In recognition of the increasing complexity of buildings along with recent trends within the construction industry, we provide performance-testing services designed to demonstrate the efficacy of the complete M/E/P system. BR+A Commissioning Services are provided in addition to our typical services and include management of the commissioning process.

Building Commissioning puts a building system through its paces, simulates conditions under which it will perform, documents its performance and coordinates implementation of corrections, if required.

The goal of this process is to confirm that the building provides a safe, comfortable and reliable environment for the building occupants.

Building Commissioning is a quality assurance procedure, managed by the Commissioning Agent, involving the combined efforts of the Owner, Architect / Engineer and the Construction Team. It is a planned process for achieving, verifying and documenting the performance of a building. Commissioning proactively seeks to uncover potential system pitfalls and performance problems prior to occupancy.

Why Commission a Building?

Building and System Complexity
Since the early 1980's, the complexity of buildings and their systems has increased steadily. There are many factors that have influenced this condition. These include:

  • Control of energy demand and consumption requires complex monitoring and control systems.
  • Codes mandate that some HVAC systems be provided with emergency power which may require intricate controls.
  • Engineered smoke control systems require integration of HVAC and fire alarm controls, which can be quite complex.
  • Consistent monitoring of fume hoods, ventilation air, etc. is required for employee health and safety.

Construction Methodology
New construction management techniques combine multiple construction projects and/or complex phasing on the same project, both of which can create complications. For example:

  • Fast-track construction techniques can complicate M/E/P coordination between phases.
  • Fast-track construction may obscure responsibility for corrections when problems are found after the building has been completed.
  • Sole-source responsibility is no longer possible due to various systems' integration and contract limitations.
  • Unproven systems often leave the Owner questioning whether or not a building is really complete.

Existing Buildings
The Commissioning of an existing building is beneficial for many purposes. Commissioning may evaluate the performance of a building or system prior to designing modifications; it may verify the performance of existing systems (i.e. in order to re-certify a particular space); it can investigate specific problems and recommend system enhancements.

  • Older technology in existing building can be wasting energy and, therefore, money.
  • Calibration of existing control systems may not be as accurate as it should be.
  • Chronic temperature complaints from occupants may indicate that systems are not performing properly.
  • New technology for research often means greater energy requirements and more sophisticated control systems.