Common Questions About Commissioning

What is the definition of building commissioning?

Commissioning is intended as a collaborative process for planning and delivery to ensure that buildings operate as intended for both owner and users.

ASHRAE defines commissioning as: “...the process of ensuring that systems are designed, installed, functionally tested, and capable of being operated and maintained to perform in conformity with the design intent... Commissioning begins with the planning and includes design, construction, stat-up, acceptance and training, and can be applied throughout the life of the building.”

When should commissioning start?

The first step in order to exploit the true benefits of commissioning is to begin the process during the planning stages of a project. This stage begins in the Owners Project Requirements. It will always cost less to fix a problem during the design than during construction or occupancy.

For maximum benefit, commissioning should span from pre-design planning to post construction operation and can be thought of as a checks and balances system between the basis of design and actual deliverable.

How can the benefits be measured?

Several of our recent projects involved commissioning to improve indoor air quality and building occupants’ comfort. Benefits can be measured by an impact on productivity, health, and well-being, as well as the cost of ownership.

During and after construction commissioning can significantly reduce disputes between building owners and contractors, change / repair orders, energy costs, and costs for the tenants, fewer occupant complaints, etc.