EAPC verifies and documents that your building systems meet your project requirements in the way they are designed, installed, function, and can be maintained.

Commissioning is a process that involves reviewing a building design intent that has been produced by architects and engineers and the owner. The commissioning process verifies that the design achieves the owner of the building’s requirements and goals, that the building is design is actually going to work and produce the desired results, and that it will operate as efficiently as possible. This process can also extend into the construction of the building. After a facility has been designed and the building process begins, commissioning confirms that equipment and systems are installed according to the intended design. It also validates that the equipment and systems are operating as expected.

 

Types of General/New Construction Commissioning

HVAC
HVAC Commissioning takes places after the HVAC system has already been designed and the sequence of operation for the system is already in place. This type of commissioning includes verifying that systems are properly installed, ensuring pre-functional tests are completed by contractors, and performing functional testing to make sure all systems are working the way they were designed.

Whole Building
Whole Building Commissioning is the most comprehensive and begins at the start of the planning and design process. A commissioning agent is involved from the project’s beginning, making it easier to spot design deficiencies before they become costly issues for the building owner.

LEED Sustainable Design

Fundamental
Fundamental Commissioning is required for some buildings and includes such energy-related systems as HVAC, lighting and daylighting, domestic hot water, and renewable energy. This process verifies the installation and performance of these systems and results in recommendations for improvement.

Enhanced (whole building)
Enhanced Commissioning builds further on Fundamental Commissioning and starts earlier on in the design process. A Commissioning Agent will review the design as well as contractor submittals, they will provide a systems manual, ensure that personnel operating the systems have been trained, and will also review the building operations post-occupancy.

 

Benefits of Commissioning

Buildings are more likely to perform as intended

Construction process is smoother from improved communications and fewer change orders

Better building documentation (installation, operation, maintenance, and system manuals; as-built drawings)

Operational problems are avoided

Maintenance requirements are decreased

Operation and maintenance costs are reduced

Energy costs are lowered through improved energy efficiency

Building occupants are satisfied and comfortable through improved air quality and thermal comfort

 

General Commissioning Services

Sustainable Design Consulting
Design principles that increase building performance

Facility Optimization
Improve total facility functions and implement future goals for the facility

Operations Review & Planning
Review of operations standards and future planning for improvements

Measurement & Verification
Ensures savings and proper operating efficiencies

Performance & Capacity Testing
Test equipment performance to ensure it is operating the way it was designed to operate and that it is operating as efficiently as possible

Utility Rebate Programs
Receive rebates and incentives from utility companies by complying with their energy-saving criteria such as selecting from recommended equipment for new construction

Case Study

EAPC provided General HVAC Commissioning services for the construction of Gene Dillion Elementary School in Bemidji, MN. Because the owner chose not to have the whole building commissioned, EAPC did not have any input on the design of the system; their involvement began after construction documents had been issued and the installation process was already in progress. EAPC’s role was to review the HVAC system design and installation to ensure that the systems would work properly and that the design was a good fit for the owner’s needs. Upon investigation, it was determined the condensate pump design could be improved.

A condensate pump removes moisture from the ventilation system in the classrooms. The ventilation system creates moisture and that moisture needs to be removed from the space so that it doesn’t lead to moss, mildew, and mold issues. The original design was maintenance driven, including 40 pumps needed to remove collected water from the space. If the system had been designed for gravity drainage, the need for pumps would have been eliminated. Pumps require maintenance, and this was something the owner wanted to avoid. EAPC made design recommendations to the owner and contractor that would result in a system that better fit the owner’s needs.

Whole Building Commissioning allows EAPC to be involved in the planning and design process, making it possible to spot design deficiencies such as these early on, before they affect the project’s schedule and budget.

 

Why Use EAPC’s General Commissioning Services on Your New Construction Project

The General Commissioning process brings immediate value to the construction process by reducing cost and increasing efficiency. This is accomplished by verifying that systems will operate and perform effectively and be reliable. This process saves building owner’s time and money by finding and correcting issues in building performance and operations before they start. Changes in design can interfere with a project’s schedule and put unnecessary strain on the owner’s budget. Once a building is complete, inefficient operation results in wasted energy, wasted maintenance, and wasted money. Having a Commissioning Agent on your project team from the very start will result in the highest cost savings and a design best-suited for your needs.

We also provide

ReCommissioning RetroCommissioning