In 2012 Lasath was the lead author for the Guide to Best Practice Maintenance and Operation of HVAC Systems for Energy Efficiency, which was published by the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, and at the time was arguably the first maintenance guide in the western world that was purely written with a focus on energy efficiency.  ESBS staff are also familiar with the requirements in AIRAH DA 19 HVACR Maintenance and CIBSE Guide to Ownership, Operation and Maintenance of Building Services.

Over the years, ESBS staff have assisted some of our clients to set up maintenance contracts.  The process essentially starts with compiling an Asset Register which categorises equipment according to location, type of function, make and model, rating, date of installation, criticality to the service provision and condition. Supplementary information regarding replacement costs, essential spares and importance to energy and water efficiency may also be stored in the Asset Register.

Based on AIRAH or CIBSE Guides, and any client specific requirements, schedules for planned maintenance are inserted to the Asset Register.  Relevant maintenance compliance standards are stated and procedures for dealing with call outs for response repairs are specified with priorities noted. For attending to response repairs, a Schedule of Rates is included, and a protocol for attending to response repairs and submitting quotations for such work.

The maintenance specification must also cover requirements for periodic meetings to discuss and seek feedback on how well the contract is progressing, and to perform Quality Assurance audits on WHS issues, planned maintenance, response repairs, invoicing and the level of documentation that must be maintained.