Building commissioning is a systematic process to test a facility’s overall design and functionality before its occupancy. Our commissioning agents involve themselves in several activities for both new and existing buildings, from planning and design to operations and testing. Doing so ensures that a building is at its optimal state and conforms with the building owner’s requirements. Building commissioning is critical for facilities wanting to be compliant with regulations and obtain sustainability certifications such as LEED and ENERGY STAR. Commissioning agents work together with the project architects and contractors to perform the following tasks:

• Examine and cross-check construction documents
• Assess claims about construction materials
• Test and validate equipment upon installation
• Check if Operations and Maintenance (O&M) personnel receive adequate training
• Follow good documentation practices for building systems

Why is it Important?

Building commissioning is an integral element of a successful construction project. Certain green energy laws even require this process to ensure the readiness and reliability of a building for occupancy. But how exactly does it benefit property owners and construction teams?

Improving Energy Usage

Energy efficiency is one of the major advantages of building commissioning. This process offers a cost-effective way to minimize energy and water use in buildings, allowing owners to conserve energy and boost their environmental performance.

Identifying Gaps in Construction

Architects, contractors, and project managers handle a huge bulk of the construction work. Even so, many details can get lost in the process if things are left solely in their hands and without proper coordination that building commissioning can provide. There arises a need for another set of eyes to monitor, document, and verify regulatory compliance and building quality. This is where commissioning agents come into the picture. It’s their job to spot and resolve deficiencies early in the design and construction phase before opening the facility for public use.

Minimizing O&M Costs

Building commissioning also helps decrease operational and maintenance costs. Incorporating it in the construction process allows owners and managers to detect issues early and avoid potential expenses if caught later.

Enhancing Overall Building Performance

Ultimately, building commissioning is all about optimizing building systems for better performance. Research shows that building commissioning elevates an existing facility’s performance by:

• Enhancing thermal comfort
• Improving the air quality inside the building
• Streamlining O&M systems through documentation
• Meeting the expectations of the property owner; and
• Addressing and mitigating risks associated with poor building performance

Building Systems for Commissioning

Building commissioning often includes a thorough check of the building’s internal and external systems. Commissioners must ensure that the following systems function as intended and are in their best condition before signing them off to the owner:

• Mechanical – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, elevators, building automation systems
• Electrical – switches, transformers, generators, and emergency power sources
• Lighting – energy-efficient lighting sources and lighting controls
• Plumbing – pipes, water supply channels, and more
• Building envelope – wall assembly, foundation, roofing, and window glazing
• Laboratories – toxic gas monitoring, gas distribution, and process cooling water systems
• Life safety – fire extinguishers, alarms, sprinklers, and smoke detectors

Contact us today to set up a meeting and discuss how we can help.