Building commissioning is a process that ensures that all building systems are designed, installed, and functioning according to their intended purposes. This process plays a crucial role in ensuring that buildings operate efficiently and sustainably, which ultimately saves money and energy. In this blog, we will use a few simple examples to illustrate the various reasons why building commissioning saves money and energy (and safety, and, and...)

(Sidenote: Try to find a commissioning agent based on a referral. You don't just want a box checker!)

One of the primary ways that building commissioning saves money and energy is by identifying and correcting design and installation issues early on before the problem is expensive to fix. Building commissioning agents are trained to detect any discrepancies or problems in the design and installation of building systems. These issues may include faulty wiring, leaks in the building envelope, and improperly installed HVAC systems (or missing safety systems that are required by code and will be very expensive to add post construction!) By identifying and correcting these issues early on, building owners can prevent costly repairs and retrofits later on. For example, a building that has been commissioned may identify an issue with the HVAC system's outside airflow that, if left unchecked, could cause premature failure of the system, such as frozen coils or overheated coils. Early detection saves significant costs and inconvenience.

Building commissioning also helps to optimize energy performance, thereby reducing energy consumption and costs. Commissioning agents are trained to identify inefficiencies in building systems, which they then recommend ways to improve the systems' performance. For example, a building may have a lighting system that is inefficient, using more energy than necessary, or perhaps too many or too few lights are installed. A commissioning agent may recommend installing energy-efficient lighting systems, such as LED bulbs, which reduce energy consumption and save money on utility bills. They also lower the cooling bill and sometimes the peak fan power! Similarly, a building may have an outdated and inefficient HVAC system, which can be replaced with a modern, energy-efficient one, saving money on energy bills with a beneficial life cycle return. A good agent may even know of incentives to help you pay for upgraded equipment.

Building commissioning can also help to ensure that systems are operating in a safe and reliable manner, thereby preventing accidents and damage to the building or equipment. Commissioning agents can verify that all systems are installed and operating as intended, identify potential safety issues and ensure that systems are reliable and functioning properly. For example, a commissioned building may have a fire alarm system that has been tested to ensure that it is functioning correctly. This testing can prevent fire damage to the building and save money on repairs. Even if there are no fires in the life of the building, if the design is not up to code, then the design can be updated during the install instead of an expensive retrofit.

In addition to these benefits, building commissioning can also improve the building's overall occupant comfort, which can have a significant impact on productivity and absenteeism. For example, a building that has been commissioned may have an HVAC system that provides consistent and comfortable temperatures throughout the building. This can lead to happier and healthier employees who are more productive and less likely to miss work due to illness.

Building commissioning is a crucial process that saves money and energy by identifying and correcting design and installation issues early on, optimizing energy performance, and ensuring that systems are operating in a safe and reliable manner. Specific examples of the benefits of building commissioning include reducing energy consumption and costs, preventing costly repairs and retrofits, and improving occupant comfort and productivity. As such, building commissioning should be considered an essential part of any construction or renovation project.