3. Minutemen Energy Services Inc.
Retro-commissioning is a process to improve the
efficiency of an existing building's equipment and
systems. It can often resolve problems that occurred
during design or construction, or address problems that
have developed throughout the building's life as
equipment has aged, or as building usage has changed.
5. Minutemen Energy Services Inc.
Commercial buildings frequently undergo operational and
occupancy changes that challenge the mechanical, electrical
and control systems, hindering optimal performance. In today’s
complex buildings, systems are highly interactive, with
sophisticated controls that can create a trickle-down effect
on building operations – small problems have big effects on
performance. All buildings can experience performance
degradation over time.
7. Minutemen Energy Services Inc.
• Equipment or lighting that is on when it may not need to be
• Systems that simultaneously heat and cool
• Belts and valves that are not functioning properly
• Thermostats and sensors that are out of calibration
• Air balancing systems that are less than optimal
• Economizers that are not working as designed
• Controls sequences that are functioning incorrectly
• Variable-frequency drives that operate at unnecessarily
high speeds or that operate at a constant speed even though
the load being served is variable
9. Minutemen Energy Services Inc.
Everyone benefits from retro-commissioning. For owners, retro-
commissioning reduces building operating costs that can lead to an increase
in net operating income. Building managers notice fewer occupant
complaints and increased ability to manage systems. Building staff receive
training and improved documentation, and building occupants are more
comfortable.
Retro-Commissioning can achieve significant cost savings in existing
buildings. Based upon national studies average cost savings were in the
range of:
Description Range of Values
Value of Energy Savings $0.11 - $0.72/sqft
Value of Non-Energy Savings $0.10 - $0.45/sqft
11. Minutemen Energy Services Inc.
Description Value or Ranges
Total RCx Cost $0.13 to $0.45/sqft
Provider Fee as % of Total RCx Cost 35 - 71%
Average RCx Cost Allocation
Planning and Investigation 69%
Implementation 27%
Verification, Tracking and Reporting 4%
Simple Payback Time 0.2 to 2.1 years
13. Minutemen Energy Services Inc.
Planning Phase
• Select the Project
• Set Project Objectives and obtain
support
• Select a commissioning lead
• Document current operating procedures
and processes
• Initial Site Walk-Thru
• Develop RCx plan
• Assemble commissioning team
• Kick-Off Meeting
14. Minutemen Energy Services Inc.
Investigation Phase
• Review Facility Documentation
• Set up trends
• Perform functional testing
• Develop RCx Report
• Prioritize and select operational
improvements
15. Minutemen Energy Services Inc.
Implementation Phase
• Develop Implementation Plan
• Implement selected Operational
Improvements
• Verify Results
16. Minutemen Energy Services Inc.
Project Close Out Phase
• Develop Final RCx Report
• Compile System Manual
• Develop RCx Plan
• Training of site personnel
• Hand-Off Meeting
• Develop Continuing RCx plan
18. Minutemen Energy Services Inc.
For further information on RCx contact:
Hannes Klein, CBCP
Minutemen Energy Services Inc.
MES.INC@comcast.net
(617) 842-9907
