What Is Commissioning?
Commissioning is a systematic process of verifying that all building support systems have been installed and are performing in accordance with the approved construction documents. Commissioning also ensures that all of the building installed equipment meet the owner's intended operational, maintenance, and energy efficiency needs.
Benefits of Building Commissioning
Building Commissioning benefits include: enhanced building performance, lower operating costs, and greater occupant comfort. Building owners and managers, from government facilities to private owners are incorporating Commissioning into their new building or retrofit projects in order to minimize their energy usage and operational costs. In essence, Commissioning helps building owners ensure that:- Their building has been constructed and is operating as intended.
- Proper project closure has been attained for all construction activities.
- Post-construction operating and maintenance costs have been minimized.
- Building occupant complaints have been reduced to minimal.
- Building tenant turnover has been reduced
The goal of building Commissioning is to attain a fully functional, fine-tuned, building with systems operating as the owner intended and the O&M staff trained in the daily operation of the building. Published industry data shows that savings generated from a Commissioned facility are substantial and impressive. Experience indicates that operating costs of a Commissioned facility range from 8% to 20% less than those of a non-Commissioned facility. The savings are basically generated from reduced building energy consumption, lower facility maintenance costs, and increased life expectancy of the installed support systems. In reality Commissioning optimizes building operations by:
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Identifying the needs and requirements of the owner and capturing these needs in an integrated building operations solutions.
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Verifying equipment operation and performance through functional performance testing.
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Ensuring proper O&M training and close-out documentation at project completion.
Systems, which are not properly commissioned, are out of balance or are failing to deliver appropriate levels of airflow / pressurization have a potential impact upon the working environment and safety of personnel. These system failings may not be noticed on a day-to-day basis, but unless rectified can have a negative effect on performance of both plant and personnel. The carrying out of regular system surveys and integrity checks, as part of a planned maintenance routine, should be considered good practice and classified as high priority.
