Refrigerating systems: CIBSE commissioning code R

Commissioning of buildings and building services is vitally important to the safe and energy efficient operation of buildings but it is not always carried out — or carried out systematically. The CIBSE Commissioning Code sets out clearly and systematically the steps required to commission buildings and building services in a proper and timely manner. This key step in the life of the building enables the system to operate as it was designed to do, and, coupled with good maintenance practice, helps provide building occupiers with a safe, good quality, comfortable internal environment delivered energy efficiently.Refrigeration plant and its associated equipment in building services has changed significantly since the last edition of Code R. Environmental factors, technological developments and statutory changes have resulted in major advances in design, installation and maintenance of refrigeration equipment and this has been reflected in this edition. Further changes to current practice are likely in response to changes in national and international legislation, and to meet the need for lower carbon emissions and energy consumption from air conditioning systems.The Code presents recommendations and guidance on current standards of good commissioning practice. It acknowledges that it may be applied in a variety of contractual frameworks. Users will need to ensure that the recommendations of the Code are compatible with those of any contract.The Carbon Trust fully supports the development of good practice guidance for building professionals. Buildings in the UK account for around 45% of energy demand and therefore are a key target for action to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The objectives of the Carbon Trust are: to ensure that UK business and the public sector meet ongoing targets for carbon dioxide emissions; to improve the competitiveness of UKbusiness through resource efficiency and to support the development of a UK industry sector that capitalises on the innovation and commercial value of low carbon technologies.The Carbon Trust therefore welcomes the publication of this new Code, seeking as it does to enable UK manufacturers and installers to supply and fit refrigerating systems which are more effective and which have a lower carbon footprint over the lifetime of the plant.CIBSE itself has the following aims and objectives relating to refrigeration systems, which should be integrated into all practice involving commissioning of refrigeration equipment and systems: 1 To consult with manufacturers, designers, contractors, clients and kindred institutions to ensure common goals in improving the use of refrigerants2 To provide and disseminate design guidance for refrigeration systems.3 To formulate best practice for minimising the total equivalent warming impact (TEWI) of building refrigeration systems.4 To encourage compliance with and enforcement of government legislation regarding conservation, reclamation and disposal of refrigerants.5 To share any experience gained from 'environmentally friendly designs', nationally and internationally.6 To encourage and participate in research into alternatives to current refrigerant fluids that have the potential to be harmful to the environment.7 To consider the implications of limiting the escape of harmful refrigerant gases to the atmosphere.8 To make advice and guidance available to building users and specifiers.The Carbon Trust supports CIBSE in its efforts to achieve these aims, and welcomes this new edition of Code R as an important means of enabling building services engineers to deliver effective low carbon refrigeration systems.