In the building commissioning process, there is a pivotal document that often gets overlooked however it serves as the cornerstone for project success: the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR). Despite its significance, the OPR is frequently underestimated or misunderstood. In today’s blog we will explore why the Owner’s Project Requirements are the unsung hero of a […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted substantial changes in building ventilation strategies across various industries, from schools and residential buildings to commercial facilities. While prioritizing indoor air quality remains the priority for mitigating the spread of the virus and others, these ventilation adjustments can inadvertently negatively impact energy consumption and efficiency. Through this blog post, we […]
Building commissioning is a critical process that ensures all systems within a building operate efficiently, effectively, and according to the owner’s requirements. However, for many building owners, navigating the commissioning process can be a daunting process. Today we have assembled a comprehensive guide, where we will break down the commissioning process into manageable steps and […]
As building owners and facility managers strive to optimize the performance and efficiency of their existing buildings, they often encounter budget constraints that can impede their efforts. However, with the right strategy and resources in place, existing building commissioning (EBCx) can provide a cost-effective solution to improve building performance while also maximizing return on investment. […]
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical aspect of building performance that significantly impacts occupant health, comfort, and even productivity. Poor indoor air quality can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, and fatigue. Building commissioning plays a vital role in ensuring optimal indoor air quality by systematically verifying and optimizing performance of […]
The Washington Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS; AKA HB-1257) requires that all buildings over 50,000 square feet either meet energy usage targets or satisfy investment criteria for efficiency upgrades. To start, this is needed by June of 2026 for buildings greater than 220,000 square feet. Building Size Compliance Date Larger than 220,000 Square Feet June […]
In the realm of construction and building design, the term “commissioning” has grown from a niche concept to a cornerstone of sustainable development. Originally derived from shipbuilding, where commissioning ensured a vessel was ready for sea, building commissioning has adapted to ensure that structures are designed, constructed, and operated to fulfill their intended performances. Particularly, […]
This post serves as a comprehensive guide on LEED commissioning, a vital component in the realm of sustainable building certification. Aimed at both novices and seasoned professionals, it unpacks the nuances of LEED commissioning, underscoring its pivotal role in promoting environmentally responsible, cost-effective construction practices that yield significant social and governance benefits. LEED stands as […]
In this blog, we aim to assist K-12 capital project teams and owner’s representatives in Washington State by clarifying the commissioning process for school projects. We’ll highlight the differences between the Washington Sustainable Schools Protocol (WSSP) and the Washington State Energy Code, Commercial Provisions (C408), and offer insights for crafting effective Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) […]
An energy audit is the process of reviewing all energy-consuming features of a building, classifying the end-uses of the energy consumption (HVAC, lighting, plug loads, etc.), looking for high energy end-uses and making recommendations for Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs). Simple payback calculations are typically provided for each EEM and are prioritized to provide the building […]