operations

Building excellence does not stop when a building is handed over. Unless properly addressed. Operational issues will continue to degrade the building and its services. This often manifests its self in higher energy usage, a failure to maintain critical conditions and less satisfied occupants.

Steensen Varming has a long history of assisting our clients to optimise their building performance.

soft landings

As a building project nears completion, our team of operations specialists can help ensure that important operations and maintenance documentation is in place, commissioning data is up to date, maintenance procedures are in place, energy targets have been established and the design intent is properly documented.

During building handover the team will assist the new facilities managers to familiarise themselves with the building services. The team will play an active role over a predefined period (usually between 12 to 24 months) to assist the facilities team in any fine tuning or other issues that may arise.

energy management

Our operations teams can assist property owners and facilities managers to identify where the energy is going, and how it might be better utilised, minimised and controlled. We can assist organisations with the development of energy strategies, energy management plans, energy audits, metering solutions, awareness programs and senior management awareness programs.

alternative energy solutions

Steensen Varming have a long and proud history of innovation, and this experience extends to alternative energy solutions. We have provided strategic advice to clients looking to adopt cogeneration (combined heat and power) systems, and systems that utilise renewable energy sources such as solar energy and wind. We also have extensive experience in the design and implementations of such systems. Ideally alternative energy systems are incorporated into the building design, but such systems can also play a significant role in improving the greenhouse performance of existing buildings.

nabers

Steensen Varming are long term supporters of the National Australian Built Environment Rating Scheme (NABERS). There would be few organisations with greater experience in conducting NABERS Assessments, especially across building portfolios. Our approach is different to many assessors in as much as we make a point of looking for energy, water and other sustainability improvements during the assessment process (often we identify opportunities that, when implemented, deliver savings that more than pay for the assessment).

maintenance

Preserving assets and delivering reliable, efficient, effective and safe operation of building services requires proper maintenance. Steensen Varming has extensive experience in reviewing maintenance policies and procedures to meet the long term needs of the building.

retro commissioning

Within the building, usage changes and even if services are properly managed and maintained it may be prudent to revisit the design intent to determine its ongoing validity. Often 'retro commissioning' process can deliver significant energy efficiency and operational improvements especially in buildings that have specific environmental requirements.

independent commissioning agent

With the rise of sustainability rating systems, building owners and developers are better recognising the importance of commissioning of building services. Steensen Varming believe proper commissioning starts at the design stage. Building services must be inherently commissionable, even with the best will in the world, there will be fine tuning requirements, driven often by the way occupants ultimately chose to use the space. Steensen Varming has extensive experience in acting as independent commissioning engineers, an management systems have been established to ensure proper independence is maintained when having to work with 'in house' design professionals.