Commissioning (Cx, RCx, & CC)
As building life, health, safety and energy systems become more complex and interconnected, an increasing number of owners and their representatives realize the long-term benefits of retaining a professional commissioning authority. In this capacity, Askon provides oversight in system design, integration, controls, and functional testing; both as a distinct discipline and as part of our standard engineering services. Commissioning optimizes the efficiency of the construction process. It provides short- and long-term paybacks by reducing operating and maintenance costs, improving occupant comfort, and enhancing value over the life of the facility.
Our commissioning services include both third-party oversight, and functional testing and commissioning of our engineering designs. In addition, we are frequently retained for retro-commissioning of existing facilities, with work including but not limited to operational assessment, troubleshooting malfunctions, providing input and solutions on maintenance problems and issues, and overseeing corrections to existing systems and equipment. We are also asked to provide constructability services as part of the design development process, where we perform a third-party review of the compatibility, function, performance, and maintainability of proposed mechanical and electrical systems.
We review such diverse mechanical and electrical building system as:
- Cooling Plants
- Data and Communications
- Air Distribution
- ACMV Controls
- Energy Management
- Fire Detection, Alarm, and Suppression
- On-site Power Generation
- Lighting Control
- Power Distribution
- Intrusion Alarm
- Ventilation Effectiveness
Commissioning and constructability consulting services include:
- Reviewing proposed engineering designs
- Providing commissioning related contract specifications and documents
- Operator training and evaluation
- Assessing on-site construction installations
- Overseeing training of operator personnel
- Verifying correction of noted deficiencies
- Performance and acceptance testing of systems
Retro-commissioning (3 to 5 years)
Retro-commissioning is cost effective for most buildings, it is important to understand its costs, as well as the strategies for reducing them to ensure the greatest return. The objective is to ensure that the building is performing efficiently and as expected. The benefits of retro-commissioning are:
- Reduce utility costs (5% to 15%)
- Protect or enhance property value
- Protect against future liability
- Reduce repair and replacement cost
- Increase a building EPA energy performance rating