Share thisIn our first article, we defined commissioning as: the process of ensuring that all building systems are installed and perform interactively according to the design intent. The systems are efficient, cost effective, and meet the users' operational needs; the installation is adequately documented and the operators are adequately trained. Commissioning involves coordinating the efforts of the various parties involved in the design, construction, use, and operation of a facility to achieve an optimally functional facility and has the potential for long-term cost savings.
In 2007, commissioning became law by Presidential Executive Order for all federal projects. The reason, as explained by the General Services Administration (GSA), for the adoption of commissioning was “because all building systems are integrated, a deficiency in one or more components can result in suboptimal operation and performance among other components.” Resolving these deficiencies can result in a variety of benefits including:
- Improved building occupant productivity
- Lower utility bills through energy savings
- Increased occupant and owner satisfaction
- Enhanced environmental/health conditions and occupant comfort
- Improved system and equipment function
- Improved building operation and maintenance
- Increased occupant safety
- Better building documentation
- Shortened occupancy transition period
- Significant extension of equipment/systems lifecycle
Industry sources indicate that on average the operating costs of a commissioned building range from 8% to 20% below that of a non-commissioned building. Certain available commissioning implementation tools, such as cost shared U.S.D.O.E. Energy Contractors, may even result in a negative capital investment cost. The General Services Administration’s goal in adopting building commissioning is:
- To safeguard General Services Administration’s Public Building Service interest by implementing solutions that best represent and meet the long-term efficiency and functionality of all General Services Administration’s Public Building Service buildings and meet the expectations of GSA’s customers
- To improve facility operations
- To optimize the value received for each construction dollar spent
- To improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and decrease liability due to IEQ problems