Commissioning Activities And Documentation
Chapter 9:Commissioning the BuildingCommissioning Process OverviewLANLCommissioning Activities and Documentation
Chapter 9Commissioningthe BuildingCommissioning Process OverviewCommissioning is a process – a systematic process ofensuring that a building performs in accordance withthe design intent, contract documents, and the owner’soperational needs. Commissioning is fundamental tothe success of the whole-building design process. Dueto the sophistication of building designs and the com plexity of building systems constructed today, commis sioning is necessary, but not automatically included aspart of the typical design and contracting process.Commissioning can also evaluate claims about the con struction materials such as durability and VOC emissioncontent. It can improve power quality for the overallbuilding by verifying that electrical building support andWarren GretzCommissioning is critical for ensuring thatthe building design is successfully constructedand operated.Any type of building will benefit from a commissioningeffort. Commissioning is even more important in energyefficient buildings to ensure that they perform asintended to maintain comfort. Also, HVAC equipment inbetter-performing buildings may require advanced con trol strategies. But commissioning goes beyond the tradi tional HVAC elements. More and more buildings rely onthe integrity of the envelope to ensure comfort.Rooftop cooling equipment inspection with building owner representative, facilityengineer, and installer.Los Alamos National Laboratory Sustainable Design Guide177
Chapter 9 Commissioning the BuildingBuilding CommissioningBuilding commissioning:Building systems to be commissioned include: Is a systematic and designed process coordi nated by a commissioning authority or team. Mechanical (heating, ventilating, airconditioning, and refrigeration) Includes documentation, verification pro cedures, functional performance tests, valida tion, and training. Electrical Lighting Life safety Plumbing Building envelope and interior finish materials Laboratory-specific processes Is performed specifically to ensure buildingoperation in accordance with design intentand construction documents.Starts with the conceptual phase and con tinues through design and construction toa minimum of one year after constructioncompletion.Building commissioning implementation:Begins early in the design process. Necessitates special bidding requirements dur ing contractor selection. Coordinates the static and dynamic testingthat acceptance is based on. Finishes with staff training and warrantymonitoring.While commissioning is critical before and during initialoccupancy, use and changes over time require that sys tems be evaluated on an ongoing basis. Continuouscommissioning, or recommissioning at planned inter-Building commissioning is more than: Construction observation (punch list) Start-up Testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) Final punch-out and acceptance Post-occupancy re-tuningThese activities are among the individual steps inthe systematic process of commissioning, but bythemselves these activities cannot meet the goalsof building commissioning.Robb Williamson laboratory equipment performs as specified. It is impor tant that the products specified for the building meet themanufacturer’s claims and are appropriate for the project.Checking air flow in a displacement ventilation systemdiffuser. Dirty or clogged air filters are a commoncommissioning finding. Not only do dirty filters reduceair handler efficiency, they also can affect occupantcomfort and health.178Los Alamos National Laboratory Sustainable Design Guide
Chapter 9 Commissioning the Buildingvals, ensures that the building operates as efficiently aspossible while meeting comfort and functional needsthroughout the life of the building. Continuous com missioning goes beyond traditional building operationand maintenance just as initial commissioning differsfrom testing, adjusting, and balancing. Continuouscommissioning involves scheduled and rigorous retest ing of building systems to ensure that they continue tooperate optimally.Benefits of building commissioning include:Energy savings and persistence of savingsImproved thermal comfort with proper environ mental controlQuality Assurance Project PlansConstruction Management PlansImproved indoor air qualityTest and Inspection PlansImproved operation and maintenance withdocumentationAcceptance Test ProceduresImproved system function that eases buildingturn-over from contractor to ownerBuilding commissioning has emergedThe Laboratory already uses project documentationrelevant to commissioning including:Consistent system function when the buildingturns over from one operator to anotherO&M ManualsBuilding commissioning coordinates these plansand manuals and leverages their benefits through asystematic and integrated process.as the preferred method of ensuringthat building systems are installed andThe Cost of Commissioningoperated to provide the performanceEnergy, water, productivity, and operationalsavings resulting from commissioning offsets thecost of implementing a building commissioningprocess. Recent studies indicate that on average,operating costs of a commissioned buildingrange from 8–20% below that of a non-commis sioned building. The one-time investment incommissioning at the beginning of a projectresults in reduced operating costs that will lastthe life of the building. In general, the cost ofcommissioning is less than the cost of NOT com missioning. Continuous commissioning is anenhancement to O&M that typically makes facil ity operations and management more efficient.envisioned by the designer.– Continuous Commissioning Guidebook,U.S. Department of EnergyThe cost of commissioning is dependent uponmany factors, including a building’s size and com plexity, and whether the project consists of newconstruction or building renovation. In general,Los Alamos National Laboratory Sustainable Design Guidethe cost of commissioning a new building rangesfrom 0.5–1.5% of the total construction cost. Foran existing building, never before commissioned,the cost of retro-commissioning can range from3–5% of total operating cost.Costs of Commissioning, New ConstructionCommissioning ScopeEstimated CostEntire building (HVAC,Controls, Electrical,Mechanical)0.5–1.5% of totalconstruction costHVAC and AutomatedControl System1.5–2.5% of mechan ical system costElectrical Systems1.0–1.5% of electricalsystem costEnergy EfficiencyMeasures 0.23–0.28 per squarefootSource: Building Commissioning Guide. Version 2.2. 1998. DOE/GSA.179
Chapter 9 Commissioning the BuildingCommissioning Process Flow Chart Across the LANL Project Development ProcessIdentify CommissioningNeeds and BudgetConceptualIncorporate Commissioning intoDesign Bid SpecificationsDevelop Project DesignIntent DocumentationNoLANL EngagesCommissioning ProviderBaseline Developmentwith Preliminary Design (Title I)Conduct CommissioningScoping MeetingDevelop FunctionalPerformance TestsDirect FunctionalPerformance TestsExecutionwith Construction (Title III)DevelopCommissioning PlanMakeCorrectionsNoCompliance?Incorporate Commissioning intoConstruction Bid DocumentsYesDevelop Prefunctional Checklistsfor Design SpecificationsExecutionwith Final Design (Title II)Execute ChecklistsApprove Prefunctional Los Alamos National Laboratory Sustainable Design GuideFinal CommissioningReportAcceptanceTraining with O&M andRecommissioning ousCommissioning
Chapter 9 Commissioning the BuildingCommissioning ideally occurs through all phases of abuilding project (see figure on the opposing page). Theprocess begins by identifying commissioning needs inthe conceptual design phase and then designating acommissioning provider. While it is beneficial to have athird-party commissioning authority for more compre hensive design and construction review, it is acceptablefor a project to use a qualified member of the designteam as the commissioning agent.End-use metering provides a good indication of how sub-systems are operating in a building. Sub-meters arerecommended for HVAC, lighting, and plug loads. Recording and tracking this information is useful for evaluatingthe start-up and efficiencies of sub-metered systems.Los Alamos National Laboratory Sustainable Design GuideWarren GretzRobb WilliamsonThe commissioning provider serves as an objectiveadvocate of the owner, directs the commissioningprocess, and presents final recommendations to theowner regarding the design and performance of com missioned building systems. The commissioningprovider introduces standards and strategies early in thedesign process and then ensures implementation ofselected measures by clearly stating target requirementsin construction documents. The commissioning providerthen verifies that the minimum performance targetshave been met after construction completion. In addi tion, the commissioning provider should provide guid ance on how to operate the building at peak efficiencyas part of a continuous commissioning manual.Temperature sensors must be calibrated against knownstandards to ensure that monitoring results and actualcomfort conditions match.181
Chapter 9 Commissioning the BuildingCommissioning Activities and DocumentationOwner’s Requirements. List and describe theowner’s requirements and basis of design intentwith performance criteria and goals.Commissioning Plan. Create the commissioningplan as early in the design phase as possible, includ ing the management strategy and list of all featuresand systems to be commissioned.Design Review. Review plans at designated pointsin the design process to verify that the design isconsistent with the owner’s intent and goals.Institute (CSI) Construction Specification Section01810 in Division 1 for general commissioningrequirements. Use the unassigned Sections 01811through 01819 to address requirements specific toindividual systems. Notify mechanical and electricalsubcontractors of Division 15 and 16 commissioningrequirements in Sections 15995 and 16995.Commissioning Report. Complete a commission ing report for each identified component, equip ment, system, or feature, including results ofprefunctional checklists, installation observation,start-up and checkout, operation sampling, func tional performance testing, and performance criteriaverification.Prefunctional Checklists. Develop prefunctionalchecklists for specifications of each piece of equip ment identified in the commissioning plan.Training. Assemble written verification that trainingwas conducted for appropriate personnel on allcommissioned features and systems.Functional Performance Test Procedures andChecklists. Develop functional performance testprocedures or performance criteria verificationchecklists for each of the systems identified in thecommissioning plan.Bid Documents. Integrate commissioning require ments in the construction bid and contract docu ments. Designate the Construction SpecificationsExamples of Components and Systems to Target for Functional Performance Testing:Mechanical and Electrical182 Central building automation systems,including linkages to remote monitoring andcontrol sites Air supply and exhaust systems and controls Fume hoods and laboratory air pressurization Central plant systems (boilers, chillers, pumps,cooling towers, controls, etc.) All equipment of the heating, ventilatingand air conditioning (HVAC) systems, includingtest and balance (TAB) procedures and ductwork testing and cleaning Lighting systems and controls Electrical power systems including emergencypower, electrical grounding, and possible faultsBuilding Envelope Interior and exterior light and shademanagement devices Window glazing Infiltration air leakageLaboratory Life-safety systems and toxic-gas monitoringsystems (verify that HVAC systems are interlocked and operate per code under emergencysituations) Process and specialty gas distribution systems,including hazardous production materials Process cooling water systems, includingdeionized waterLos Alamos National Laboratory Sustainable Design Guide
Commissioning the Buildingfor recalibration frequency of sensors, list of all useradjustable set-points and reset schedules, and list ofdiagnostic tools.Operation and Maintenance Manuals. Reviewoperation and maintenance manuals for completeness, including instructions for installation, maintenance schedules and procedures, replacement, andstart-up; replacement sources; parts lists; specialtools; performance data; and warranty details.Post-Occupancy Optimization Report. Completea commissioning report at the close of the warrantyperiod verifying that the identified systems and features of the building are performing as intendedthrough the heating, cooling, and swing seasons.Identify any issues with recommended resolutions. Verify all pieces of equipment performaccording to manufacturers’ specifications. Measure temperatures and flow rates from allHVAC devices and compare to specifications. Calibrate all sensors to a known standard. Review the sequence of start-up operations. Verify controls are providing the correctinteraction between equipment and systems. Determine energy efficiency of majorsystems and equipment relative to designspecifications and at variable loads.Mike KetchamRecommissioning Management Manual. Developan indexed recommissioning management manualwith components such as guidelines for establishingand tracking benchmarks for whole building energyuse and equipment efficiencies, recommendationsExamples of Functional PerformanceTest Activities:Robb WilliamsonChapter 9Light sensors must be calibrated and control sequencesvalidated properly to dim and shut-off light fixtureswhen adequate natural light is available.A National Park Service staff member verifies the operation of an Energy ManagementControl System. Calibration of sensors and verification of program sequencing isessential to creating a building that operates properly.Los Alamos National Laboratory Sustainable Design Guide183
Chapter 9 Commissioning the BuildingBuilding flush-outConsider a building flush-out period afterconstruction completion and prior to occupancyto reduce possible indoor air quality contami nation. This involves running the mechanicalsystem with tempered 100% outside air for anextended period of time (two weeks). Flushingout the building may be particularly importantwhen high VOC- and particle-emitting con struction materials, furnishings, interior fin ishes, and cleaning agents have been applied.Change all ventilation air filters as a final stepof building flush-out.Case Study:Commissioning at the Nicholas C. MetropolisModeling and Simulation Center at theStrategic Computing ComplexThe Metropolis Center general contractor, HenselPhelps, retained a third-party commissioningagent, Testmark Associates of Golden, Colorado.Testmark participated in the general review. Theyreviewed and had some input into plans forchilled water schematics and sequences andmechanical/electrical systems.Craig Miller, DOESubsequently, there were bimonthly commission ing meetings to address issues as they arose dur ing construction, to plan coordination forbuilding start-up, and to review safety proce dures. Testmark placed two full-time staff on siteto carry out standard testing procedures duringconstruction. These tests were ongoing through-Visual inspection can provide clues for diagnosing HVACsystem performance problems. For example, filters full ofconstruction dust and water on the floor of a mechanicalroom indicate issues that need to be corrected.184Los Alamos National Laboratory Sustainable Design Guideout summer months. Commissioned systemsincluded chilled water, heating water, ventilationsystems (including air handlers, variable air vol umes, and exhaust fans), main switches, buildingsubstations, power panels, lighting controls, elec trical receptacles, i.e. all mechanical/electrical sys tems and equipment. Before Testmark completedits contract, it conducted a 24-hour baselineanalysis during winter months to ensure that sys tems were functioning within the expecteddesign and operating parameters. Testmark’scontract did not call for revisits. Due to securityconcerns, it is necessary for LANL to carry out allfuture testing and recommissioning procedures.Testmark provided a comprehensive proceduremanual with manufacturer specifications for thatpurpose.
Chapter 9 Commissioning the BuildingSystems Integration IssuesThe commissioning process is a mechanism toensure that the interface between the trades isworking properly. It affects all dynamically operatedcomponents, equipment, systems, and features, aswell as the environmental performance aspects ofselected static materials and systems.Additional commissioning supplements fundamen tal commissioning and focuses on review of thebuilding design and construction documents toidentify areas for improvement as well as recom missioning of building systems after occupancy.Coordinate functional performance test measure ment devices with those required as part of theenergy management control system and any longterm continuous measurement and verificationobjectives to either double check instrument read ings or to reduce redundancy of equipment.The bottom line is that commissioningimproves a building’s value Systemsthat function properly use less energy,experience less down time, and requireless maintenance, thereby saving moneyfor building owners.– Building Commissioning: The Key to QualityAssurance, U.S. Department of EnergyWarren GretzAddress the commissioning process during pre-bidor pre-construction conferences as well as atdesign and construction meetings.The construction contractor should understandthat a third-party will be evaluating their work forcompliance with the specifications. If design reviewis included within the commissioning scope, thedesign team also will be asked to provide plansand specifications and to respond to questions andconcerns. These expectations must be made clearearly in the process so that the designers and contractors are prepared to assist and provide appro priate documentation.Perform functional tests at design, intermediate, andminimum flow conditions on variable frequency drivemotors controlling variable flow hydronic systems.Los Alamos National Laboratory Sustainable Design Guide185
Chapter 9 Commissioning the BuildingCriteria for Sustainable Success Standard Practice/Code-CompliantCommissioningActivities Federal and local codes for qualityassurance BetterPerformance NoneOperationDocumentation Construction as-built drawings andPLUS: Commissioning plan, functional perfor- Comprehensive review of design and Contract for commissioning agent as partof design or construction teamwarranty documentationHigh Performancefor SustainabilityPLUS:mance testing, and commissioning reportCommissioningProvider contractor submittals throughout theentire construction process Contract for third-party commissioningauthorityPLUS:PLUS: Comprehensive O&M manual and preven- Recommissioning management manualtive maintenance plan186Last ConstructionProcess Step Final contractor punch-outContinuousCommissioning Reactive approach: examination of systems Active approach: effective maintenance Final commissioning report after stafftraining and building flush-outonly when problems are reportedLos Alamos National Laboratory Sustainable Design Guidewith performance testing as resourcesallow Near-warranty end or post-occupancyreview (i.e., 10 months into 12-monthwarranty period) Proactive approach: scheduled recommis sioning of all systems on a periodic basis
Chapter 9 Commissioning the BuildingReferences“Building Commissioning Guide.” Version 2.2. 1998.DOE/GSA. ASHRAE Guideline 1-1996: The HVAC Commission ing Process.” American Society of Heating, R
Commissioning the Building Building Commissioning Building commissioning: Is a systematic and designed process coordi nated by a commissioning authority or team. Includes documentation, verification pro cedures, functional performance tests, valida tion, and training. Is performed specifically to ensure building
Commissioning Commissioning is the phase in a project when design process fluids are introduced to the process. Note that for hydrocarbon systems the commissioning activities commence with inerting operations. Commissioning activities normally consist of activities associ
Commissioning Your Way To High Performance Buildings THE COMMISSIONING PROCESS Core Phases Of The Commissioning Process PRE-DESIGN STAGE The owner selects the design team, which includes the commissioning authority (CxA). Commissioning authority consists of the initial Cx team and team leader, and they are involved from project initiation
Defining Commissioning for GSA Buildings Commissioning ensures the delivery of efficient, durable, and comfortable facilities. ASHRAE Guideline 0‐2019 The Commissioning Process defines commissioning as follows: “Commissioning Process (Cx): a quality‐focused process for enhancing the delivery of a project. The
This guideline describes the total building commissioning process and the responsibilities of the Commissioning Authority and the Owner. Selecting and developing a Commissioning Plan following this guideline assures Caltech of whole-building commissioning meeting the OPR, and a sustaina
SNC Commissioning Guide (LIT-12013295) NIEx9 Commissioning Guide (LIT-12011922) Commissioning a network engine for secure communication LCS85 Installation and Upgrade Instructions (LIT-12011623) Commissioning a secure NAE55 (NAE-S) with embedded encryption technology (available to Johnson Controls employees only) NAE-S Commissioning Guide .
“Commissioning” (Cx) Process Applied to New Buildings “Re-Commissioning” (RCx) Process Repeated for Buildings That Have Been Commissioned “Existing Building Commissioning” (EBCx) Process Applied to Existing Buildings Not Previously Commissioned (replaces the older term “Retro-commissioning”). 5
b. A Certified Building Commissioning Professional, certified by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE); c. An Existing Building Commissioning Professional (CBCP) as certified by the AEE; or d. A Commissioning Process Management Professional (CPMP) certified by ASHRAE The retro-commissioning
3 Draft as of 3 ebruary 2020 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV): Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan Epidemiological overview as of 1 February 2020 A total of 11953 confirmed cases of 2019‑nCoV have been reported worldwide (figure 2); Of the total cases reported, 11821 cases have been reported from China; In China, 60.5% of all cases since the start of the outbreak have been .
