Green Project Commissioning

Building commissioning has grown significantly over recent years and is being embraced today by public and private organizations alike because of its benefits in improved project delivery results and because building commissioning undoubtedly enhances a building's value to the owner. Recent studies clearly demonstrate that commissioning is considered the single-most cost-effective strategy for reducing energy, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings today. The impetus for increased momentum for commissioning is also coming from energy and environmental policymakers as well as the private sector, and is increasingly resonating with building owners' interest in greening their properties and those seeking LEEDTM or Green GlobesTM certification. Commissioning is a quality assurance-based process that delivers preventive and predictive maintenance plans, tailored operating manuals, and training procedures for users to follow. The main function of the commissioning process therefore is to ensure that the HVAC&R systems and associated controls, domestic hot water systems, lighting controls, renewable energy systems (PV, wind, and solar) and other energy-using building systems meet the owner's performance requirements, and perform and operate as intended and at maximum efficiency. Successful project commissioning can help dramatically reduce operating and maintenance costs, provide healthier occupant conditions, and facilitate upgrades, as well as fulfill LEED certification requirements.