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What is Building Commissioning?

Posted on February 3, 2022 - 4:09 am by

1.What is Building Commissioning?

Commissioning is the systematic quality assurance process of verifying and documenting the operation of all building system’s operation, both independently and interactively in accordance with the design intent and the owner’s operational needs.

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 Specialist services apply right from the very earliest stages of design and don’t end until your project is safely and successfully occupied and operating. Our Independent Commissioning specialist team will oversee every single step, from verifying and reviewing design drawings and construction documents, to fine tuning systems once your project is operating and occupied.

Contents:

  1. What is Building Commissioning ?

  2. Why is Commissioning so important ?

  3. Types of Commissioning ?

  4. Owner Project Requirement Documentation

  5. Basis Of Design Documentation

  6. Green Building Commissioning 

  7. Organization involved in Commissioning services 

  8. How can Commissioning Specialists Help?

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 warranty period. By being involved from the beginning, 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 and assist in identifying outstanding operational issues as well as 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 commissioning 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 proper functioning building as well as provides the 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 to 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, trades 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 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 team to ensure outstanding results. Commissioning has been proven to reduce the need for contractor call backs, as well as deficiencies in system performance. By contracting us as your Independent Commissioning Agent, you can also rest assured that your building will measure up to your required standards, such as global ASHRAE, CIBSE, BSRIA and SMACNA, or mandatory LEED, Estidama and GSAS system requirements.

4.Owner Project Requirement Documentation

Work closely with the client’s Project management team to develop documentation to guide the design team in the sustainability goals, energy efficiencies, occupancies and the long term operational needs of the facility.

5.Basis Of Design Documentation

Review and augment the design team’s efforts to document developing designs for the, architectural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing system for a facility. This documentation typically includes design criteria, systems 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 usages 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.

GSAS Commissioning 

Based on the newly developed standards, provide Commissioning Services. Perform commissioning services for [MO.1] 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 usages 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, 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

Commissioning Specialist is involved with multiple organizations and participates in educational events hosted by a variety of agencies. Below is a list of organizations we utilize 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 501c3 nonprofit organization 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 seeks to enhance quality standards throughout the industry by developing best practices doctrine and educational programs. 

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) was formed in the year 2001 by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The vision of the council is to usher in a green building movement in India and facilitate India to become one of the global leaders in green buildings

Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS) is a green building certification system developed for the State of Qatar. The primary objective of Qatar Sustainability Assessment System [QSAS] is to create a sustainable built environment that minimizes ecological impact while addressing the specific regional needs and environment of Qatar.

7. How can Commissioning Specialists Help?

Our team of CxA’s 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 our full integration with your design team to address more complex issues.