Existing Building Commissioning
Existing building commissioning is a systematic investigation process for improving or optimizing a building’s operation and maintenance. It may or may not emphasize bringing the building back to its original intended design. In fact, the original design documentation may no longer exist or be relevant. The goals and objectives for applying the process, as well as the level of rigor, may vary depending on the current needs of the owner, budget, and condition of the equipment. The existing building commissioning process most often focuses on dynamic energy-using systems with the goal of reducing energy waste, obtaining energy cost savings, and identifying and fixing existing problems. Definition Modeled after PECI’s Retrocommissioning Handbook, March 2001
Some of the benefits attained through existing building commissioning may include:
- Improved interior comfort
- Increased building efficiency
- Lower operating costs and environmental impact
- Improved indoor air quality
The Existing Building commissioning process includes:
- Planning Phase: A targeted audit of current conditions of the building, facility requirements, recommissioning goals, and plan for commissioning with involvement of both the owner and the maintenance staff.
- Investigation Phase: Evaluation and analysis including interviewing occupants and maintenance staff, gathering data, developing and implementing functional tests, creating an issues report of findings, and presenting recommendations including cost assessments and benefits. This is done in cooperation with the owner in an effort to prioritize improvements.
- Implementation Phase: The improvements selected for implementation are chosen from the issues report. The results are evaluated according to the predicted results and system performance goals. The recommendations are implement as agreed upon by the team.
- Post Implementation Phase: Evaluate, retest, and monitor the implementations. Update building documentation including O&M manuals; develop Systems Manuals based on project successes. Prepare and implement a training plan. A recommissioning plan is developed and maintenance schedules are reviewed.
- Project hand-off Phase: The commissioning team participates in a final walk through. The final report is presented to owner. Responsibility of continued building operation transitions from the commissioning team to the maintenance personnel.
