result will
more than justify the initial investment in building commissioning."
For additional information
on other EMR building commissioning projects, contact Kate Kelly at
(323) 874-3458,
or at kkellyemr@aol.com.
