Cost Tip

Payback may be faster for commissioning of systems-intensive facilities such as healthcare facilities and laboratories.

There may be upfront modeling fees for CFD modeling. However, CFD can help design a better natural ventilation system that will deliver short-term payback and long-term savings.

Commissioning costs per square foot for multifamily or similar buildings may be higher than open-floor commercial spaces due to the number of systems to be installed and the higher sampling rate of commissioned systems.

Financial incentives for energy efficiency, including commissioning as an integral component may be offered by state and local agencies.

Demand-controlled ventilation can significantly reduce energy use while providing large amounts of fresh air to occupants.

Consider the potential cost implications and benefits of supplying an additional 30% of outdoor air. This may bring additional costs in the form of increased energy demand for conditioning greater air volumes and upsizing HVAC systems and fans. It is intended to bring more fresh air to occupants, potentially increasing their comfort and productivity.

Analyze life-cycle cost tradeoffs between natural and mechanical ventilation systems. 

Consider the potential cost implications of natural ventilation. This may reduce or eliminate the need for fans and mechanical systems, but will require operable windows and a floor plan—probably a relatively open one—that is conducive to passive ventilation. 

The cost of fundamental commissioning services may vary from $0.35/ft² to $0.75/ft² depending on project type, variety of uses, complexity of systems and location of the project to name a few parameters.

Commissioning generates an average savings of 28 percent of predicted annual energy use, according to the 2004 study, “The Cost-Effectiveness of Commissioning New and Existing Commercial Buildings: Lessons from 224 Buildings.” (See Resources.)