Importance of a Tried and True Commissioning Process
As a builder, building owner, or manager, having a commissioning process that works for your installer while communicating full functionality to you speeds the process and ensures it's done correctly and completely the first time.
The benefits of commissioning are well known, with detecting and correcting these common problems resulting in significant energy use savings:
Incorrectly installed equipment such as backward fans, etc.
Improperly implemented control algorithms
Inefficient set points
Unexpected equipment and lighting schedules that waste energy
Missing, failed or uncalibrated sensors
Building commissioning has generally been associated with HVAC systems, but with integrated automation, the process now includes many other systems like lighting control, electrical emergency power, and many other electrical systems.
The BAS and Commissioning Connection
Commissioning the building automation system is a painstaking process of calibration, testing, and information verification. It takes time and money to do, but the ROI paid back over the life of the system is well worth the expense.
Commissioning software can expedite and simplify the planning, executing, and tracking of complex engineering, procurement, and construction activities for multiple systems while identifying equipment issues and providing documentation throughout the life of your project.
This is important because, as buildings become smarter, networks can become more difficult to manage. A software-supported commissioning process replaces traditional, inefficient spreadsheets and disorganized paperwork with tools that let you easily track what needs to be commissioned while delivering the information you need to feel confident the installed systems will function according to the original design intent.
Tested and Proven for Success
The commissioning process is a team effort. Having a proven commissioning process engineers have used many times before makes operations go much more smoothly and enables them to identify and solve problems, pursue greater challenges, and go beyond the typical limits of design and operations. Others benefits include:
Facility managers can establish maintenance schedules, ensure staff training goals are achieved, improve documentation of installed systems, and confirm correct operations of systems and building controls by means of documented testing procedures.
The design team minimizes disputes in the design and construction process, reduces lifecycle building costs, establishes performance criteria, and confirms benchmark goals.
Contractors facilitate more competitive bidding, minimize punch list items at the end of the project, and reduce warranty call back due to field issues.
The Bottom Line
Research shows that a building that is not commissioned can cost up to 20% more to operate than one that is properly commissioned. Smart owners recognize that a high-performance building gives them a competitive advantage.
Today’s complex, highly interactive buildings require subsystems and components that work effectively and reliably. With a tried and true commissioning process in place, it’s possible to produce an automated building that meets the unique needs of its owners and occupants, provides a safe and comfortable environment, and operates as expected.