B4._ Building commissioning
Building commissioning is a quality assurance process that spans the entire design and construction process, helping ensure that the new building’s performance meets design expectations. PNNL’s “A Guide to Building Commissioning” gives an overview of the process. (Existing buildings can also be recommissioned. See B2._Building Tuneups )
A review by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory of 649 commissioning projects covering 100 million square feet of floor space revealed that commissioning identified over 10,000 energy-related problems, resulting in 16% energy savings in existing buildings and 13% in new construction with a payback time of 1.1 years and 4.2 years, respectively. In addition to the operating cost savings, the study shows that significant first-cost savings (e.g. through right-sizing of heating and cooling equipment) routinely offset a portion or all of the commissioning costs.
Seattle requires commissioning the HVAC system, water heating, lighting controls and metering system in residential buildings taller than three stories and all non-residential buildings. Basic commissioning is also a prerequisite for LEED certification and up to five points can be earned for enhanced commissioning.