All equipment and tools should be tested, so it will be safe for commercial, residential, and industrial purposes. Likewise, these should be compliant according to the standards. The same applies when constructing a building, regardless of the purpose. For one thing, constructing a building can be more complicated given that there are electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems, among a few, that are included as well.
In Portland, OR, there are building commissioning companies that can help you to make sure that all the building systems function properly. At the same time, it ensures that all systems work collaboratively as specified. In many locations, commissioning is already required in every new and upcoming construction.
The basics of building commissioning
In other words, building commissioning refers to a construction practice that will ensure building requirements follow the local and the owner’s standards. Structures that comply with these standards and are commissioned have lower chances of revisions. At the same time, commissioning helps in saving energy, maintenance, and operation expenses.
There are three types of commissioning. First is building commissioning, which is already mentioned above. It applies to new and upcoming structures and continues until its occupancy and ongoing operations. It ensures that the newly constructed building complies with the owner’s requirement. At the same time, commissioning ensures that the building staff is well-equipped with knowledge and skills to maintain and operate its equipment and systems.
Retrocommissioning, on the other hand, applies to existing structures and buildings. This process aims to improve the functionality of a building system and equipment. Issues that have occurred during the building’s construction should be resolved to ensure that its overall performance will last longer.
Lastly, recommissioning occurs when a building or structure has already been commissioned yet undergoes another commissioning procedure. Recommissioning is done due to a change in building ownership, a presence of operational issues, and other concerns. Recommissioning may also be part of the original commissioning plan or the current structure’s retro-commissioning process.
Commissioning procedure
A building commissioning is usually spearheaded by a Commissioning Agent or Cx Agent for short. However, it is a team effort composed of the Cx Agent and other participants, which include the following:
- Operating personnel
- Contractors
- Subcontractors
- Engineer
- Architect
- The building owner
To conduct a building commissioning, the owner’s project requirements should be defined first. It is documented through a written file called an Owner’s Project Requirement (OPR). This document will be where the Basis of Design (BoD) will be based on wherein all construction, design, and operational decisions will be taken.
The next step will be the development of the commissioning plan. It includes the establishment of the team members and their respective tasks. It also includes the framework of how the project will be done.
Benefits of commissioning
Building commissioning is important to ensure a safe and functional building system. It also helps in reducing operational expenses and ensuring energy efficiency. Also, commissioning also ensures that the building personnel are well-oriented and trained to operate and maintain the said structure. That is why building owners should hire a commissioning company to ensure the structure’s safety and functionality.
