The term commissioning, referred to as Cx by the pros, is a process for new and existing buildings that ensures the systems and components in a building are designed, installed, tested, operated and maintained according to the operation requirements of the owner or final client. The commissioning process can improve the efficiency of the equipment and systems to prevent issues from construction, installation and maintenance negatively impacting the performance and energy usage over the lifespan of a building. Through a systematic evaluation of the buildings designed and implemented systems, the commissioning process formalizes review and integration of all project expectations during planning, design, construction and occupancy phases by inspection, functional and performance testing, and oversight of operator training and record documentation.
When assessing the benefits, barriers, opportunities and savings that encompass the commissioning process, who better to ask than a working industry professional with over 15 years’ experience in the field? In this Q&A session with NCBPA Board Chair and building scientist, Meghan McDermott of High-Performance Building Solutions, we will discuss the benefits, goals, setbacks and industry trends of all things Commissioning.