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In the pursuit of sustainability and energy efficiency, existing buildings present a wealth of untapped potential. While new constructions often garner attention for their innovative technologies and green design features, retrofitting existing buildings can yield significant benefits for energy savings, occupant comfort, and environmental impact. One of the most effective strategies for optimizing the performance of existing buildings is through existing building commissioning (EBCx). In this blog, we will explore the key considerations for approaching EBCx and how to unlock the full potential of your existing building.
Existing building commissioning is the process of evaluating and optimizing the performance of building systems in existing structures. Unlike new construction commissioning, which is focused on ensuring that systems are installed and operating correctly from the onset, EBCx aims to improve the performance of aging buildings that may have undergone changes or deterioration over time.
Key Considerations for Getting Started
- Establish Clear Goals & Objectives: Before embarking on an EBCx project, it’s essential to define clear goals and objectives for the building. Determine what you hope to achieve through the commissioning process, whether it’s reducing energy consumption, improving indoor air quality, addressing occupant comfort issues, or extending the lifespan of the building systems.
- Engage Stakeholders Early: EBCx is a collaborative effort that requires a buy-in from all primary stakeholders, including building owners, facility managers, tenants, and maintenance staff. Engage stakeholders early in the process to ensure that their needs and concerns are being both met and addressed, in addition to gaining their support for implementing commissioning recommendations.
- Conduct a Preliminary Assessment: Begin the EBCx process with a preliminary assessment of the building’s performance and condition. This may involve reviewing existing documentation, conducting interviews with building occupants and staff, and performing basic diagnostic tests to identify any areas of concern.
- Define Scope & Prioritize Opportunities: Based on the findings of the preliminary assessment, define the scope of the project, and prioritize the opportunities for improvement. Focus on low-cost, high-impact measures that offer quick payback periods and significant energy savings.
- Select Qualified Commissioning Providers: EBCx is a specialized field that requires expertise in building systems, energy analysis, and diagnostics testing. Select a qualified commissioning provider with experience in EBCx projects and a track record of delivering results.
- Develop a Commissioning Plan: Work with the selected commissioning provider to develop a detailed commissioning plan that outlines the scope of work, schedule, budget, and responsibilities of all parties involved. The commissioning plan serves as the primary roadmap for the project and ensures that everyone involved is on the same page.
- Implement Recommendations & Monitor Performance: Once the commissioning recommendations have been identified, prioritize implementation based on feasibility, cost, and impact. Monitor the performance of the implemented measures to ensure that they achieve the desired results and continue to perform optimally over time.
Benefits of Existing Building Commissioning
- Energy Savings: EBCx can result in significant energy savings by identifying and addressing inefficiencies within the building systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and controls.
- Improved Comfort & Indoor Air Quality: By optimizing building systems, EBCx can enhance both the occupant comfort and indoor air quality, leading to increased occupant satisfaction.
- Extended Equipment Life: Regular maintenance and optimization through EBCx can help extend the lifespan of building equipment and reduce the need for costly replacements.
- Environmental Benefits: By reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, EBCx contributes to environmental sustainability.
Existing building commissioning offers a proven approach to optimizing the performance of aging buildings while maximizing their potential for energy efficiency and sustainability. By following key considerations building owners and facility managers can take the first steps towards EBCx success. With its numerous benefits and long-term impact, EBCx is a worthwhile investment for any building looking to improve its performance, reduce its environmental footprint, and enhance occupant comfort and well-being.
