Commissioning is a quality assurance process dedicated to ensuring that building systems are designed, installed, and operated as intended. As a member of the design and construction team, the commissioning coordinator facilitates the commissioning process. Ideally, in new buildings the commissioning process begins during programming and continues through the first year of occupancy. Existing buildings may benefit from re-commissioning every five years or so.
 



 
 

Commissioning Benefits

By including commissioning in a project, a building industry professional may:

Confidently integrate advanced building systems, such as high efficiency HVAC systems, advanced automated controls, high efficiency lighting and day lighting systems, sustainable design processes and features, and advanced building shell materials, into new building designs.

Reduce the likelihood that serious building system problems will emerge during the warranty period, or later.

Take action to minimize customer complaints regarding dysfunctional control systems, thermal discomfort, acoustic complaints, and poor indoor air quality.

Ensure that building management staff are provided with the documentation and the training needed to operate and maintain systems.

The commissioning coordinator helps achieve these objectives by providing the following services:

Facilitates the development of design intent documents that provide clear guidance to all parties.

Reviews design documents to help ensure they are consistent with design intent. * Assists in writing commissioning specifications.

Works with architect's, engineer's, and owner's staff to ensure that design objectives are achieved during the construction process.

Develops functional performance procedures that demonstrate that systems are installed and operated in accordance with design intent.

Observes and documents the execution of the functional performance procedures.

Works with engineers and contractors to develop detailed operation and maintenance manuals and train building management staff.

Interfaces with building management staff after occupancy to optimize systems.

Commissioning Links and Resources

National Strategy for Building Commissioning. Commissioning proposal developed by DOE, Lawrence Berkley Labs, and others.

Commissioning Resource Page. Lots of good links and references. Published by the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities.

Commissioning FAQ E Cube list of frequently asked questions about commissioning from a business perspective. 33 kb

Commissioning Brochure. Excellent 2 page brochure published by Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance that gets right to the point. 24 kb PDF.

Commissioning Process. E Cube PowerPoint presentation. 34 kB PDF

Division 1 Model Commissioning Specification. 24 kb PDF.

Division 15 and 16 model specs are also available. Please contact us.

ASHRAE Commissioning Guideline 1-1999
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