Ever walked into a building where the temperature is just right, the lights are perfectly adjusted, and everything seems to run seamlessly? That's not by accident — it's likely the result of commissioning. In the realm of building projects, commissioning is the behind-the-scenes process that brings a building to life, ensuring all systems operate as intended from day one.

This is also a crucial part of sustainable design and green building certifications. Commissioning ensures buildings meet their intended resource savings and designed sustainability targets. 

The Fundamentals of Commissioning

Commissioning is a comprehensive quality assurance process. It verifies and documents that a building's systems — like heating, HVAC, lighting, and envelope commissioning — function according to the design intent and the owner's requirements. 

This isn't a one-time check; it's a systematic process that can span all project phases, from building design to post-occupancy. 

Why Commissioning Matters for Sustainable Buildings

Commissioning ensures projects successfully meet sustainability targets that a developer is aiming for and may need to secure funding, such as through government incentives or to achieve building certifications.  

Furthermore, many aspects of sustainable design are initially more expensive than standard options, so ensuring the upgraded systems return on their intended long-term savings is critical to a building’s long-term financial outcome. 

Performance Optimization 

Commissioning ensures that building systems operate efficiently and effectively. If a system isn't installed correctly, it may fail to meet its target performance goals. For example, building envelope commissioning will ensure the building is weather-tight, which is a core requirement for high-performing HVAC and ventilation. 

Energy and Cost Savings 

By fine-tuning systems, commissioning can significantly reduce energy consumption. According to a study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, non-commissioned buildings consume 5% to 10% more energy than their commissioned counterparts. Better energy efficiency results in lower operational costs for building owners and occupants.  

Occupant Comfort and Health 

A well-commissioned building provides a better indoor environment. Improved air quality, consistent temperatures, and proper lighting enhance occupant well-being and productivity. 

Sustainability and Environmental Impact 

Commissioning is integral to achieving sustainability certifications like LEED and WELL. These certifications require verification that buildings meet their planned sustainability standards — commissioning is a way to ensure this before collecting building operational data. It's much easier to fine-tune building systems during construction than when they are already operational. 

Longevity of Systems 

Early detection of inefficiencies prolongs equipment lifespan. Commissioning reduces maintenance costs and prevents premature system failures by addressing issues before they escalate. Re-commissioning is also an important aspect of long-term sustainable facility management plans. 
 

Types of Commissioning 

While commissioning is often considered a component of new construction, it can actually be implemented at different stages throughout a building's lifecycle.  

• Initial Commissioning: For new buildings, this ensures systems meet performance goals from the start. It ensures new systems are installed and running correctly. 

• Retro-Commissioning: This applies to existing buildings that haven't been commissioned before, optimizing existing systems for better performance. 

• Re-Commissioning: Periodic retesting of systems in buildings that have previously been commissioned. This ensures that building systems are maintained and provides opportunities to improve building performance over time. 

The Roles Within the Commissioning Team 

Effectively implementing building commissioning relies on a cohesive effort between different parts of the building and construction team. The key players include: 

• Building Owners and Developers: They define project goals and ensure commissioning is included in the project scope. 

• Architects and Engineers: Collaborate with commissioning agents to align the design with performance objectives. 

• Commissioning Agents/Providers: Manage the commissioning process, bringing expertise to verify that all systems function as intended. 

The Commissioning Process Explained 

Commissioning for a new building is an encompassing process that should be included throughout the entire building development lifecycle. It ensures a project has feasible sustainability targets, implements the necessary building systems, and ensures the systems are functioning correctly.   

Planning and Design Review 

Integrating commissioning early in the project lifecycle is crucial. During the design phase, commissioning agents review plans to ensure systems are set up to meet performance goals, preventing costly changes later. 

Construction Oversight 

Commissioning agents monitor installations to verify compliance with the design intent. They identify and correct issues before they become significant problems, ensuring a smoother project timeline. 

Functional Testing 

Systems are tested under various conditions to ensure they operate correctly. This step includes documenting performance and addressing any deficiencies, ensuring everything works as it should. 

Post-Occupancy Evaluation 

After the building is occupied, ongoing performance monitoring ensures systems continue to operate efficiently. Training facility staff is also essential to maintain system efficiency over time. 

The Common Misconception About Commissioning – It's Too Expensive 

Despite its clear advantages, commissioning is often misunderstood or overlooked in building projects. It does involve upfront costs, but the long-term savings outweigh the initial investment.  

While the cost of commissioning is variable based on the building size and complexity, it's a reasonable assumption that it will cost 0.5% to 1.5% of the total construction cost. However, the payback time for existing buildings is typically less than 2 years and less than 5 years for new buildings. 

Unlocking Building Potential Through Commissioning 

Commissioning is the key to ensuring efficient design and on-schedule building certification. It isn't just a technical procedure — it's the catalyst that brings your building's design to life, ensuring all systems work together seamlessly for optimal performance. By embracing commissioning, you enhance efficiency, boost sustainability, and create a comfortable environment that drives higher rents and occupancy rates. 

Ready to maximize your building's potential? Emerald Built Environments, A Crete United Company, specializes in sustainable design and commissioning services that drive performance and environmental responsibility. Let us partner with you to create high-performing, cost-effective, sustainable buildings.