Assuring Building Performance5

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Commissioning Page 72

Commissioning (Cx)

Commissioning (Cx):•Verifies that a facility has been designed, constructed and tested to perform as expected.•Relies on coordination and cooperation with all contractors for a successful project.

The Importance of Commissioning

Cx will uncover and correct many defects that might otherwise lie hidden until well into occupancy.

Uncovering these problems during the construction process reduces the impact of the defects and provides the opportunity to make corrections.

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• Commissioning starts in the design phase and continues until turnover.

• The Commissioning Agent (CxA) is responsible for the entire commissioning process• Independent third party who

should be certified• Prepares Cx Plan, forms,

tests, and reports

The Commissioning Process

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The Commissioning Plan

The Commissioning Plan is generated during the design phase.

Cx Plan Details: •Overall testing plan and schedule of tests•Forms to record outcome•Required test devices•Personnel responsibilities

The Commissioning Process Page 73

Coordination with the Trades

Best known benefit of Cx: Smoother, quicker turnover of building systems to operations staff.

A clear description of the expectations and responsibilities of each team member will help the Cx process.

The Commissioning Process Page 73

Pretest and Test Plan

Some pretest requirements:•Survey of equipment•Generation and review of the system’s one-line diagram•Review of the control sequences•(see manual for more requirements)

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• Electrical contractors should meet with CxA prior to testing to go over forms and what will happen on test day.

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Electrical Work and Commissioning

• The electrical distribution system is the foundation for all other systems in the building.

• Electricians play a critical role in building performance by preventing electrical failures.

What Electrical Systems are Commissioned?

• Lighting and lighting controls• Emergency power• HVAC electrics• Uninterruptible power• Power distribution

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Electrical Work and Commissioning Page 76

Commissioned Electrical Systems & Components

Who Participates in Commissioning?

Depends on the project and system!•Electrician •Controls Technician•Commissioning Authority•Manufacturer, if possible

What Occurs During Testing?

During testing:• Check for damage,

deterioration, and component failures

• Functional tests of individual components

• Operational tests and measurements of the energized system

• (Deferred testing may not occur until after occupancy)

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If problems occur:• Troubleshooting

techniques• Consult equipment and

component manuals• Check wiring• Re-verify wiring

terminations

Troubleshooting During Testing

Electrical Work and Commissioning Page 76

Safety checks should be performed at all times.

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Documentation for Commissioning

Keep track of all documentation including failed tests and remedial actions.

•Deficiency reports leads to remedial action

•Resolution record will show that the system functions correctly

•Use these records to help support future troubleshooting

(Don't forget to take photos)

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O&M Training

Equipment is fully operational for the first time during Cx – use the opportunity to train O&M staff to prevent callbacks.

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Retro-Commissioning and Continuous Commissioning®

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Retro-commissioning (Retro-Cx) is the process of going into an existing building and performing a set of inspections and tests that mirror those used in the Cx process on a new building.

Continuous Commissioning® is similar to Retro-Cx, but has an ongoing relationship between the CxA and the building, with inspections and tests repeated regularly every few years.

Measurement & Verification Page 78

Measurement and Verification (M&V)

Measurement and Verification helps to determine a building’s actual energy performance.

M&V and Retrofits

Simple!

Measure energy consumption before and after retrofits and improvements by collecting utility data.

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….Not as simple

Computer models are used to estimate performance but have overestimated savings in many cases.

These models don't always match reality.

M&V and New Construction

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IPMVP from the EVO

Standards for Verifying Energy Efficiency in Buildings

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International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) by the Efficiency Valuation Organization (EVO)

Four options for M&V depending on whether it's a:

A.Retrofit

B.New Construction Project

C.Whole Building

D.Portion of a Building

What is Included in an M&V Plan

• Description of the energy efficiency measures implemented

• Selection of the baseline and reporting periods

• Identification of routine and non-routine adjustments

• Selection of meters

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Digital meter

Electromechanical meter

Electric Meters for M&V

• Standard energy meters

• Time-of-day meters

• Demand meters

• Interval meters

• Smart meters

Measurement & Verification Page 80

Electric Meters for M&V Page 80

Operational Savings through Submeters

• Unless used for billing, don't need to be as accurate as utility meters

• Connected the same as utility meters

• Pay attention to location

• Check wireless connection

CLASSROOM EXERCISE #3LOCATING SUBMETERS

Pages 82-83

INSTRUCTIONS:

In the scenarios on pages 82-83, where would it be most useful to place submeters on a commercial building to improve energy efficiency through M&V?

Review and discuss the systems with your team.

List them in order of importance for submetering and be ready to explain your choices to the class.

CLASSROOM EXERCISE #3LOCATING SUBMETERSQUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

1.Which building systems use the most energy?

2.On which building systems would submetering reveal crucial information about building functioning issues?

3.On which building systems would submetering reveal occupants' behavioral use of electricity?

4.What are 3 achievable results from making adjustments using the information gained by submetering?

Pages 82-83

JobManagement6

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Whole-Building Coordination

Buildings are complex, integrated systems, where work done in one area can have a profound impact on the success of a green measure in another area.

Whole-Building Coordination Page 84

Inter-Trade Coordination

Where trades' work overlaps, good coordination is critical.

•Floor penetrations

•Underfloor distribution of HVAC and wiring

•BMS systems

•Low VOC coatings and glues

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Scheduling

Make sure to budget time for:• Flush-out• Documentation• Verification of substitutions• Adjusting controls and

sensors• Assisting with the Cx

process

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Material Submissions

• The materials used on a green building must exactly match the specifications

• Green specifications are much less flexible than those in conventional buildings

• Substitutions require careful review and analysis

Whole-Building Coordination Page 85

Recovered steel conduit

Recycling fluorescent lamps

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Waste Disposal

• Recycling of discharge lamps

• Disposal of magnetic ballasts (PCBs)

• Recycle or reuse steel conduit

Whole-Building Coordination Page 86

Site Environmental Quality Page 86

Site Environmental Quality

Pay attention to conditions while construction is underway.

•Bathroom policy

•Smoking policy: No smoking in finished areas

•Disposal of food waste: All food waste in specially designated trash bins

Job-Site Education

Quick orientation to make sure every worker on the job understands:•Safety should never be compromised•This is a green and sustainable building project – special conditions will apply•What makes this project green•Policy for locating bathrooms and designated smoking areas

Site Environmental Quality Page 87

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Conclusion

A knowledgeable and prepared electrician is critical to the successful construction of a green building.

You now have the tools and knowledge needed to facilitate a green project and are now part of a growing green building workforce and industry.

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Thank You!

Green Professional Building Skills Training Program