PERFORMING EFFECTIVE BUILDING SYSTEM RECOMMISSIONING STUDIES

1. PERFORMING EFFECTIVE BUILDING SYSTEM RECOMMISSIONING STUDIES Joseph J. Watson, P.E. Booth # 312

2. Definitions Commissioning - Follows construction process from pre-design through construction and acceptance. A systematic process of ensuring that all building systems perform interactively according to the contract documents, the design intent and the owner’s operational needs. E3 DESIGNS

3. Definitions Re-commissioning - Occurs after construction as an independent process usually focusing on energy using equipment. Systematically optimize existing building systems to function according to the criteria set forth in the original project documents E3 DESIGNS

4. Definitions Retro-commissioning - A systematic process for optimizing all building systems by improving their operation and maintenance to ensure their performance meets the owner’s current facility requirements. E3 DESIGNS

5. Definitions Continuous Commissioning - Registered trademark at Texas A&M. Focuses on continuously monitoring HVAC operation and control to maintain long term savings through improved system reliability and building comfort E3 DESIGNS

6. Benefits of Re-commissioning Identifies system operating, control, and maintenance problems E3 DESIGNS

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8. Benefits of Re-commissioning Identifies system operating, control, and maintenance problems Improves efficiency and reduces energy waste E3 DESIGNS

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10. Benefits of Re-commissioning Identifies system operating, control, and maintenance problems Improves efficiency and reduces energy waste Reduces maintenance costs and premature equipment failure E3 DESIGNS

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12. Benefits of Re-commissioning Identifies system operating, control, and maintenance problems Improves efficiency and reduces energy waste Reduces maintenance costs and premature equipment failure Provides complete building benchmark E3 DESIGNS

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14. Benefits of Re-commissioning Identifies system operating, control, and maintenance problems Improves efficiency and reduces energy waste Reduces maintenance costs and premature equipment failure Provides complete building benchmark Provides staff training to increase skill levels E3 DESIGNS

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16. Benefits of Re-commissioning Identifies system operating, control, and maintenance problems Improves efficiency and reduces energy waste Reduces maintenance costs and premature equipment failure Provides complete building benchmark Provides staff training to increase skill levels Provides budget support for capital planning E3 DESIGNS

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18. Benefits of Re-commissioning Identifies system operating, control, and maintenance problems Improves efficiency and reduces energy waste Reduces maintenance costs and premature equipment failure Provides complete building benchmark Provides staff training to increase skill levels Provides budget support for capital planning Ensures a healthy, comfortable, and productive work environment E3 DESIGNS

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20. Systems to be Re-Commissioned HVAC/Control Systems Building Envelope Lighting Systems Electrical Systems Water Systems Renewable Resources E3 DESIGNS

21. HVAC/ControlSystems Assessment Identify critical systems to be evaluated Review control drawings and sequences of operation Setup critical trend points in building EMS Install independent data loggers to verify IAQ Review operating information with building operators Identify methods to improve system performance Provide executive summary identifying low cost O&M changes and potential capital projects Capital projects evaluated using Life Cycle Costing Provide benchmark of annual energy use by system component Provide verification of previous energy saving efforts E3 DESIGNS

22. Building Envelope Assessment Identify air leakage paths between indoor and outdoor including exterior doors, window joints, duct penetrations, interior doors, conduits passing through floors, elevator shafts, and roof vents Assess the effects of building HVAC and stack effect pressures on air leakage characteristics Evaluate possible air sealing measures to curtail uncontrolled air leakage and drafts Determine financial justification of air sealing measures using Life Cycle Costing E3 DESIGNS

23. Lighting System Assessment Survey existing lighting system in each space including: Location and use of space Surface type to determine reflectivity Measure of actual lighting levels Compare existing lighting levels with the current standards Recommend a lighting retrofit that addresses photometric brightness, reducing glare, minimizes shadows, and reduces energy use and maintenance costs Evaluate economic justification through life-cycle costing E3 DESIGNS

24. Electrical System Assessment Survey existing electrical components using non-invasive thermography Evaluate existing components including: Assessment of current operating conditions Maintenance and obsolescence concerns Remaining useful life Generate a report which includes: Equipment location Color thermal image Visual image Description of evident problem Recommendations of corrective actions E3 DESIGNS

25. Water System Assessment Review two years billing information and compare to database of facilities of similar size Perform a site survey to identify domestic fixture components in the domestic water system, building irrigation systems, and special use areas like kitchens and showers Determine water usage related to building HVAC Calculate total usage of domestic water, irrigation, and HVAC and compare to actual usage to determine unaccounted water use Recommend system upgrades that have been field proven Evaluate recommendations based on Life Cycle Costing E3 DESIGNS

26. Renewable Resource Assessment Collect monthly energy use and cost Evaluate building site for renewable resource applications including: Wind power Solar Geothermal Use computerized modeling software to evaluate renewable resource opportunities Evaluate recommendations based on Life Cycle Costing E3 DESIGNS