Imagine a baseball game being played in which no one kept score. Not only would it be difficult to tell who won at the end of nine innings, but chances are each team would have a different assessment of what happened. Being able to measure your performance against a documented set of standards is essential for determining success. The same holds true in terms of building commissioning, where facility owners and operators need to be able to tell that their critical systems are performing as designed, meeting regulatory requirements and optimized to be as cost-effective as possible.
This is what makes building commissioning standards essential for stakeholders of new and existing facilities. Without a baseline expectation of how equipment and systems should perform, there’s virtually no way to determine success in terms of building systems performance. By following the standards set in place by federal, state and local authorities, facility owners can ensure they have buildings that are as efficient, effective and compliant as they can be.
Key Organizations Driving Commissioning Standards
Depending on where the facility is located, there are numerous organizations that may influence commissioning standards. One of the most important of these is The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). This group is the one responsible for many of the industry-standard guidelines for HVAC systems, many of which are focused on reducing energy consumption, inefficient operation, and emission of greenhouse gases.
Other national organizations who have established standards for building commissioning include the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program for energy efficiency and sustainability. Beyond these nationwide initiatives, there are state building codes that feature standards for system performance and even local expectations that vary from city to city.
Why Owners and Operators Should Pay Attention
Paying close attention to regional differences in building commissioning standards is important for facility owners and operators who want to maintain energy code compliance. Not only does complying with these standards ensure they avoid fines and other sanctions, but it also means they will have systems that operate as efficiently as possible. This leads to a reduction in operating costs, higher building value and improved experience for occupants.
However, it can be daunting to comb through all the expectations and standards when undertaking an existing or new construction commissioning project. This is why it pays to have experts working alongside internal teams to untangle the various requirements and guidelines while also making sure nothing is overlooked.
How EEI Helps You Navigate Commissioning Standards
As an independent, employee-owned new and existing building commissioning consulting firm, Engineering Economics, Inc., provides facility owners and operators with the expertise they need to navigate and meet all applicable standards. With our national footprint, status as an independent commissioning provider and advanced Balance Cx software platform, we’re well-positioned to provide building stakeholders with all the necessary guidance they need to ensure their systems and assets reach their full potential and deliver the highest levels of efficiency and performance. Our commissioning and consulting services are aimed at making sure facilities are optimized for compliance as well as cost-effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are building commissioning standards?
These are guidelines established by industry organizations or governments to establish minimum standards for performance in building systems.
How do commissioning standards impact building systems?
Following standards during the commissioning process ensures a facility’s systems will comply with regulations and perform at optimal levels.
How does EEI help ensure compliance with commissioning standards?
Our experts help clients understand their requirements thanks to our extensive knowledge and long history of serving facility owners and operators nationwide.
Meeting commissioning standards ensures compliance, reduces risks and protects long-term building investments. Reach out to the experts at EEI today to get the expertise you need.