We talked with Kenny Reed at Specialized Engineering Solutions (SES) to learn about their commissioning practice. Kenny has served on the Central Chapter and is currently on the task force to update the ASHE Cx Handbook. SES has been a corporate member since 2018.
1. Tell us briefly about your company.
SES was founded in 2005 as an MEP consulting firm dedicated to healthcare facilities. Over the last 20 years, the firm has progressed into a multi-office, national engineering firm practicing MEP engineering and commissioning with projects and personnel located across the United States.
2. Do you have a commissioning pioneering/success milestone you would like to share?
The role of commissioning in mission-critical projects continues to evolve, emphasizing the need for thorough validation and performance assurance. As a national engineering and commissioning firm, our goal is to establish dedicated commissioning providers in every office to provide localized expertise and seamless client support. Additionally, we are continuously refining our tools and processes to enhance efficiency, improve system performance, and deliver greater value to our national clients.
3. When did the company initially engage with the BCxA – when and why?
SES originally became involved in the BCA in 2018 shortly after our Director of Commissioning, Kenny Reed, joined the team. SES joined the BCA due to the strong training and certification program and ongoing learning opportunities throughout the year.
4. Tell us what it means to be CCF providing a CCP to projects. If applicable
SES originally became a CCF in 2022. The firm CCF certification ensures we stay sharp, and our internal best practices track the BCxA’s best practices, among others. Our team is comprised of CCPs and ACPs which we can give our clients confidence in our approach, experience, and the standard we are delivering to on projects.
5. Do you have an interesting/important representative project example you can share?
At SES, we routinely take on complex projects that serve critical environments for our clients. One notable project that provided valuable lessons learned was the Children’s Nebraska Hubbard Center for Children, completed in 2021. This Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) initiative faced unique challenges, as the bulk of the work occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adapting to evolving circumstances, our commissioning team collaborated with a large, multi-disciplinary team and demonstrated flexibility in response to shifting schedules, scope adjustments, and project requirements. Over the past four years, we have continued to support associated renovation projects within the hospital, frequently applying insights gained from our work on the Hubbard Center.
6. Future of Cx – What are you seeing that is shaping the practice of commissioning in your markets?
We have experienced that our most successful projects from a commissioning perspective are those that deploy a full commissioning process (starting with design) and leverage technology in the delivery and closeout of commissioning. By consistently integrating commissioning from the early design phases through post-occupancy, project teams can identify and resolve potential issues before they become costly problems, enhance system integration, and improve overall facility operations. And a more structured and consistent approach to commissioning will ultimately lead to higher-performing buildings, reduced lifecycle costs, and better outcomes for both owners and end users. I hope commissioning providers and owners will take these insights and proactively advocate for a more comprehensive and well-defined commissioning scope in their projects. A thorough commissioning process ensures that building systems operate as intended, optimizing performance, efficiency, and long-term reliability.
7. Recommendations for new entrants to the profession of commissioning.
My suggestion to new commissioning professionals would be to find an organization that offers solid training and credentials that will support your team. The industry needs firms that will provide a high level of service and are focused on executing thorough commissioning services on projects.
8. Anything else you would like to add?
Numerous studies have highlighted the significant financial benefits of building commissioning, underscoring its essential role in optimizing building performance and long-term cost savings. While initial construction costs account for approximately 13% of a building’s total lifecycle cost, a staggering 87% is attributed to the ongoing operation, maintenance, and energy consumption of the facility. This imbalance reinforces the critical importance of commissioning as a proactive strategy to ensure that building systems function efficiently from the outset. Ultimately, the financial imperatives for commissioning cannot be overstated. Investing in a rigorous commissioning process translates to substantial cost savings, improved system reliability, and a more sustainable, high-performing built environment for years to come.