Prepare & Follow a Formal Commissioning Plan

Commissioning is often confused with basic operational testing and adjustment such as HVAC balancing. Commissioning is actually a comprehensive and coordinated program to ensure that the building performs as designed, and to optimize its operation for greatest energy conservation and occupant satisfaction.

A plan is essential for successful commissioning:

• Decide the degree of commissioning required early in the design process.
• Assign responsibility for commissioning, also early in the process.
• Define commissioning requirements clearly in specification documents for all systems that require it.
• Instruct the contractor to coordinate and delegate commissioning duties among subcontractors.
• Assign the commissioning coordinator or consultant (if involved) the coordination of all documents and commissioning work.

Cautions

• The difference between commissioning, and traditional “testing, adjusting and balancing” must be emphasized to contractors during the bidding process, so that they understand that more testing and verification will be required than has been standard practice.
• A commissioning consultant is recommended for buildings with complex mechanical or electrical systems, especially large telecommunications, bio-medical or computer systems, or where precise environmental control is necessary.

Linked Practices WSc - solar collectors for pools WS2 - reuse graywater WS6 - solar collectors/heat storage ES7 - photovoltaic electricity ES8 - future EV charging HS1 - mechanical pollutants HS6 - ventilation air distribution HS8 - efficient heating/cooling equipment CS1 - electronic lighting/HVAC controls CS2 - integrated daylighting controls CS3 - occupancy sensor controls Further Information

Summary of Benefits Environment Ease of Use Other Benefits Capital Cost