ACG COMMISSIONING GUIDELINE
ACG COMMISSIONING GUIDELINEFor Building Owners, Design Professionalsand Commissioning Service Providers
ACG COMMISSIONING GUIDELINEFor Building Owners, Design Professionalsand Commissioning Service ProvidersAABC Commissioning Group2401 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 330 Washington, DC 20037Tel: (202) 737-7775 Fax: (202) 638-4833Email: info@commissioning.org Website: www.commissioning.org
Public InformationCopyright AABC Commissioning Group 2005All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproducedby photocopying, recording, or by any other means, or stored,possessed, or transmitted in or by any computer of other systemswithout prior written permission of the ACG.ISBN 0-910289-04-2Although great care has been taken in compiling and publishingthis volume, no warranties, expressed or implied, are given inconnection herefrom and no responsibility can be taken for anyclaims arising herefrom.Comments, criticisms, and suggestions about the subject matter areinvited. Any errors or omissions should be brought to the attentionof the ACG headquarters.
Table of ContentsForeword .1Chapter 1 – Introduction .3Chapter 2 – HVAC Commissioning Cost/Benefit Analysis .7Chapter 3 – Selecting a Commissioning Provider .11Chapter 4 – The HVAC Commissioning Team .17Chapter 5 – Comprehensive HVAC Commissioning .25Chapter 6 – Construction HVAC Commissioning .41Chapter 7 – HVAC Commissioning in Existing Buildings .53Chapter 8 – Commissioning of Non-HVAC Building Systems .61Appendix A – Sample Request for Proposal for Commissioning ServicesAppendix B – Sample Specification Covering Contractor Responsibilities for HVACCommissioningAppendix C – Sample Format for System Verification and Start-up ChecklistsAppendix D – Sample Functional Performance Test ChecklistsAppendix E – Glossary of Acronyms
ForewordThe first edition of this guideline was published by the Associated Air BalanceCouncil (AABC) in 2002, and has been used as reference material for candidatestaking the AABC commissioning certification examination. In 2004, the AABCCommissioning Group (ACG) was founded as a separate nonprofit organizationfor the primary purpose of administering the AABC commissioning certificationprogram to architects and engineers. The copyright for the guideline wassubsequently granted to ACG and the guideline is now used as the primary referencefor the new ACG commissioning certification exam.The only substantive change to the guideline is Chapter 3, “Selecting aCommissioning Provider.” This chapter has been completely reorganized andrewritten to include information about provider qualifications and the new ACGcertification program for architects and engineers.The ACG Commissioning Guideline focuses on HVAC commissioning because itwas written by industry professionals experienced in the testing of HVAC systems.Nevertheless, Environmental Building News referred to the guideline as “one of theclearest descriptions of the commissioning process we’ve seen.”ACG C o m m i s s i o n i n g G u i d e l i n e w w w. c o m m i s s i o n i n g . o r g1
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CHAPTER 11.1HVAC Commissioning1.2HVAC CommissioningService Providers1.3Scope1.4PurposeIntroduction1.1 HVAC CommissioningToday’s HVAC systems must be energy efficient, satisfy stringent indoor airquality and comfort expectations, and still be designed and constructedwithin tight budgets. System designs meeting these demands typically have manycomponents, sub-systems, and controls. Additionally, building constructioninvolves many specialized trades that often work independently of one another.Ineffective communication and coordination between designers and contractors, andamong contractors, can produce HVAC systems with installation deficiencies that donot perform properly. Without verification of the correct interaction and operationof all systems and components, system performance as specified and intended isunlikely to occur.Commissioning is a systematic process that addresses these issues. It facilitates andensures the required communication, coordination, testing, and verification, andresults in the delivery of a building whose HVAC systems perform as intended.Effective HVAC commissioning is an intentional, visible, cooperative andproactive process. It includes design review, installation verification, proper systemstart-ups, functional performance tests, operations and maintenance (O&M) training, and complete documentation of the HVAC systems. It assists in the coordination of construction schedules and sequences to facilitate an efficient constructionprocess and challenges systems to perform as designed under all specified modes ofoperation. O&M staff training provides a basis for continued optimum HVACsystems performance throughout a facility’s existence. In summary, commissioningserves the owner’s best interests by delivering a facility with systems that perform asspecified, intended, and paid for.For the best possible results, commissioning should be included in all phases ofthe design and construction process: pre-design design construction acceptance post-acceptanceACG C o m m i s s i o n i n g G u i d e l i n e w w w. c o m m i s s i o n i n g . o r g3
Commissioning requirements are then considered and incorporated fromproject inception. The ACG Commissioning Guideline refers to thisrecommended approach as “comprehensive HVAC commissioning.”The commissioningauthority works directlyfor the owner and isindependent of designers,contractors, vendors andsuppliers on the project.In many cases, however, commissioning is not considered until a projectreaches the construction phase. While still valuable, implementing commissioningafter construction begins will be less effective than comprehensive commissioning, which starts at the pre-design phase, because there is less opportunity toorganize and plan ahead. Because construction commissioning is widely used,this Guideline includes a “construction HVAC commissioning” methodology asan alternative to comprehensive commissioning.Regardless of the commissioning process used, there are many benefits fromcommissioning. Some of these benefits are: Reduction of change orders and additional claims Fewer project delays Managed start-up requirements Shorter building turn-over transition period Less post-occupancy corrective work Minimized effects from design changes Improved indoor air quality and occupant productivity Better operation, maintenance and reliability Lower energy and operations costs Value-added quality construction Complete and useful O&M documentation Owner advocacy for design and construction decisions Documentation of the entire construction process1.2 HVAC Commissioning Service ProvidersHVAC commissioning requires a team approach. The leader of thecommissioning team is the commissioning authority.The HVAC commissioning authority works directly for the owner andis independent of designers, contractors, vendors and suppliers on theproject. Such independence is essential for the authority to be seen astotally objective in leading the commissioning process. The HVACcommissioning authority must maintain an unbiased approach toproblem solving and conflict resolution.4ACG C o m m i s s i o n i n g G u i d e l i n e w w w. c o m m i s s i o n i n g . o r g
Important qualifications and skills of HVAC Commissioning Agencies include: Knowledge of HVAC systems, covering design, common control strategies,installation, operations and maintenance Experience in controls for HVAC systems, including familiarity with currenttechnology, both conventional and direct digital control Practical field construction background Demonstrated ability to organize many specific activities into a coherentcommissioning plan Communications skills, both written and verbal Proficiency in documentation Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams Familiarity with testing and balancingCommissioning is a quality assurance process, and ACG has established itsCommissioning Certification Program to ensure quality performance in theindustry and to help owners select a commissioning authority that has therequisite skills and expertise. The program provides a way to identify andcertify companies with the qualifications needed to provide superior HVACcommissioning services.ACG has established itsCommissioning CertificationProgram to ensure qualityperformance in the industryand to help owners select acommissioning authority.1.3 ScopeThe scope of the ACG Commissioning Guideline: Provides information on the ACG commissioning certification program Provides detailed methodology for both comprehensive and constructionHVAC commissioning Covers commissioning in both new construction and existing buildings Covers HVAC systems typically found in commercial and institutionalbuildings Provides standards for proper documentation and reporting, with sampleforms Defines the roles and responsibilities of all commissioning team membersACG C o m m i s s i o n i n g G u i d e l i n e w w w. c o m m i s s i o n i n g . o r g5
The detailed methodology contained in this Guideline for HVACcommissioning can be adapted to the commissioning of non-HVAC systems.Organization, coordination, scheduling, and documentation concepts andbasic methodology will be similar for all types of systems. However, thecommissioning team membership and content of the system verification, start-up,and functional performance test checklists and system documentation will haveto reflect the technical requirements of whatever system is being commissioned.1.4 PurposeThe purposes of the Guideline are:6 To educate the industry about the commissioning process To provide standardized, practical methodologies for commissioning To introduce a program for certifying qualified commissioning providersACG C o m m i s s i o n i n g G u i d e l i n e w w w. c o m m i s s i o n i n g . o r g
CHAPTER 22.1HVACCommissioningBenefits2.2 HVACCommissioning Cost/Benefit AnalysisHVAC Commissioning Cost/Benefit Analysis2.1 HVAC Commissioning BenefitsHVAC commissioning promotes a quality assurance approach resulting insignificant value to the owner. The specific benefits of the HVAC commissioningprocess include: Reduction of change orders and additional claims—In ComprehensiveHVAC Commissioning, the commissioning authority carries out reviewsof the design and of contractor submittals as part of planning for commissioning. These reviews often identify potential problems that can be considered by the designer and result in revisions that avoid future change ordersand claims. Fewer deficiencies at substantial completion—During construction,commissioning identifies incorrect or incomplete work early, allowingcorrections to be done, documented, followed-up, and re-tested. Thus mostproblems are corrected before substantial completion so the building willbe fully operational at that time.When deficiencies do remain at substantial completion, commissioningensures they are well documented and that responsibility for correction hasbeen established. Fewer project delays—The detailed schedule and coordination informationprovided by the commissioning process allows contractors to schedule andsequence the required work efficiently. Problems are therefore identified andresolved with minimal delay, and the project stays on schedule. Managed start-up procedures—Preparations for equipment and systemstart-up involve many interrelated contractor tasks. Commissioning’sfocus on planning and coordination facilitates implementing those tasks moreefficiently. Shorter building turnover transition period—When a building’s HVACsystems operate as intended, and its O&M staff is properly trained, thebuilding moves quickly to a fully operational status. The O&M staff canfocus on keeping the systems operating properly, and not on modifyingpoorly performing systems to correct installation problems.ACG C o m m i s s i o n i n g G u i d e l i n e w w w. c o m m i s s i o n i n g . o r g7
Functional performancetests identify problemsthat a physical inspectioncannot detect.8 Less post-occupancy corrective work—Functional performance tests,as part of the commissioning process, identify problems that a physicalinspection cannot detect. Diagnosis is facilitated by the logical test protocolsused in commissioning, and because contractors are still on-site, correctionand re-testing occur quickly. As a result, fewer problems show up afteroccupancy, and any corrective work is minimized in cost and disruption. Minimized impact from design changes—Comprehensive commissioningidentifies, early on, potential design problems, such as lack of access forcommissioning or maintenance, provisions (or lack thereof) for TAB work,and incomplete control sequence descriptions. Design revisions can be madeon paper, and not in the form of physical changes on-site, greatly reducingtheir negative impact. Improved indoor air quality and occupant productivity—When HVACsystem designs meet occupancy needs, and they are operated and maintainedproperly, good indoor air quality results. This includes good temperatureand humidity control, correct outside airflows, good air distributionwithin the space, cleaner air, and reduced odors. Good indoor air qualitycontributes to satisfied occupants and improved productivity. Better operation, maintenance and reliability—Effective training ensures theO&M staff has the information and documentation needed to operate andmaintain the HVAC systems correctly. This includes a planned preventivemaintenance (PM) program that results in maintaining efficiency, keepingsystems clean, keeping accurate temperature control, reducing equipmentfailures, extending equipment life, and keeping good records. Lower energy and operations costs—HVAC systems typically use asubstantial portion of a building’s total energy consumption. Thus improvedefficiency is an important and tangible benefit. An optimized PM programimproves reliability and extends equipment life. Value-added construction quality—Commissioning produces a focuson schedule, sequence of work, coordination, and ensuring a qualityproduct. Quality buildings result in satisfied occupants, more lease renewalsfor tenant-occupied buildings, and a favorable reputation as a good placeto work or visit. Complete and useful documentation—The commissioning processproduces valuable documentation throughout the project that has value inproviding owners and O&M staff with relevant information. Examples are:the commissioning plan and final commissioning report (both includingsystems verification, start-up and functional performance test checklists),complete and usable O&M manuals, and a videotape record of O&Mtraining sessions.ACG C o m m i s s i o n i n g G u i d e l i n e w w w. c o m m i s s i o n i n g . o r g
More knowledgeable O&M staff—Even the best building will encounterproblems from time to time. The commissioning process emphasis ontraining and documentation should result in a more knowledgeableO&M staff, both initially and over time as personnel change. Thus, whenproblems do arise, the O&M staff is better equipped to diagnose and correctthe problems themselves, or to understand when outside expertise is needed. Improved future designs—Feedback from additional design reviews andfrom documentation of on-site commissioning activities give plannersand designers a broader perspective and knowledge of installation andcommissioning issues needing design attention. This information can beapplied to improve future designs. Owner advocacy for design and construction decisions—As ownersexperience all the foregoing benefits of commissioning, they will haveinformation that enables them to advocate its use more widely and toput a greater emphasis on quality and value in their projects from designthrough construction to operation and maintenance.Most commissioning benefitscontinue for the life of thebuilding.2.2 HVAC Commissioning Cost/Benefit AnalysisExperience indicates that the overall cost of comprehensive HVACcommissioning is usually between 2% and 5% of the HVAC construction cost.A building with simple HVAC systems, few zones, and simple control strategieswill be at the lower end of this cost range. Buildings with complex systems andintricate control strategies, particularly with interfaces between systems, will beat the upper end of this cost range.The overall cost of construction HVAC commissioning is approximately80% of that for comprehensive commissioning because commissioning workis concentrated in the construction and acceptance phases. The cost of thecommissioning planning and organizational work carried out during thepre-design and design phases in comprehensive commissioning is minimalcompared to the value added.The exact value placed on each of the foregoing benefits will vary fromowner to owner, and from building to building. Generally, however, the value ofbenefits will be greater for larger, more complex buildings—more thancompensating for the higher commissioning costs in these buildings. Mostcommissioning benefits continue for the life of the building, whereasimplementing the commissioning process is a one-time cost. Therefore, anyrealistic analysis of the initial and ongoing benefits of commissioning,compared to its modest cost, will demonstrate that commissioning can be justifiedin virtually every building.ACG C o m m i s s i o n i n g G u i d e l i n e w w w. c o m m i s s i o n i n g . o r g9
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CHAPTER 33.1 Requestfor Qualificationsand Proposals3.2 CommissioningAuthority3.2.1 IndependentThird Party UnderContract to theOwner3.3 ACGCommissioningCertification3.3.1 HVACCommissioningQualifications3.4 TAB andFunctionalPreformanceTestingSelecting a Commissioning ProviderSelecting the commissioning provider represents one of the most importantcommissioning decisions that a building owner makes. The provider shouldbe certified by a nationally recognized organization and have the requisitequalifications for the project that is being commissioned.3.1 Request for Qualifications and ProposalsRequest for Qualifications (RFQ) documents ask for details concerning previousrelevant commissioning experience. The selection process warrants a thoroughinterview and verification of past performance. The RFQ will help narrow thelist of commissioning providers that receive a Request for Proposal (RFP), thusreducing the number of RFP reviews required of the owner and consultants. Aninterview process, a Request for Proposal (RFP) process, and contract negotiationsfor the selected respondent typically follows the RFQ process.The RFQ should include as much information about the project as possible.As a minimum, the RFQ should contain the following information: Date of Issuance RFQ Due Date Owner/Program Manager Contact Information Project/Program Description Project/Program Schedule Small Business/Minority Business Participation Goals Characterization of the Request Qualification Requirements RFQ and Selection Process Description Selection Criteria Notification of Selection/Unsuccessful Respondent ProtocolACG C o m m i s s i o n i n g G u i d e l i n e w w w. c o m m i s s i o n i n g . o r g11
Request for Proposal (RFP) requirements typically involve greater characterizationof commissioning services provided by the respondent, with particular emphasison the procedures and application of these services to the specific project. TheRFP should a
The HVAC commissioning authority works directly for the owner and is independent of designers, contractors, vendors and suppliers on the project. Such independence is essential for the authority to be seen as totally objective in leading the commissioning process. The HVAC commissioning authority must maintain an unbiased approach to
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
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
commissioning, maintenance and operation services required to make the adjustments and achieve the performance included in these recommendations. The following are the typical service providers that may be required: Commissioning Provider (CxP) -engage a CxP that has a recognized certification from ASHRAE (BCxP), ACG (CxA),
E. ASHRAE Guideline 0 – 2013; Commissioning Process F. ASHRAE Guideline 1.1 – 2007; The HVAC&R Technical Requirements for the Commissioning Process G. ASHRAE Guideline 202 – 2013; Commissioning Process for Buildings and Systems H. ASTM E779-2010 – Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization
ASHRAE Standard 202-2013, The Commissioning Process for Facilities and Systems ASHRAE Guideline 0-2013, The Commissioning Process ASHRAE Guideline 1.1-2007,The HVAC Commissioning Process NIBS/ASHRAE Guideline 3, The Total Building Commissioning Process ASH
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
advisers to middle-market companies, and counts representation from more than 1,000 private equity firms in its membership. With a mission of “Driving Middle Market Growth,” ACG is a global organization with 58 chapters. Learn more at www.acg.org. ACG “Drives Middle
Level 4 IS Business Analyst Minimum Standards and Grading Criteria This paper defines the minimum requirements for the knowledge, skills and behaviours defined in the standard, which are required for a pass. It also defines the criteria to be used for awarding the grade for merit or distinction. This paper should be read in conjunction with the Standard and Assessment Plan for the Level 4 IS .
