Blog

November 26, 2015

A Case for Building Commissioning

CFMS Consulting Inc. recently undertook an office renovation in order to make better use of our office space. While packing up my office, so it could be painted and the carpet replaced, I discovered a hard copy of a white paper, ‘A Case for Building Commissioning’, written in 1994 by CFMS then president Mel James. A few things have changed since then; our company name, our address, and we have added new faces, but after 20+ years the process of mechanical and electrical commissioning remains the same.

Commissioning is most advantageous when started during the design stage. The Commissioning Authority ensures the owner’s requirements are documented and included in the building/space design, that the commissioning process and contractor commissioning requirements are included in the contract documents. The process continues through the Construction and Post construction stages; witnessing static and dynamic tests, reviewing as-building documentation, ensuring the building operators understand how the building is to be operated, verifying the individual equipment and building systems are performing as intended through the different outdoor conditions.

Today the commissioning process has expanded to include total building commissioning so that building envelope and other building systems are included, such as vertical transportation. We believe we have a more consistent and better documented process.

‘In conclusion, the commissioning process for a building provides a benefit both to the building owner and the prospective occupants. The process provides an added level of assurance that the environmental quality of the building and the mechanical design efficiency will be delivered.’1

(read the full whitepaper here)

1. Mel James, 1994

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Why Commissioning