Building CommissioningBuilding Commissioning

Building CommissioningBuilding Commissioning

The systematic process of ensuring that building systems (e.g. The systematic process of ensuring that building systems (e.g. HVAC, lighting, etc.) are designed, built, and operated as HVAC, lighting, etc.) are designed, built, and operated as intended (and/or as necessary for current use).intended (and/or as necessary for current use).11

A total quality management (TQM) approach to the building A total quality management (TQM) approach to the building construction process, where enforced processes lead to overall construction process, where enforced processes lead to overall reduced costs and better performance. reduced costs and better performance. 22

1.1. Source: NEMI Retro-commissioning Existing Building Inventory, February 2002, by FMI.Source: NEMI Retro-commissioning Existing Building Inventory, February 2002, by FMI.

2.2. Source: SMACNA HVAC Systems Commissioning Manual, 1Source: SMACNA HVAC Systems Commissioning Manual, 1stst ed., 1994 ed., 1994

Pre-functional ChecklistPre-functional Checklist• Static inspection and procedures that Static inspection and procedures that

confirm that the systems and equipment confirm that the systems and equipment are ready for initial operationare ready for initial operation

• Created by the Commissioning Agent Created by the Commissioning Agent and Design team during the design and Design team during the design phasephase

• Completed by Contractors before Completed by Contractors before Functional Testing is started.Functional Testing is started.

Functional TestFunctional Test• Dynamic testing of systems and Dynamic testing of systems and

equipment, under operating conditions, equipment, under operating conditions, to demonstrate compliance and design to demonstrate compliance and design intentintent

• Tests sequences of operation, responses Tests sequences of operation, responses and interlocks with other systemsand interlocks with other systems

• Created by the Commissioning Agent Created by the Commissioning Agent during the Design Phase and sometimes during the Design Phase and sometimes modified during constructionmodified during construction

• Performed by contractors, witnessed Performed by contractors, witnessed and documented by Commissioning and documented by Commissioning Agent during Construction phaseAgent during Construction phase

Commissioning Record & BinderCommissioning Record & Binder• Completed Functional Performance Test Completed Functional Performance Test

documentationdocumentation• Commissioning Action Item ListCommissioning Action Item List• Completed Training Plan with attendee recordCompleted Training Plan with attendee record• Commissioning ReportCommissioning Report

The final compilation of the design and The final compilation of the design and commissioning documentation.commissioning documentation.

• Executive SummaryExecutive Summary• List of participants and rolesList of participants and roles• Overview of commissioning process and general Overview of commissioning process and general

description of test and verification methodsdescription of test and verification methods• Status of all equipment and systemsStatus of all equipment and systems• Future recommendationsFuture recommendations

Positive Impacts of CXPositive Impacts of CX

Better coordination between consultantsBetter coordination between consultants Smoother start-up and turn-over by contractors Smoother start-up and turn-over by contractors Facilities Management better trained to provide safe, Facilities Management better trained to provide safe,

comfortable, productive environment.comfortable, productive environment. Building less expensive and easier to operateBuilding less expensive and easier to operate Not only do you have a better understanding of the project Not only do you have a better understanding of the project

goals from inception….goals from inception…. But you hold these goals as a standard for the building well into But you hold these goals as a standard for the building well into

it’s operating life!it’s operating life! Facilitates Future ChangesFacilitates Future Changes

Benefits of CXBenefits of CX

Higher quality product leads to better reputations. Higher quality product leads to better reputations.

Cost savings. Especially operating and energy cost savings!Cost savings. Especially operating and energy cost savings!

Less LitigationLess Litigation

Healthy buildings that improve productivity.Healthy buildings that improve productivity.

Commissioning CostsCommissioning CostsNew ConstructionNew Construction

0.5 to 3.0% of the overall construction cost0.5 to 3.0% of the overall construction cost Design phase effortsDesign phase efforts

• 0.1 to 0.5% of the total overall construction 0.1 to 0.5% of the total overall construction costscosts

Construction Phase EffortsConstruction Phase Efforts• HVAC and ControlsHVAC and Controls

1.0 to 2.0% of the total mechanical costs1.0 to 2.0% of the total mechanical costs• Electrical Electrical

1.0 to 2.0% of the total electrical costs1.0 to 2.0% of the total electrical costs Does not include infrared scanning/power Does not include infrared scanning/power

quality/switchgear testingquality/switchgear testing

QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?