Commissioning Sector
Building operating systems have become very complex and owners are looking for an assurance that their requirements are being met and that the systems in their buildings were installed and are operating as specified. The commissioning process demonstrates to the building owner through functional testing and documentation that they are receiving the value they paid for. Commissioning is a comprehensive and systematic process of verifying and documenting the building systems performance as designed to meet the owner’s requirements.
Gausman & Moore provides commissioning for all types of projects: in-house projects (including LEED certified), independent third-party projects (including enhanced LEED projects), recommissioning, and retro-commissioning.
Gausman & Moore has a corporate membership with the Building Commissioning Association. Our commissioning authority’s certifications include Qualified Commissioning Process Provider (QCxP) and Testing Adjusting and Balancing Certified Professional (TAB Supervisor).
Commissioning is a quality-assurance process that:
- Achieves an owner’s defined objectives and criteria
- Verifies that a building’s complex range of systems is designed, installed and tested to the owner’s intent and operational needs
- Communicates all expectations and objectives during planning, design, construction and occupancy phases with a global, independent perspective
- Formalizes reviews and test results, with comprehensive schedules, functional performance testing, and accurate documentation
- Manages risks by the early detection of issues or deficiencies in design and installation, through document reviews and field verification
- Enhances energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and occupant safety and comfort
- Provides tools to promote sustainability, including tailored operating manuals and training for facility employees
Commissioning Phase
- Commissioning is one of the most cost-effective means of improving energy efficiency.
- The goal of the commissioning process is to enhance the quality of the delivered project.
Benefits of Commissioning (Cx):
- Facility meets owner’s design criteria
- Reduced utility consumption and operational costs
- Reduced change orders
- Correct system installation and operation
- Smoother turnover to maintenance staff
- Improved equipment reliability
- Reduced IEQ problems
- Less warranty and callbacks for contractor
Ideally, commissioning services are provided from pre-design through warranty focusing on HVAC and lighting for new buildings and major renovations of existing buildings. Prerequisite to qualify for LEED Certification. Studies have suggested that buildings should be re-commissioned every 3 to 5 years.
Recommissioning
During the life cycle of a building, function and occupancy changes impact the demands of the building systems. To return the building systems to optimum performance, recommissioning is recommended. Additionally, the needs of a facility may change as tenants, owners, and technologies change.
The recommissioning process brings a high quality delivered project to the standards set by either the original or revised owner’s project requirements.
Retro-commissioning
Retro-commissioning is the process of looking for opportunities in existing buildings to make mechanical and electrical systems function better and more efficiently. It provides maintenance staff with the means to sustain building performance over time. Retro-commissioning has the additional benefit for the owner of saving energy and money on their utility bills.
Commissioning services have been provided on the following projects:
- City of Duluth West Police Department – Duluth, MN
- Del Amo Fashion Center – Del Amo, CA
- Design Within Reach – Austin, TX
- Fergus Falls Public Library – Fergus Falls, MN
- Habitat for Humanity Office Building – St. Paul, MN
- Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps Center – St. Paul, MN
- Minnesota Zoo Discovery Bay Building Assessment – Apple Valley, MN
- Minnesota National Guard Armory Renovation – Chisholm, MN
- St. Louis County Government Service Center – Duluth, MN
- Stanford Shopping Center – Palo Alto, CA
- Target Stores – Nationwide
- White Bear Lake Library Remodel & Addition – White Bear Lake, MN
- Dakota County Galaxie Library Renovation – Apple Valley, MN
- Delta Shores – Sacramento, CA
- Diffley Marketplace – Eagan, MN
- Land O’Lakes Headquarters – Arden Hills, MN
- Macy’s – Century City, CA
- Nickelodeon Office Building – Burbank, CA
- Perkins + Will Office – Minneapolis, MN
- University of Minnesota Duluth Cina Hall & Tweed Museum – Duluth, MN
- Zero Waste Anaerobic Digestion & Compost Facility – San Jose, CA