What is Commissioning

Commissioning is the process of planning, documenting, scheduling, testing, adjusting, verifying, and training, to provide a facility that operates as a fully functional system per the Owner’s Project Requirements. The goal of the Commissioning Process is to enhance the quality of the delivered project by focusing the design and construction team on the Owner’s goals for a functional and energy efficient building. The earlier a Commissioning Provider is involved in the project process the greater the chance there is for the Commissioning Provider to influence corrections without increased costs later.

Demand for commissioning services is increasing as the design and construction communities require that projects are delivered completely functional, on time, at low cost, and constructed to run in a highly efficient manner. Also, LEED Certification is becoming increasingly popular and mandated by some jurisdictions. The Commissioning process is a requirement of LEED Certified projects. The Commissioning Process helps to achieve all of these goals through review of design documents and construction installation. A third party provider, independent of the design and construction teams, can oversee the quality delivery of the project and provide the Owner with an advocate that will serve the project through completion.

Retro-Commissioning

Retro-Commissioning is the application of the Commissioning Process to projects not previously commissioned. Many buildings delivered without undergoing the Commissioning Process have deficiencies in design or construction that do not allow the building to function properly or in an energy efficient manner. The goal of the Retro-Commissioning Process is to discover these deficiencies and propose or provide solutions to them. Often, solutions recommended through the Retro-Commissioning process can be implemented at low cost and with little or no disruption to the building’s operations.

A great deal of opportunity is available in the Retro-Commissioning market. Energy use is ever increasing and existing buildings are a large source of that energy use. The opportunity to reduce energy use in existing buildings is one that cannot be ignored. The Retro-Commissioning Process provides a standardized method to gain the greatest efficiency gains and solve existing comfort and operational issues.

Re-Commissioning

Re-Commissioning is the application of the Commissioning Process applied to projects that have previously been commissioned. During building operations, systems may become out of balance or may be adjusted. As a result, the building may not operate in an efficient manner. Additionally, the needs of a facility may change as tenants, owners, and technologies change. The Re-Commissioning Process brings a high quality delivered project to the standards set by either the original or revised Owner’s Project Requirements. A Re-Commissioning Process can typically be applied relatively inexpensively since documentation is available from the original commissioning of the building.

Continuous Commissioning

Continuous Commissioning is the constant application of the commissioning process to a building that has been previously Commissioned or Retro-Commissioned. Continuous Commissioning ensures that a building does not deviate far from the current Owner’s Project Requirements; requirements that should be updated as part of the process. Continuous Commissioning is a highly effective method to keep energy costs low and minimize system problems caused by neglect and changes to building operations.