top of page

Building Commissioning

Commissioning is a systematic process of ensuring that all
building systems
perform interactively
according to the design intent and the owner’s operational needs.

What is commissioning?

Commissioning is a systematic process of ensuring that all building systems perform interactively according to the design intent and the owner’s operational needs. 

 

This is achieved by beginning in the design phase, documenting the design intent and continuing through construction, acceptance and the warranty period with actual verification of performance.


Commissioning during the construction of the project is intended to achieve the following specific objectives according to the Contract Documents:

 

  • Ensure that applicable equipment and systems are installed properly and receive adequate operational checkout by installing contractors.

  • Verify and document proper performance of equipment and systems.

  • Ensure that O&M documentation left on site is complete.

  • Ensure that the Owner’s operating personnel are adequately trained

 

 

 

New building and existing building (retro-commissioning) can be independent of a comprehensive green rating system or be part of a LEED, Green Globes, or other green systems' comprehensive strategy.
 

Benefits of commissioning

  • Commissioning delivers “third party” validation of the completion of the building project.

  • Commissioning results provide a baseline touch-point for system design and operation to the building staff.

  • Enhanced and improved documentation is delivered to the building staff for the installed systems.

  • The Commissioning process results in a significant reduction in “warranty call backs” for work required from discovery of non-performing parts of systems after initial building occupancy.

  • "Studies indicate 8 to 20 percent savings can be achieved in operating costs over a non-commissioned building (Building Commissioning Guide, Version 2.2, GSA / DOE)."

  • The energy, water and productivity savings achieved in a properly commissioned building offset the cost of the entire commissioning process.

  • BOMA reports that Commissioning and LEED Certification provides the following financial benefits to building management:

  • 5 – 6% increase in lease rates

  • 3 – 4% increase in occupancy rates

  • Over 20% increase in resale value

 

 

FCM Engineering performs new building and existing building (retro-commissioning) independent of a comprehensive green rating system or as part of a LEED, Green Globes, or other green systems' comprehensive strategy.

 

Retro-commissioning is also a useful tool to help buildings earn Energy Star certification if the building fails to achieve the minimum score of 75.


FCM Engineering is accredited through the American Commissioning Group (ACG).  For more information about the ACG, visit their website.
 

bottom of page