1. What is building commissioning?
Commissioning is the quality assurance process of checking and writing down how all of a building’s systems work, both separately and together, according to how they were designed and how the owner wants them to work.
Commissioning is at the heart of what we do, and we aim to deliver projects that meet our clients’ and owners’ goals every single time. Our commissioning specialists’ services apply right from the very earliest stages of design and don’t end until your project is safely and successfully occupied and operating. From verifying and reviewing design drawings and construction documents to fine-tuning systems once your project is operational and occupied, our independent commissioning specialists will oversee every step.
2. Types of Commissioning
Building Commissioning
The process of new building commissioning begins at the onset of the project during the design phase and continues through the warranty period of the completed facility. It encompasses all phases of design, construction, acceptance, and the warranty period. By being involved from the beginning, the commissioning specialist will identify potential issues during the design phase, discover installation issues early on in the construction phase, and verify proper operation during the acceptance phase. Additionally, our team will return to the facility during the end of the warranty phase and interview building operation staff, assist in identifying outstanding operational issues, and provide recommendations for continued commissioning and re-commissioning if necessary.
Retro-Commissioning
Providing fundamental commissioning and troubleshooting services on a facility that has never been commissioned before The services most often result in improved HVAC operations, reduced energy consumption, and improved operator knowledge of the systems within their facilities.
Re-Commissioning
Re-commissioning is similar to new building commissioning but does not include any design or construction aspects. It is primarily used by building owners who want to ensure the proper operation of an older or recently acquired building. Re-commissioning is a cost-effective measure that provides a properly functioning building as well as owner documentation of equipment operation.
The term “commissioning” comes from shipbuilding. A commissioned ship is one deemed ready for service. Building commissioning takes the same approach for new buildings. When a building is initially commissioned, it undergoes an intensive quality assurance process that begins during design and continues through construction, occupancy, and operations. Commissioning ensures that the new building operates initially as the owner intended and that building staff are prepared to operate and maintain its systems.
We work in a cooperative manner with architectural and engineering firms, construction managers, LEED consultants, QSAS/GSAS consultants, tradespeople, and clients to confirm that the owner’s project requirements have been met. We also ensure projects stay on schedule. We have served as the technically competent, independent commissioning authority on a wide range of projects.
3. Why is CxA commissioning so important?
Think of our commissioning services as your vital insight—an experienced, independent body that works alongside your design and construction teams to ensure outstanding results. Commissioning has been proven to reduce the need for contractor callbacks as well as deficiencies in system performance. By hiring us as your independent commissioning agent, you can also be sure that your building will meet the standards you need, such as global ASHRAE, CIBSE, BSRIA, and SMACNA standards or mandatory LEED, Estidama, and GSAS system requirements.
4.Owner Project Requirement Documentation
Collaborate with the client’s project management team to create documentation that will guide the design team in the facility’s sustainability goals, energy efficiencies, occupancy rates, and long-term operational needs.
5.Basis Of Design Documentation
Review and augment the design team’s efforts to document developing designs for the architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems of a facility. This documentation usually includes design criteria, system capacities, redundancies, and reliability features of the systems to be designed.
6. Green Building or LEED Commissioning
Perform fundamental commissioning services for the pre-requisite USGBC-LEED requirement. Services include the development, coordination, and implementation of a commissioning plan. The plan includes the commissioning of mechanical, electrical, and water usage systems; construction inspections; pre-functional testing; functional testing; training oversight; and operational handovers.
Perform enhanced commissioning services as an independent third party firm. Services include design peer reviews, equipment submittal reviews, commissioning process oversight, final project manual development, and warranty operational reviews.
BSAS Commissioning
Based on the newly developed standards, provide commissioning services. Perform commissioning services for the Commissioning Plan. Services include the development and coordination of the implementation of a commissioning plan. The plan includes the commissioning of mechanical, electrical, and water usage systems; construction inspections; pre-functional testing; functional testing; training oversight; and operational handovers. Perform enhanced commissioning services as an independent third party firm. Services include commissioning plan development, basis of design review, design peer reviews, equipment submittal reviews, commissioning process oversight, final project report development, and warranty reviews.
Engineering Design Peer Reviews
Provide detailed and focused reviews of the architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and low voltage system designs. Physical aspects, system efficiencies, maintainability, and reliability are some of the key issues reviewed.
Operator Handover and Training
Work with the contractors during the completion of the project to ensure a smooth transition from construction to operation. augment any vendor training to aid the new operations team in the proper use and operation of the new systems. Provide guidance and insight as to the concepts in use and how to sustain long term operational efficiencies.
7.Organizations
The commissioning specialist is involved with multiple organisations and participates in educational events hosted by a variety of agencies. Below is a list of organisations we use as resources. Their listing on this page does not serve as an endorsement for our company or services.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.
The Building Commissioning Association (BCA) is a non-profit trade association for individuals and companies interested in building commissioning. The association aims to raise industry quality standards by developing best practices, doctrine, and educational programmes.
7. How can commissioning specialists help?
Our team of CxAs has the knowledge and experience to match the finer details, from the project requirements to your equipment selection. The return on investment in early involvement of your commissioning team prevents delays and unforeseen costs. Commissioning should not be a final thought. Let our skilled team help your projects meet their production dates.
Our commissioning services are tailored to meet your individual requirements, whether you simply need advice on the operations side or full integration with your design team to address more complex issues.