DESIGN GUIDELINE 4.3.2 - MEP DESIGN MANAGEMENT - Scope and Design-Phase Commissioning (Cx) Process

Oct 28, 2026

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Design Guideline 4.3.2 defines an expanded design-phase commissioning (Cx) workflow for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) design management. It outlines the commissioner (CxA) selection for large and complex projects and specifies responsibilities across SD, DD, and CD stages. The guideline covers how the CxA coordinates meetings, gathers project knowledge and program documents, promotes adherence to U-M design standards, advances sustainability goals, runs an MEP kick-off, and manages MEP design discussions and compliance requirements.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Scope

Related Documents

General

CxA activities during the design phase

Coordination and meeting management

DESIGN GUIDELINE 4.3.2 MEP DESIGN MANAGEMENT Scope This design guideline describes an expanded design-phase commissioning (Cx) process known as mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) design management. It describes the roles and responsibilities the commissioner (a.k.a. Commissioing Authority, or “CxA”) will perform. The Commissioning and Plan Review Department will assign commissioner(s) to perform MEP design management on large and complex new building, building addition and building renovation projects, when staff is available. Related Documents U-M Design Guidelines: DG 2.1-Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) and Basis of Design (BOD) DG 2.3-Owner’s Review DG 3.1-Sustainable Design and LEED® Requirements DG 3.2-Energy and Water Conservation DG 4.2-Building Envelope DG 4.3-Building Commissioning DG 4.3.1-Design-Phase Commissioning DG 230900-Mechanical Systems Controls U-M Master Specification Sections: MS 017823-Operation and Maintenance Manuals MS 019100-Project Commissioning Reference Documents: ASHRAE Guideline 0,“The Commissioning Process” ASHRAE Guideline 0.2,“Commissioning Process for Existing Systems and Assemblies”ASHRAE Guideline 1.1,“HVAC&R Technical Requirements for the Commissioning Process”ASHRAE Guideline 1.5,“Commissioning Process for Smoke Control Systems” ASHRAE Standard 202,“Commissioning Process for Buildings and Systems” Building Commissioning Association, "The Building Commissioning Handbook" NIBS Guideline 3, "Building Enclosure Commissioning Process" USGBC,“LEED® Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction” General The CxA will perform the following activities during the design phase: 1. Contact the U-M Design Manager, introduce themselves and describe their role. Find out the general schedule of the project and request to be invited to the appropriate MEP meetings. • Recommend and establish with the Design Manager the frequency of the MEP meetings at each design stage (SD, DD, and CD), typically two meetings during SD and DD and three during CD phase. Also schedule a MEP kick-off meeting. Establish who will send out the meeting invitations, normally the Design Manager. 2. Become knowledgeable about the project. • Attend at least one presentation by the Architect/Engineer (A/E) to become familiar with the project’s scope, schedule, budget, and design intent. At the first meeting attended, introduce yourself and describe your role briefly. • Request and review available program documents to learn about the project, including: o Number of floors, square footage of each floor, extent of new building or addition work, extent of renovation work, division of space by function (clinical, laboratory, classroom, office, support space), division of space among departments, etc. o Connections to and interactions with surrounding buildings, including any related renovations in surrounding buildings. o Site requirements including proposed grade, roadway and utility changes. o Schedule for the schematic design (SD), design development (DD) and construction documents (CD) design phases, and for project bidding and award. 3. Promote adherence to the U-M Design Guidelines, Master Specifications, Standard Details, Preferred Manufacturers Lists and Design Deliverables list. Require that deviations from these standards be approved by the Design Manager and that deviations be documented in memos, emails or meeting minutes, and the OPR/BOD. 4. As early in design as possible, promote the incorporation of U-M sustainability goals. See Design Guidelines 3.1 and 3.2. • Explain these Design Guidelines in detail to the A/E and promote the early identification of energy conservation measures. • Promote optimization of the building’s aspect ratios, siting, glass orientation, glass area, glass type, exterior shading, daylighting features, envelope insulation, air and vapor barriers, etc. 5. Conduct an MEP design management kick-off meeting. •

FAQs

What is the purpose of Design Guideline 4.3.2 in MEP design management?

It describes an expanded design-phase commissioning (Cx) process for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) design management, detailing the CxA roles and responsibilities.

How does the CxA get involved at the start of the project?

The CxA contacts the U-M Design Manager, learns the project schedule, and requests participation in relevant MEP meetings while establishing meeting frequency across SD, DD, and CD phases.

What standards and sustainability goals must the CxA promote during design?

The CxA promotes adherence to U-M Design Guidelines, Master Specifications, Standard Details, and design deliverables, requiring documented approval for deviations; it also promotes early incorporation of U-M sustainability goals and energy conservation measures.

Oct 28, 2026

Upload by Miles