Existing Building Commissioning
Have you ever wondered why some buildings perform better than others? The secret could be ‘existing building commissioning’. With the increasing focus on energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, existing building commissioning is becoming a vital part of facility and energy management. In the realm of existing building commissioning, LotusWorks emerges as a trailblazer. With its innovative approach and cutting-edge solutions, LotusWorks is redefining how buildings are optimized for efficiency and sustainability.
The Need for Building Commissioning
By applying the commissioning process to existing buildings, we can optimize their performance during the design and construction phases to ensure they meet the current and evolving needs of their occupants. In turn, this reduces operating costs and creates a comfortable and productive environment.
The Commissioning Process
The commissioning process typically includes five key phases: Planning, Assessment, Investigation, Implementation, and Handoff. Each plays a significant role in shaping the overall success of the commissioning project or initiative.
The Phases of Commissioning
The commissioning process typically includes four key phases: Planning, Investigation, Implementation, and Handoff. Each plays a significant role in shaping the overall success of the commissioning project or initiative
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Initial Assessment Phase
In the Initial Assessment Phase of a building efficiency project, there are several objectives and tasks that are critical to laying a strong foundation for success. First, it’s essential to review all existing building documentation to gain an overview of the current state. This sets the stage for developing the Continuous Feedback Report (CFR) record, which serves as an ongoing log of project metrics. The creation of an initial Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) Plan is the next crucial step, followed by convening a kick-off meeting with all stakeholders involved. An initial walkthrough of the facility helps to establish a physical context for the project. Additionally, reviewing the Facility Management Control Systems (FMCS) is vital for understanding the building’s historical data capabilities
A close look at existing metering, or the lack thereof, gives insights into the building’s current energy utilization. Benchmarking activities, which involve analyzing the Energy Use Index (EUI) and load profiling, provide a comparative framework. Staff interviews offer further qualitative data and insights into daily operations. All these steps culminate in the creation of an initial “Master List of Findings,” which catalogues as-found operating conditions and the operational means and methods currently in place. Concurrently, a diagnostic monitoring plan—either manual or automated—is developed to track future data. Finally, a review of any code or local authority requirements ensures compliance, after which a meeting with the building’s owner or system manager is held to agree on the next phase of the project.
Planning Phase
During this initial stage, the commissioning team assembles the EBCx program planning team, documents goals and objectives, and ranks buildings or systems for viability. Any obvious maintenance issues or operational problems that can be easily remedied are addressed, and potential RFQs are assembled with the system owner.
Implementation Phase
During the Implementation Phase, the owner decides which recommendations to implement. These actions might involve utility incentives or fall under the umbrella of capital projects. Verification of implemented actions and performance testing ensures improvements are in line with the performance requirements of the ECBx plan and best commissioning practices.
Handoff Phase
The Handoff Phase involves training O&M personnel, developing an ongoing Cx plan to ensure improvements are sustained, conducting a lessons-learned workshop, and providing the updated Systems Manual to the system owner.
Building Systems Understanding Building Systems
Building systems are complex assemblies that work together to provide a safe, comfortable, and productive environment. These can include HVAC, electrical, plumbing, security, and fire protection, systems and equipment.
Importance of Optimized Building Systems
Optimizing these systems through the commissioning process not only leads to increased energy efficiency but also improved environmental design, reduced operational costs, and increased overall building performance.
Existing Buildings
Challenges in Existing Buildings
Existing buildings often present unique challenges. From outdated infrastructure to the inefficient use of energy, these structures require a tailored approach when it comes to commissioning.
Opportunities in Existing Buildings
Despite these challenges, existing buildings hold vast opportunities for improvement. By applying the principles of commissioning, these structures can be transformed into highly efficient and sustainable entities that align with the owner’s project requirements.
Building Performance
Key Performance Indicators
Performance indicators such as energy use, energy cost savings, operating costs, and the quality assurance process serve as crucial benchmarks for commissioning providers assessing the effectiveness of the commissioning process.
Energy and Environmental Design Considerations
Through energy management, new construction commissioning, and designing and constructing phases, buildings can meet stringent energy and environmental design standards.
Ongoing Commissioning
Continuous Commissioning
Continuous commissioning, also known as ongoing commissioning, ensures that a building’s performance is continually monitored, and improvements are made as necessary.
Monitoring-Based Commissioning
Monitoring-based commissioning uses real-time data to identify performance issues and guide the commissioning process. This proactive approach allows for rapid response to performance issues and ensures optimal building performance.
Conclusion
Existing building commissioning represents a strategic approach to improving the performance and efficiency of built environments. By applying a thorough and systematic process, it’s possible to unlock significant operational efficiencies, reduce energy costs, and create buildings that truly meet the needs of their occupants.
At LotusWorks, we have previously commissioned many projects for an array of different sectors, our full project portfolio can be found by clicking this link: https://lotusworks.com/case-studies/.