Retro Commissioning

If you own a building, you are probably familiar with the various offerings for new building commissioning services. However, what you might not know is that a similar process can be applied to existing buildings. Instead of ensuring that the systems and equipment are installed right the first time and working well together, this type of commissioning service, meant for existing buildings, makes sure systems operate properly and efficiently, years after construction. Retro Commissioning – a subset of existing building commissioning – is the term generally applied to the commissioning process used in buildings that have not been previously commissioned. The stages are similar to those in the Recommissioning process, with some changes to make up for the fact that the building has not been previously commissioned.

Retro Commissioning starts with a planning phase, in which the provider first appraises the building's needs. They will then draw up goals for the project, eventually holding a meeting to discuss these objectives with others involved until they are ready to move to the next phase. The investigation stage involves an assessment of the building's current system operations and equipment. Any simple repairs that are needed may be completed at this point. Afterward, the provider will record improvements that could be made, noting those that are most likely to be particularly cost-effective. Tests that will decide if the systems are improved will also be developed in this stage.

The third step is the implementation phase, in which the improvements that were discussed are actually applied. They will be tested in this phase, perhaps several times, until they meet acceptable standards. The Retro Commissioning provider will then move to the last stage, in which the final report is created and those involved will meet to discuss the results.

This procedure is beneficial in many ways, and it can help to know the steps involved to get a general idea of when one should see results. The process can last months, but the benefits of lower monthly bills and increased safety and comfort will last years. These advantages are what make Recommissioning worth the initial investment.

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