Building Commissioning is a systematic, documented process helps ensure public facilities operate efficiently while reducing energy costs.  Customers utilize our Commissioning services to ensure building systems perform as designed to provide maximum comfort for occupants. 

Building Commissioning also supports proper training for building operators, ensuring building systems are properly operated and maintained to increase their useful life. Our goal at DES is to make commissioning a standard practice in the construction and remodeling of all public buildings.

More Information:

• DES Commissioning Program
• Washington State Commissioning Guidelines
• An overview of Building Commissioning
• Resources
• Contact DES

Goals

Commissioning new buildings: To deliver a building that operates as it was designed, complete with fully trained building operators.

Commissioning is the process of ensuring that systems are designed, installed, and functionally tested and are capable of being operated and maintained to perform according to the design intent.  Commissioning begins with planning and includes design, construction, startup, acceptance and operational training.

Retro-commissioning existing buildings: Retro-commissioning is a systematic process for improving and optimizing a building’s operations and maintenance.  Its focus is usually on energy-using equipment such as mechanical equipment, lighting, and related controls.  The retro-commissioning process most often focuses on the dynamic energy-using systems with the goal of reducing energy waste, obtaining energy cost savings for the owner, and identifying and fixing existing problems.

Below are presentations of the commissioning process in MS PowerPoint:

• Building commissioning overview
• Retro-commissioning

Benefits

Building commissioning is a win-win opportunity.  Everyone benefits.

Owners:

• Fewer change orders
• Reduced construction costs
• Reduced operating costs
• Fewer construction delays

Operators:

• Properly operating systems
• Fewer occupant complaints
• Training on all systems
• Proper O&M manuals

Occupants:

• Healthy indoor air quality
• Comfortable working environment

Additional Benefits: 

• Save money.  Lower energy and maintenance costs.  Quick payback.
• Safer and more comfortable buildings.
• Fewer disputes between building owner and contractor.
• Fewer change orders. 
• Problems are discovered early when they aren’t expensive to correct.
• A higher quality building pays for itself in the long run and provides a better working environment.

Resources:

• State of Idaho
• State of Montana A&E
• Building Commissioning Association
• BetterBricks Commissioning
• Energy Ideas Clearinghouse
• Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance 
• Cost Effectiveness of Building Commissioning
• NASFA Building Commissioning Guidelines, 2nd Addition