Sustainable Building Technical Manual - Etn-presco.net

CHAPTER 15BuildingCo m m i s s i o n i n g★ S I G N I F I CA N C E .In recent years, most new buildings have been equipped with increasingly sophisticatedheating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, energy conservation equipment,lighting systems, security systems, and mechanized sun control devices that relyon electronic control. However, in many buildings, some of these systems and design featureshave not performed as expected. This can result in energy-efficiency losses, occupantcomplaints about indoor air quality, high operating costs, and increased liability forbuilding owners, operators, employers, and design professionals.AuthorAnthony BernheimBuilding commissioning was developed in response to these concerns. Commissioninginvolves examining and approving (or withholding approval of) building systems to verifyaspects of the building design, ensure that the building is constructed in accordancewith the contract documents, and verify that the building and its systems function asintended. The process helps to integrate and organize the design, construction, operations,and maintenance of a building’s systems. 1Commissioning is commonly performed when building systems are constructed orinstalled and, preferably, once again 12 months after occupants have been using thebuilding and all systems have been operating for a while. However, a good commissioningprocess actually begins during the design phase with agreement on how the designcriteria will be verified and documented during the post-construction and post-occupancyassessments. Recommissioning on an annual basis is also advantageous as a means ofensuring the proper functioning and upkeep of building systems throughout their usefullives. Given its importance and many potential benefits, commissioning is becoming partof good standard practice for the industry.