Ongoing commissioning involves performing critical elements of the retrocommissioning process, repeatedly over a series of two-year cycles. The idea is to optimize system performance and continue to fine-tune it, actively preventing problems for the lifetime of the building.
Third of three commissioning credits
The tasks of ongoing commissioning are similar to those performed during retrocommissioning, as completed for EAc2.1, Option 1 and EAc2.2. This credit simply repeats those activities over continuous and ongoing two-year cycles. You would not attempt EAc2.3 unless you have committed to EAc2.1 Option 1, and EAc2.2. (The activities associated with EAc2.1 Option 2, the ASHRAE Level II Audit, will not satisfy the rigorous expectations of an ongoing commissioning program.)
This credit is the least commonly pursued of the EAc2 credits, due to the requirement for an ongoing commitment to the commissioning process and the associated effort and cost.
What ongoing commissioning is and is not
Ongoing commissioning is the process of proactively monitoring, testing, and optimizing of the energy-powered building systems, and focuses on performance at both the system and component levels.
The typical preventive maintenance plan for a building does not constitute ongoing commissioning. Similarly, simply monitoring and performing maintenance to maintain the operational standards determined by a previous commissioning event does not rise to the standard of ongoing commissioning.
Buildings with a high level of complexity (highly integrated controls and advanced systems), that utilize a building automation system, and are big energy consumers may realize the most benefits from ongoing commissioning activities.
Worth it on your project?
Whether or not you want to invest in ongoing commissioning will likely depend on the type of systems you have in terms of complexity and overall energy consumption. Buildings that have a high level of complexity (highly integrated controls and advanced systems), that utilize a building automation system, and are big energy consumers may realize the biggest benefit of ongoing commissioning activities. Such buildings might include healthcare facilities, laboratories, or commercial office buildings with advanced controls.
Consider these questions when approaching this credit
- Do we have a complex building that requires the use of a building automation system to manage highly integrated controls and advanced building systems that warrants ongoing monitoring and proactive testing of energy systems performance?
- Is a BAS with direct digital controls available to assist with some of the data collection and monitoring activities?
