Comprehensive Commissioning for Sunnybrae Elementary School’s Multipurpose Building - San Mateo, CA
Category: Education
Overall Area: 8,000 ft²
Services Provided: Commissioning
Completion Date: September 2024
Owner: San Mateo-Foster City School District
Architect: CSDA Design Group
Contractor(s):
Electrical: Design Electric
Plumbing: Dinelli
Control: Delta Controls
TAB: NABCO
Project Description
Sunnybrae Elementary School’s new multipurpose building and lunch shelter project embodies a forward-thinking approach to sustainable and efficient educational facilities. This project includes Building 7000 (a 7,000 ft² multipurpose building) and Building 8000 (a dedicated lunch shelter), along with significant fire safety upgrades to existing structures.
Pragmatic Professional Engineers (PPE) executed full commissioning for all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing energy-using systems. Our work ensured these systems met California Title 24 energy efficiency standards and adhered to the Owner's Project Requirements and Basis of Design.
Key systems included:
HVAC: Two rooftop heat pumps serve the multipurpose room and reading/RSP/TOSA rooms. A split-system heat pump provides cooling for the data room. Six exhaust fans ensure air quality in the restrooms, kitchen, and custodial room.
Lighting: Advanced Wattstopper controls featuring daylight-responsive dimming and occupancy sensors to optimize energy use.
Domestic Hot Water: A single electric water heater meeting strict operational temperature requirements.
Commissioning tasks included validating compliance with energy codes such as Title 24, performing pre-functional and functional performance testing, and ensuring seamless integration of system controls. PPE also created a detailed Systems Manual, which serves as an ongoing resource for maintenance and operational training.
This project stands as a model for energy efficiency and operational excellence in K-12 facilities. By leveraging innovative control systems and rigorous testing protocols, PPE ensured Sunnybrae Elementary School’s new buildings meet occupant comfort needs while maintaining peak energy performance.