Building Commissioning

From Swikipedia

Introduction

The startup phase of a new or remodeled building is known as Building Commissioning. This phase includes testing and fine-tuning of the HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire/life safety, and building security to assure proper functioning and adherence to design criteria, as intended by the building owner, architect and engineers. Commissioning also includes preparation of the system operation manuals and instruction of the building maintenance personnel.

Brief Description

According to ASHRAE, commissioning is defined as a quality-oriented process for achieving, verifying, and documenting that the performance of facilities, systems, and assemblies meets defined objectives and criteria. In other words, it is an all inclusive process for all the planning, delivery, verification, and managing risks to critical functions performed in, or by, facilities.

Features:

 The commissioning process ensures building quality using peer review and in-field or on-site verification.

 It also accomplishes higher energy efficiency, environmental health, and occupant safety and improves indoor air quality by making sure the building components are working correctly and that the plans are implemented with the greatest efficiency.

 The process includes preparation of preventive and predictive maintenance plans, tailored operating manuals and training procedures for all users to follow. Therefore, it leads to improved documentation of installed building systems.

 It formalizes review and integration of all project expectations during planning, design, construction, and occupancy phases by inspection and functional performance testing, and oversight of operator training and record documentation.

Benefits of Commissioning:

Owners:

 Fewer change orders

 Reduced construction costs

 Reduced operating costs

 Lower energy and maintenance costs

 Fewer construction delays

Operators:

 Lower energy and maintenance costs

 Properly operating systems

 Fewer occupant complaints

 Training on all systems