Building Commissioning
Commissioning is a systematic process that ensures, through documented verification, that all building systems perform interactively according to the documented design intent and the owners’ operational needs. It begins in the design phase, lasts at least one year after project closeout, and includes the training of operating staff.
Commissioning results in fewer callbacks, long-term tenant satisfaction, lower energy bills, avoided equipment replacement costs and an improved profit margin for building owners. Commissioning occasionally is confused with testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB), which measures building air and water flows. Commissioning encompasses a much broader scope of work. It involves functional testing to determine how well mechanical and electrical systems work together. Functional tests of equipment and systems also help determine whether the equipment meets operational goals or needs to be adjusted.
As the Resource Conservation Manager, you may want to be involved in the commissioning of a new building. Areas affecting energy and water would be of particular interest. Resources on commissioning include:
- Commissioning Checklist for items that will impact energy and water use
- Oregon Office of Energy’s Commissioning for Better Buildings in Oregon
- A 44-page publication, Commissioning for Better Buildings in Oregon (PDF file), explains benefits of commissioning, how to select and manage a commissioning agent, roles of operation and maintenance staff, and how to develop a building maintenance plan.
- Oregon’s Commissioning Toolkit, a comprehensive guide through the commissioning process. Included are sample requests-for-proposals for design and commissioning agent services, model commissioning specifications and plans for the design and construction phases, checklists for contractors, procedures for testing and documenting equipment, procedures for commissioning tune-ups of existing equipment, and tips on managing the commissioning process.
Think Long Term
Proper training and other commissioning efforts are often minimized or eliminated in an effort to save construction costs, time or both. This way of thinking can be disastrous for the maintenance and operations staff.