MCMAC CX WAS FORMED TO ADDRESS THE GROWING RECOGNITION THAT THE FOCUS ON
BUILDING PERFORMANCE HAS MOVED BEYOND ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY
Zero/Six is proud to work with some of the best companies in the AEC industry to help deliver innovative solutions that optimize the performance of the entire building. Our goal is to assist our clients in the creation and maintenance of better building envelopes and that means tight working relationships with a range of companies across our field. This month’s Strategic Partner Spotlight is David MacLean and his firm McMac Commissioning Services, LLC.
ABOUT MCMAC COMMISSIONING SERVICES, LLC
McMac Commissioning Services, LLC (McMac Cx) is a health-focused, commercial building commissioning firm. They provide the technical expertise necessary for Owners, Developers, Architects, Engineers, Contractors, and Vendors, to comply with mandatory and voluntary commissioning requirements within the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (2015 IECC), WELL
Building Standard and US Green Building Council – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (USGBC LEED) rating systems.
WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND STARTING MCMAC CX?
McMac Cx was formed to address the growing recognition that the focus on building performance has moved beyond energy and water efficiency. Proven design techniques and off-the-shelf technology
make it much easier to exceed minimum code requirements. Astute “Property” Owners, Developers and Designers are coming to the realization that they can positively or negatively impact the health of the communities that form inside and outside their buildings. McMac Cx has the experience and ability to assist the Design and Construction teams in understanding how the design, construction, operation, and community interact to meet these new aspirations.
HOW DOES MCMAC CX SUPPORT ZERO/SIX AS A STRATEGIC PARTNER?
McMac Cx has extensive experience in the design, construction, and operation of mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems. Best practices have historically favored MEP systems when implementing the commissioning process. The USGBC LEED rating systems and 2015 IECC mandate commissioning of MEP systems. These current standards of care also begin to address the need to include the envelope into the commissioning process. McMac Cx believes that full commissioning of the building envelope is needed to ensure tested performance. This is not the current mandate within the 2015 IECC or the prerequisite of the LEED rating system, so McMac Cx typically works with the Owner to understand what the risks are in not taking the envelope commissioning process to full completion.
WHAT ARE A FEW FAVORITE PROJECTS THAT YOU HAVE WORKED ON?
As a new firm, our favorite projects, for now, were completed while with past firms. When asked this question, immediate thoughts went to Teams and not to Buildings. I have been involved in the
construction industry for over 25 years and have had the privilege to be part of some very unique and rewarding projects in various roles including, MEP Project Manager (PM), Sustainability Manager
(SM), and Commissioning Manager (CM). Some of my favorite projects are as follows:
1. The rebuild of the Moody Gardens Tropical Rainforest pyramid after Hurricane Ike destroyed the interior (MEP PM, CHP & Associates),
2. LEED Platinum – Mickey Leland Federal Building (MEP PM, CHP & Associates – Increased Energy Efficiency by over 50%),
3. LEED Platinum – George W. Bush Presidential Library (SM, CHP & Associates – Highest rated LEED project in Texas for five years, second highest in the nation for 2 years),
4. LEED Gold – MetroNational Cemex Building (MEP PM, CHP & Associates – First LEED project for David MacLean and Metro National),
5. LEED Gold – DOW Campus Lake Jackson (CM, Sebesta)
WHAT DO YOU ENVISION FOR THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION IN HOUSTON? HOW DO YOU SEE HOUSTON CHANGING IN THE YEARS AHEAD?
Houston will continue to grapple with decisions in the wake of the devastating floods of the past couples of years. Codes and Standards of Care will push the built environment toward more sustainable
and resilient construction. We will become more mindful of the impact the built environment has on the overall health (economic, social, physical, emotional, etc) of the communities within and surrounding the buildings we construct. Houston is strong and will continue to rise to the occasion.
