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If you're reading this blog post and aren't quite sure what commissioning (Cx) is, read up on last week's post here. If you already know about building commissioning, then you are ready to learn about the different commissioning types. While it is easy to assume that Cx is the same for every building, there are certain factors that determine which commissioning type is appropriate to use. Some of these include whether a building has been constructed yet or if it is 30 years old; and whether it has been commissioned before or not.
Commissioning Types
Now, we get to dive into the interesting part that you've been waiting for. The remainder of this post is dedicated to giving a brief explanation of the commissioning types.
Commissioning
Straight up. Without any prefix. Just plain old commissioning. Cx is the bare-bones of running the building quality assurance. This is performed on facilities that are still under the design and construction phase as opposed to constructed and finished buildings. While it may not make sense to commission a building that does not even exist yet, this can act as a preemptive measure. This process acts as a preventative tool allowing you to implement efficient equipment and strategies from the get-go.
Retro-Commissioning
This commissioning type is performed on existing buildings that have never been commissioned before. This process aims to pinpoint where improvements to inefficiencies can be made. The machinery that often does not operate efficiently tends to be outdated or experience age-related issues. Retro-commissioning helps improve operations and maintenance procedures on existing buildings to optimize overall building performance.
Re-Commissioning
Re-Commissioned buildings have previously gone through the quality assurance process. Facilities are often re-commissioned if they recently change ownership, or if a certain number of years have passed. It is usually good to practice re-commissioning every so often to ensure the facility always performs optimally.
Ongoing Commissioning
Some facilities use ongoing commissioning to constantly measure and track trends within a building. Oftentimes, benchmarks are set owners or managers use this process to make sure benchmarks and targets are reached.
Value Re-Commissioning
As opposed to re-commissioning an entire facility, Value Re-Commissioning pinpoints specific areas. To cut Cx costs, this Cx type focuses on system areas that have the highest opportunity for cost savings. Additionally, value re-commissioning also looks for areas with a minimum payback period. This commissioning type helps find and target the high cost-effective energy savings.
Commissioning a building is an important part of seeking new ways to cut energy consumption and costs. However, in the way that commissioning agents help property owners or managers overcome equipment and infrastructure issues, these commissioners also have challenges and hurdles that they need help overcoming.
