Building Commissioning

Introduction

Building Commissioning is the process of inspecting, testing, and verifying different building systems performance against some sort of benchmark or ‘required’ goal. Essentially, this is the process to make sure the building performs as it should, while also making changes to the systems for improved operations and comfort. It typically also serves as the time for building engineers or owners to understand and learn how to operate and understand their building, in a sort of hand-off period.

Process

Building Commissioning is not always required in the process of constructing a building, and for most projects, is not something even on the services list provided by a contractor. If it has been included in a bidding requirement or services, it normally is one of the first things on the table when costs and VE discussions begin to happen.

It may sound at first blush that this process would be quick and relatively cheap, but it is quite the opposite. Building commissioning can take multiple days as the systems and buildings need to be tested in different environments (for example night vs day). This also typically means that the process cannot happen with an occupied space at the same time — potentially delaying client move-in.

This is the reason that it gets VE’d or removed from contracts often. It's not just the cost & time, but also the timing. As these processes are generally the last thing you perform, right when a client wants to move in after months or years of waiting. This means that if the project has been delayed, or you already have tenants moving into the space immediately, the thought of having engineers and contractors continue to work in the space adjusting settings and taking measurements of things may not be a super realistic process or desire.