5 ways retro-commissioning helps old buildings become energy efficient

Building operations account for 30 percent of global final energy consumption. Minimum performance standards and building energy codes are increasing in scope, while carbon reduction target dates are rapidly approaching.

If you’re a facility owner or operator with an older building and aging mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) equipment, you may think that your only options for better performing buildings are embarking on an extensive renovation or replacing equipment, but building conditioning may be able to address those concerns in an easier, more economical manner.

Building commissioning is a detailed, quality-oriented process that improves facility performance to meet defined operational requirements over time. Retro-commissioning is simply performing these activities after a building is already operating. The good news for building owners and operators is that commissioning can be performed at any point in a building’s life. With the right team and process, energy performance can always be improved, often with cost savings as a benefit.

Why consider retro-commissioning?

Overall, when combining retro-commissioning with a detailed condition assessment survey of the MEP equipment and an ASHRAE Level-2 energy audit, owners can drastically improve building performance. This process offers numerous benefits to owners and occupants, such as:

Energy savings

A skilled commissioning agent uses a three-pronged approach to retro commissioning: MEP equipment assessment, ASHRAE Level-1/2 energy audit and functional testing per design intent. When combined, these activities uncover the low-cost and no-cost energy conservation measures that can yield quick paybacks and returns on investment. Most facilities that are commissioned retroactively see simple payback within one to three years.

An investment in your building stock

A comprehensive condition assessment survey of your MEP equipment provides the framework for an investment strategy to prolong equipment life and improve operational performance. For example, WSP provided a higher education client a thorough survey of campus MEP systems, building envelopes and grounds across 30 buildings and 31 acres in Boston, Massachusetts. The result was a comprehensive existing conditions assessment with functional testing and energy savings recommendations that were leveraged into a capital improvement plan.

A better grasp on capital expenditures planning

Unfortunately, all MEP equipment will need replacement at some point. A retro-commissioning process provides the information needed to make informed decisions regarding repair or replacement of that equipment, including estimated timing that allows for better planning.

Tackle deferred maintenance

The retro-commissioning process provides operations staff the information to perform effective preventative maintenance in the form of detailed reporting, tools and planning processes. Commissioning teams can also recommend appropriate computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), such as Maximo, Angus, Cobie or School Dude. For example, WSP provided an East Coast town the tools and assistance needed to refresh their CMMS. The outcome of the retro-commissioning process enabled the town to commence routine maintenance while simultaneously allocating funds to replace high-priority systems in the short term and plan lower priority replacements in the long term.

Fewer operational issues

During retro commissioning, the as-operating MEP equipment is evaluated by comparing the design intent with the as-built sequence of operations. Unintentional adjustments can be identified and fixed. Facility schedules, especially for hybrid work, can be optimized. As operational issues are solved through engineering solutions, many other benefits are achieved, such as energy savings, occupant comfort and a tuned-up building that performs at a higher, more predictable level.

WSP has the expertise and resources to assist building owners and operating in their retro-commissioning pursuits. For more information, please visit WSP’s Commissioning service page.