Commissioning involves the systematic, documented field verification of engineered
mechanical / electrical systems and controls, and testing of their
functional performance to determine compliance with design intent and
operational needs.
DRS ENERGY MANAGEMENT
works with established professional engineers in delivering the full scope of
commissioning services. This scope ideally begins during the building
systems design phase when design intent and long-term operations &
maintenance (O&M) issues are reviewed by the commissioning agent. For
the duration of construction, the commissioning agent is involved in the
following activities: 1) Review of all affected submittals; 2) Documented
verification of proper systems installation; 3) Functional performance
testing. Upon completion of construction and functional testing,
commissioning concludes with the review of O&M manuals and building operator
training. Additional support may be included through the warranty period.
Commissioning is becoming more of a mainstream practice in the construction
industry. In fact, retro-commissioning of existing facilities is gaining widespread acceptance in an effort to "tune up" buildings suffering
from a variety of maladies including excessive energy use and indoor air quality
problems. The Washington State Nonresidential Energy
Code now requires commissioning on new commercial-scale projects or alteration
projects that involve mechanical and electrical permits. All public sector
projects in the state have required commissioning for some time.