Building Commissioning

The commissioning of ships has been historically used by the Navy to ensure vessels were ready for sea prior to leaving port. Since a breakdown at sea would be not only costly but life threatening, commissioning ensures that the investment is ready for its intended operations and is ready for service. A sea-worthy ship is one whose materials, systems and staff have successfully completed a thorough commissioning process.

Building Commissioning (Cx) has quickly become increasingly important as the systems within the built environment have become more complex and interdependent. These rapidly advancing technologies and continued integration means that a deficiency in one component can result in sub-optimal operation and performance among other components, requiring a team to investigate and provide resolutions.

As the benefits derived from commissioning are becoming more understood, building owners and developers are using commissioning in order to ensure more out of their investment. Successful commissioning can provide significant savings in costs, energy and resources.

Recent studies indicate that on average the operating costs of a commissioned building range from 8 – 20% below that of a non-commissioned building. The one-time investment in commissioning for a building can result in reduced operating costs over the life of the building.

BOMA cost data for office buildings suggests that building commissioning can result in energy savings of 20 – 50% and maintenance savings of 15 – 35%.

Other benefits of successful commissioning include:

Improved occupant comfort
Energy savings
Improved environmental conditions
Improved system and equipment function
Improved building operation and maintenance
Improved building productivity
Increased knowledge and understanding of systems

Commissioning Roles

There are three discrete roles within the commissioning industry that each provide value. Zenith’s experience, knowledge and relationship building has made us specialists in the roles of both Commissioning Authority and Commissioning Coordinator.

Stakeholder

Commissioning Level

Owners

Commissioning Authority (CxA)

An independent contractor, the CxA is the entity accepted by and reports to the Owner, providing an unbiased, objective view of the systems installation, documentation, operation, performance and witnessing of tasks and tests.

This multidisciplinary role leads the commissioning team and oversees and validates the implementation of the commissioning plan.

Design / Build Team

Commissioning Coordinator (CxC)

Either contracted or designated by the Design/Build Team, this multidisciplinary role works closely with the Cx Authority as well as the various Cx Agents.

The Cx Coordinator plans, schedules and coordinates the commissioning team to implement the commissioning process. This role also develops and schedule tasks for operation and integration and presents systems to witnessing parties.

Trades

Contractor’s Commissioning Agent (CxAg)

Individuals that are nominated by the contractors, each having authority to act and report on behalf of the entity they represent, to implement the commissioning tasks required within their respective contracts.

Commissioning Process Overview