New construction building commissioning

New construction building commissioning is the process of ensuring that a newly built building or facility is functioning as intended and meets the owner's requirements. Commissioning involves testing and verifying that all building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems, are operating correctly and efficiently.

The commissioning process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Pre-Construction: The commissioning agent (CA) works with the design team and construction team to develop a commissioning plan, which outlines the scope of work, responsibilities, and timelines.
  2. Design Development: The CA reviews the design documents and provides input on the commissioning plan, ensuring that the design meets the owner's requirements and is suitable for commissioning.
  3. Construction: The CA observes and participates in the construction process, ensuring that the building systems are installed correctly and according to the design intent.
  4. Testing and Balancing: The CA conducts tests and balances the building systems to ensure they are operating correctly and efficiently.
  5. Functional Testing: The CA performs functional tests on each system to ensure it is operating as intended.
  6. Performance Testing: The CA conducts performance tests to verify that the building systems meet the design specifications and owner's requirements.
  7. Final Commissioning: The CA verifies that all systems are functioning correctly and efficiently, and provides a final report to the owner.
  8. Ongoing Commissioning: The CA may be retained to provide ongoing commissioning services to ensure the building systems continue to operate correctly and efficiently over time.

Benefits of Commissioning:

  1. Improved Building Performance: Commissioning ensures that the building systems are operating correctly and efficiently, which can lead to energy savings, reduced maintenance costs, and improved occupant comfort.
  2. Reduced Errors: Commissioning helps to identify and correct errors during the construction process, reducing the risk of costly rework or repairs.
  3. Increased Efficiency: Commissioning ensures that the building systems are optimized for performance, which can lead to increased efficiency and reduced energy consumption.
  4. Improved Occupant Satisfaction: Commissioning ensures that the building systems are operating correctly and efficiently, which can lead to improved occupant satisfaction and reduced complaints.
  5. Compliance with Codes and Regulations: Commissioning helps to ensure that the building meets all relevant codes and regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.

Types of Commissioning:

  1. Building Commissioning: Commissioning of the entire building, including all systems and components.
  2. System Commissioning: Commissioning of a specific system, such as HVAC, plumbing, or electrical.
  3. Component Commissioning: Commissioning of a specific component, such as a pump or fan.
  4. Re-Commissioning: Commissioning of an existing building or system to improve performance or address issues.

Commissioning Agents:

  1. Professional Engineers: Licensed professional engineers with experience in building commissioning.
  2. Commissioning Specialists: Experienced professionals with specialized knowledge of building commissioning.
  3. Building Commissioning Firms: Companies that specialize in building commissioning services.

Certifications:

  1. Building Commissioning Certification: Offered by the Building Commissioning Association (BCA).
  2. Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP): Offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).
  3. Certified Building Commissioning Professional (CBCP): Offered by the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS).