Building Commissioning

1
Building Commissioning

• What is Building Commissioning?
• Why should I incorporate commissioning into my
  project?
• Who will be responsible for the commissioning
  process?
• What can I expect from the Commissioning Agent?
• What qualifications should the Commissioning
  Agent have?
• Where can I find a Commissioning Provider for my
  project?

2
Commissioning Defined

• Commissioning uses a system of checks and
  balances from pre design phase through project
  completion and beyond.
• Building commissioning has become the preferred
  method of ensuring that building systems are
  installed and operated to perform as intended.
  
• - Continuous Commissioning Guide Book, U.S.
  Department of Energy

• Commissioning is the systematic and qualitative
  process of ensuring that building systems and sub
  components are designed, installed, tested,
  operated and maintained at optimum efficiency.
• It is not the industry standard inspections,
  punch lists and processing close out documents.

3
Incorporating Commissioning

• Commissioning is a powerful tool provided to
  Owners that will help to ensure that their
  investment is protected and maximized.
• The Commissioning Agent will provide to the Owner
  all documentation accrued throughout the project
  along with a close out report detailing all the
  systems and tests, corrected discrepancies,
  submittals, OM documents and training schedules
  for new systems. This will become the model for
  all future renovation and new construction for
  the Owner and staff.

• Unlike typical design and construction
  procedures, commissioning requires detailed
  documentation of all building components
  throughout the project phases and beyond.
• Commissioning includes input early in the design
  phase and beyond. Commissioning uses its own
  specific set of specifications, visual and
  functional tests, and training for operational
  and maintenance of all building systems.

4
Commissioning Agent

• The Commissioning Agent (CA) or Provider is the
  Owners advocate.
• The CA acts on the behalf of the Owner working
  with the Architect, Engineers and all contractors
  in a Quality Control capacity.
• The CA helps to ensure that the Owners goals
  and needs are met in the design of the building.

• The CA facilitates coordination between building
  systems and components.
• The CA is responsible for ensuring that
  maintenance staff have the proper training and
  understanding of new systems, which will promote
  better care and longer life cycles for new
  equipment.

5
Commissioning Qualifications

• The Commissioning Agent should be knowledgable in
  all aspects of design, construction, and energy
  efficient systems. He should have indepth
  knowledge of complex control systems and have
  experience in commissioning and retro
  commissioning of similar type facilities.
• The CA should have a working knowledge of codes
  and regulations including energy efficient
  systems design and indoor air quality
  requirements for educational facilities.

• The CA should be reputable, reliable and
  professional. Due to the complexity of new
  technology, energy efficiency and code
  requirements, including Indoor Air Quality
  Standards, it is recommended that the CA be
  selected from an Architectural or Engineering
  firm.
• The CA should be available on a regular basis to
  ensure that all aspects of quality control are
  fully coordinated. When possible, select a
  provider that meets the logistical demands of
  your project.

6
Selecting A Commissioning Agent

• Finding a Commissioning Agent is a fairly simple
  process. Finding an experienced agent who truly
  understands his clients needs and goals can be
  challenging.
• ESA has provided Engineering services to Texas
  school districts for over 30 years. We have
  extensive experience in the field of
  commissioning and retro commissioning of complex
  building systems as well as being a fore runner
  for the design and implementation of energy
  efficient systems.

• ESA has recently completed retro commissioning
  services for Cypres-Fairbanks ISD. Through the
  evaluation of the districts existing facilities,
  ESAs recommendations resulted in savings in
  excess of 100,000.00 this year alone.
• ESAs reputation for integrity, diligence, and
  our commitment to understanding our clients
  needs has resulted in longterm success for our
  company and our clients.