Commissioning

Commissioning (Cx) is a quality control process. Although the buildings Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) systems are made up of standard components the arrangements of these components and interaction of controls will be unique for each building. RBGB, as Cx Professional, will review the project MEP design for operational and maintenance accessibility, check that the design documents are compete, and prepare test procedures based on the MEP systems design criteria. Once construction starts, RBGB will visit the site to observe installation practices, confirm specified equipment is installed, and maintain a record of any issues identified. Once the systems are fully installed, started, and adjusted, RBGB will observe system operation based on the step-by-step test procedures previously developed.

The Commissioning process can be applied for both new and existing buildings. For new buildings, the process described above is followed and all design documentation will be available for reference. New building Cx is a somewhat predictable process with defined milestones and schedules. For existing buildings, although the Cx process is essentially the same, there are often unique circumstances to deal with. Existing design drawings may not be available, systems may have been modified from original installation, there is usually no existing Cx procedures to follow, and the systems can be out of calibration and in need of repair. These conditions are identified, and specific solutions are determined. Some projects can be returned to “as-designed” condition while others may require best practice methods to make the best use of what is available. However, the existing building Cx process is especially useful for cost savings, improved operation, and strategic planning.

It is common, at project handover, for the Owner (or building user) to be left with boxes upon boxes of documents specific to the building design and MEP systems, with additional shop drawings, submittals, specifications, and test results, etc. It is also common for this information to be set aside and rarely accessed or organized. Additionally, training of personnel and operations staff for operating and maintaining the systems may not follow a formal, recorded, method. RBGB endeavors to ensure that the owner receives project documents in an organized manner, and that training is conducted to the specification and approval of the Owner. RBGB is currently using cloud based Commissioning software platforms to streamline this process.