The document discusses the commissioning process for new buildings from initial planning through post-construction. It involves collaborating with project teams to form a commissioning team and plan. During design, commissioning requirements are incorporated and potential issues identified. In construction, checklists are created and tests conducted to ensure proper installation and function. Training is provided to operations and maintenance staff. Periodic re-evaluation is recommended to maintain system performance over time.

1. How to Navigate the
Commissioning Process:
From Planning to Post-
Construction

2. Introduction
While the commissioning process means an up-
front cost to construction project owners, it can
be well-compensated by savings in the long run
through reduced repairs, enhanced energy
efficiency, higher occupant satisfaction and
increased safety. Here, we will dig deeper into
the construction commissioning process for new
buildings. Continue reading to understand how
building commissioning firms should navigate the
commissioning process, right from its
involvement during the initial planning to its key
role throughout the lifespan of the building.

3. Start with the
Completion in
Mind
In the commissioning process, the very first step is
to be taken by the commissioning team. It entails
collaborating with the project team, to figure out
the budget and scope of commissioning, which
will important to have a funding estimate. The
building commissioning firms work with the
project team to form the commissioning team.
While the team formation will be based on the
size, complexity and type of the project at hand,
one should never pass go and collect any amount
until the commissioning team is well aligned with
the overall process of project delivery.

4. Once the commissioning team is aligned, it will
work closely with the project team to understand
the project-specific goals. These requirements
will evolve throughout each phase of the project,
but the initial commissioning plan will act as the
basic framework to be used to assess the project
from time to time.
Start with
the Completion
in Mind

5. Understanding
the Plan
The design phase of the project is the chance for
the project architects and engineers to assess
concept, design and construction documents in
order to ensure that the building systems are
designed and will operate in the correct manner.
This is the time when commissioning
requirements are incorporated into the design
document.
Communication is important in the design phase. If
every member of the project team, including the
designers, engineers, contractors and owner,
speak different languages, many issues may arise
on the project because of miscommunication.

6. The commissioning team should be able to
speak everyone’s language, which will aid
in identifying possible omissions
and errors early on during the design
phase. This will also help
reduce installation problems while
mitigating issues that normally arise
during the startup phase.
Understanding
the Plan

8. Creating
Checklists &
Conducting
Training
During the construction phase, the
commissioning team assesses contractors’
submittals, creates construction checklists
for the installation team and perform site
visits. Once the construction checklists are
created, functional performance testing
begins. The commissioning team will check if
the building’s systems were installed
properly and are functioning appropriately,
while following up with the troubleshooting
requirements, if any.

9. Creating Checklists
& Conducting
Training

10. Creating Checklists
&
Conducting Traini
ng
After reporting the progress to the
project owner, training for the
operations and maintenance personnel
are conducted, so that they acquire the
skills and knowledge to keep the
building function properly – just like
well-oiled machinery. Here, a system-
based approach to training is necessary
that helps staff understand how the
systems are interrelated.

11. Handing Over
the Keys
Once the commissioning team is done with
the tests and the contractors are done
with the required adjustments, the keys
are handed over to the project owner.
The final report to the owner comprises
an overview of the objectives defined at
the commencement of the project, an
exhaustive assessment of the design
documents, a summary of the tests done
on the equipment installed, a record of
the problems identified as well as an
overview of maintenance and operations
procedures, along with training
documentation.

12. Final Words
Due to weather conditions and seasonal
changes, not every building system can be
tested comprehensively during the
construction phase. For instance, a water
chilling system should be tested during the
winter season as well as summer season to
see if it can bear both cool and full loads. In
such a case, the commissioning agent will
come back at a later time to conduct the
season-specific testing, the result of which,
will be updated in the final report.

13. Final Words
Moreover, it is important to understand that
once a new building undergoes the initial
commissioning process, it is obvious for the
building systems and the system’s
components to observe regular wear and
tear, along with a slight drop in their
performance. Some building owners choose
to have ongoing commissioning to keep the
building function properly with periodic
monitoring and maintenance. It is
recommended to have a commissioning
professional revisit your building at least
once every year so as to keep the
commissioned systems in check.

14. Final Words
From the initial planning to continuous
monitoring and maintenance, there’s more
to building commissioning than you could
think initially. By starting with the project
completion in mind, ensuring proper
communication across teams, and keeping a
detailed record of documents and future
planning, a commissioning management
system can ensure that your building systems
are efficient and safe at all times, eventually
allowing project owners to make sustainable
and prudent investments.

15. Contact Us
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