Commissioning / Energy
What is commissioning?
It is estimated that buildings utilize over 40% of all the energy consumed in the United States. With overall energy consumption, green-house gases, and pricing being among the top concerns, it is imperative that we design, install, and operate the most efficient buildings possible within the prescribed budgets.
Building Commissioning is the systematic process of verifying that all of the subsystems associated with new and existing buildings are constructed, installed, and operating according to the intended design. This typically includes all mechanical, electrical, and control systems, and can also include attributes associated with the building envelope and plumbing systems. This work is led by a certified Commissioning Authority who directs a team of engineers, technicians, and contractors through the process.
Other phases of commissioning can be implemented based on whether your building is new or existing. These services can include enhanced commissioning, retro-commissioning, and re-commissioning. Regardless of the specific requirements, the continual commissioning process will give you the assurance that your building is operating at peak performance and efficiency.
Tri-Tech’s Role in the Commissioning Process
Tri-Tech’s staff is comprised of Certified Commissioning Authorities, Professional Engineers, System Designers, and Certified Energy Managers who are very knowledgeable of the systems that are to be commissioned. Our team will work with the owner, design teams, contractors, and testing agencies to validate that your systems are installed and working according to plan.
According to ACG Commissioning Guidelines, the Commissioning Agencies should, at a minimum, have the following skill sets, all of which are found at Tri-Tech:
- Knowledge of HVAC systems, covering design, common control strategies, installation, operations and maintenance
- Experience in controls for HVAC systems, including familiarity with current technology, both conventional and direct digital control
- Practical field construction background
- Demonstrated ability to organize many specific activities into a coherent commissioning plan
- Communications skill, both written and verbal
- Proficiency in documentation
- Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams
- Familiarity with test and balancing
