|
|
|
|
What is commissioning? "Commissioning is the process of ensuring that systems are designed, installed, functionally tested, and capable of being operated and maintained to perform in conformity with the design intent" - ASHRAE Guideline 1- 1996
Why should buildings be commissioned? The computerized control systems in today's buildings are much more complex than before. The various systems throughout buildings are installed by separate contractors in most cases, and the commissioning process serves to verify the operability between these systems. If the interaction between the different systems is not verified, the chances of high performance and efficient operation are significantly diminished, increasing the costs of operation of the building with each passing year.
What does commissioning mean for the contractors? Since commissioning is about verification and demonstration of performance, each contractor will be held accountable for their own responsibilities on the project. While this approach may seem like questioning each contractor's integrity, it can also be viewed as opening up the lines of communication between the contractors as well as coordinating events around the schedule to meet the owner's demand. In the end, the contractors will be pleased with the transition from construction phase to acceptance phase. Commissioning should make this transition much smoother than if there were no commissioning. The documentation recorded in the commissioning report proves everyone's participation and makes each participant look that much better after acceptance.
What are the monetary benefits of commissioning? The monetary benefits of commissioning are lower utility costs due to efficiently operating systems, lower maintenance costs due to properly trained maintenance crew and higher productivity of the building occupants due to properly balanced ventilation system. Commissioning pays for itself within 18 months of the completion date.
Are there any other benefits to commissioning? The documentation provided to the owner includes the following:
These records will be very beneficial to the owner for as long as the building serves its occupants. The records are very helpful to the maintenance crew which operates and maintains the equipment. The records would also be very helpful to the owner should there be any question in the future regarding air quality and working environment.
Why choose BSCx services over others? BSCx does nothing but commissioning and commissioning related services. We do not design building systems, nor do we install them. BSCx was created to provide an independent 3rd party point of view on behalf of building owners. This means there is no conflict of interest on the project, and the systems being commissioned will be tested in an objective, unbiased manner.
|
|
Building Systems Commissioning, Inc. 199 Thompson Lane Nashville, TN 37211 (615) 331-4108
|
