Commissioning is a quality process that helps to ensure that integrated building systems operate efficiently, meet the needs of the end user, function as designed, and maintain occupant comfort.
Commissioning focuses on the life of the facility, not the first day of occupancy. The initial costs of commissioning are recovered many times over through operating cost savings, improved staff performance, and avoidance of costly problems during construction.
The 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) includes requirements for commissioning of mechanical systems in buildings where the total mechanical equipment capacity is greater than or equal to 480,00 Btu/h cooling capacity and 600,000 Btu/h heating capacity.
Our goals during the Commissioning Process:
- Document the owner’s goals and requirements
- Ensure the work is done correctly the first time to prevent or eliminate costly problems
- Hold each individual responsible for quality
- Verify (not inspect) the work and service
- Focus on the life of the facility.
- Improve quality to lower overall project and facility operating costs
Commissioning Services We Provide
- New Construction Commissioning
- LEED® Certification Commissioning
- Fundamental Commissioning
- Enhanced Commissioning
- Retro Commissioning for Existing Buildings
Systems We Commission
- HVAC Equipment and Systems
- Domestic Hot Water Systems
- Lighting Systems
- Building Automation and Controls
- Energy Management Systems
- Renewable Energy Systems
- Electrical Service and Distribution Systems
Benefits For The Owner
- Fewer system deficiencies at building turnover: It is not unusual for items to come to the attention of the building staff through occupant complaints or routine maintenance. These items will be found through the functional testing and verification processes.
- Lower energy costs: Typically buildings operate 5-20% more efficient if they have been commissioned. For example a 28,000 sq. ft. building with operating cost of $1.75/sq. ft. would save approximately $2,450-$9,800.
- Improved indoor air quality: Commissioning verifies that adequate outside air is brought into the building to increase occupant comfort.
- Better maintenance staff training: The Commissioning provider implements training of maintenance staff to maximize building efficiency and occupant comfort. Proper training increases the life of mechanical systems and equipment and reduces overall life cycle cost.
- Documentation: The Commissioning provider provides documentation in the form of a Systems Manual. The Systems Manual is meant to inform facilities staff, current or potential service contractors, as well as facility occupants and users as to the basis for operating and maintaining a facility’s systems. It is intended to be useful in the day-to-day operations of a facility. It also forms the basis of transferring important “corporate memory” information from one party to the next.