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 […]
As a building owner, you understand the importance of caring for and keeping your building running smoothly. However, over time, building systems and components can become less efficient or fail altogether. That is where existing building commissioning comes in. What is Existing Building Commissioning? Existing building commissioning (EBCx) is the process of optimizing the performance […]
In early 2019, the Washington State Legislature passed HB-1257, the Washington Clean Buildings Performance Standard, into law. The legislature requires that the majority of facilities greater than 50,000 gross square feet will need to meet or exceed a prescriptive energy usage target based on the type of facility, with the largest buildings needing to comply […]
Before the green building movement got much traction, and before it was required by many of the energy codes and sustainability programs that we work with today. On this Earth Day, we want to talk about the role that commissioning has in sustainability, and why investing in sustainability is something we should all get behind. […]
Over the past few years, the focus in the construction and design, especially in the K-12 world, has shifted to thinking about the built environment. Simply put, the built environment considers and encompasses more about a space – it includes what the space is used for, who the space is used by, and how we […]
Technical Marketing Engineer Matt has a well-rounded background in project planning to help building owners find cost-saving measures while making sure their building systems perform according to their needs. Matt also works collaboratively with local utility providers to help identify incentives for clients who need assistance pursuing energy efficiency within their buildings.