Emerging Technologies: Saving Energy with Building Commissioning

This is the ninth article covering one of several energy-saving technologies evaluated in a recent DOE report, which is available at www.eren.doe.gov/buildings/documents. Many HVAC systems depart from intended performance due to a wide range of faults that compromise their effectiveness, degrade climate control, and increase building energy consumption. Building commissioning can effectively address these issues. It is the process of observing, measuring and evaluating the performance of building systems to identify substandard function of all equipment, sensors and systems. Commissioning also can include tuning the equipment and systems and their controls to enhance performance above and beyond as-intended levels. In addition, commissioning usually incorporates documentation of the evaluation process, and of system design and intent, operational procedures, training plans, and maintenance requirements. ASHRAE Guideline 1-1996, E.THE HVAC Commissioning Process, explains commissioning in detail.