What Is Monitoring-Based Commissioning and Why Is It Important?

Commissioning is a critical phase in the lifecycle of any building, whether it’s a new construction project or a facility undergoing renovations. The goal of commissioning is to make sure all building systems and components are designed, installed, and functioning as intended. It’s a quality assurance process that identifies and corrects issues, ensuring the building operates efficiently, safely, and sustainably.

One approach to commissioning that has gained significant attention is monitoring-based commissioning. In this blog, we will explore what it is, why it’s important, and how it can benefit both building owners and the environment.

What Is Monitoring-Based Commissioning?

Traditional commissioning typically involves a one-time review of building systems and their performance shortly after construction or renovation is completed. While this approach is essential, it has its limitations. Building systems degrade over time, and energy and maintenance costs can increase due to inefficiencies that develop over the years. Monitoring-based commissioning takes a more proactive approach so a building performs optimally long after the initial commissioning phase.

Monitoring-based commissioning involves the continuous monitoring and analysis of building systems’ performance. This includes HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), lighting, water, electrical, and other critical elements. MBC employs a combination of sensors, data analytics, and software to collect and analyze real-time data from these systems. The objective is to identify inefficiencies or malfunctions and take corrective action to optimize system performance.

Energy Efficiency

Commissioning and monitoring are essential for achieving high levels of energy efficiency in buildings. Energy systems, including HVAC, lighting, and insulation, must work cohesively to reduce energy consumption. By commissioning these systems, you make sure they are correctly installed and calibrated for optimum performance. Monitoring, on the other hand, provides ongoing data to identify problems and make the necessary adjustments.

Reduced Environmental Impact

Commissioning and monitoring energy systems significantly reduce a building’s environmental impact. When systems are commissioned correctly, they operate at peak efficiency, which leads to lower energy consumption. Lower energy consumption means fewer natural resources are depleted and fewer pollutants are released into the environment.

Enhanced Indoor Comfort

Properly commissioned and monitored energy systems also improve indoor comfort for building occupants. For instance, a well-functioning HVAC system regulates indoor temperatures effectively, maintaining a comfortable environment throughout the year. Good indoor air quality, adequate lighting, and efficient insulation all contribute to a better quality of life for occupants.

Enhanced indoor comfort impacts productivity, health, and overall satisfaction. Commissioning and monitoring help maintain these conditions over time, ensuring a comfortable and healthy environment.

Long-Term Cost Savings

The upfront costs of commissioning and implementing monitoring systems may seem daunting, but in the long run, they lead to substantial cost savings. Proper commissioning keeps equipment and systems functioning efficiently from day one, reducing operating costs. The energy savings alone can justify the investment.

Compliance With Regulations

Building codes and regulations related to energy efficiency are becoming more stringent in many parts of the world. Commissioning and monitoring energy systems are crucial for ensuring compliance with these standards. Failing to meet these requirements can result in costly penalties and delays in project completion.

By addressing these regulations during the building phase and maintaining compliance through monitoring, construction professionals can avoid legal issues and reputational damage. Compliance also reflects a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, which can be a selling point for prospective clients and tenants.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Monitoring energy systems provides valuable data that can inform decision-making and drive improvements. By collecting and analyzing data on energy consumption and system performance, building operators can make informed choices about upgrades, retrofits, and efficiency improvements.

Data-driven decision-making can lead to long-term energy and cost savings. It allows building operators to prioritize energy-saving measures and allocate resources more effectively. Without monitoring, these decisions would be based on guesswork rather than concrete data.

Adaptation to Changing Needs

The needs of building occupants and operators evolve. New technology, changes in occupancy, and shifts in priorities all influence how energy systems should be configured and managed. Commissioning and monitoring provide the flexibility to adapt to changing needs.

For example, if a building’s occupancy patterns change, the HVAC system can be adjusted to match the new requirements. Monitoring data can highlight such needs, helping building operators make informed decisions about adaptations.

Enhanced Market Value

Sustainability and energy efficiency have become selling points in the real estate market. Buildings with well-commissioned and monitored energy systems command higher market values and attract environmentally conscious tenants or buyers.

In addition, green certifications and labels, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), often require commissioning and monitoring as part of the certification process. Achieving such certifications can further enhance a building’s marketability and profitability.

Meeting Corporate Responsibility Goals

Many organizations are embracing corporate responsibility by committing to reduce their environmental footprint. Buildings prioritizing energy efficiency through commissioning and monitoring contribute to these corporate goals. This can enhance a company’s reputation, attract environmentally conscious employees and customers, and help meet sustainability targets.

See the Results of Our Monitoring-Based CommissioningSolutions

Want to see our services in action? Check out our latest case study to see how a hospital increased energy efficiency and reduced costs by partnering with BuildingLogiX.

Learn More

Optimize Performance With Monitoring-Based Retro Commissioning From BuildingLogiX

Monitoring-based commissioning is an effective method for verifying the operational capacity of equipment. However, it’s commonly used for new construction or recently renovated facilities. But what if you’re trying to improve the efficiency of your current building automation system?

Thankfully, BuildingLogiX offers monitoring-based retro-commissioning that uses our Connected Building Services to identify improvement opportunities in equipment. We use our data visualization charts and fault detection and diagnostics software to pinpoint emerging problems, allowing your maintenance team to increase performance and improve the lifespan of equipment.

Contact BuildingLogiX today to learn more about our retro commissioning solutions.

Share This Post

More Like This

Image of two people reviewing charts of energy usage

How Collecting Energy Analytics Drives Informed Decisions

March 2, 2023

Energy analytics enable key stakeholders to make educated decisions about their building automation systems. Learn how BuildingLogiX helps interpret them.

What Is Monitoring-Based Commissioning and Why Is It Important?