The document outlines the commissioning process for new building projects, emphasizing its benefits in terms of cost savings, energy efficiency, and occupant satisfaction. It details the roles and responsibilities of commissioning teams from initial planning through design, construction, and final handover, highlighting the importance of communication and training. Additionally, it suggests ongoing commissioning for maintaining building performance post-construction.

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

2. • 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.
• 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.

4. 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.
• 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.

5. 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.
• 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.
• 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.

8. Follow Us

9. Work With Us
https://www.global-cxm.com/commissioning/
Unit 2, Chestfield Business Park, Whitstable, Kent,
CT5 3JB
+441227649087, +447580017944