Commissioning

Commissioning according to ISSO 107

In general terms, commissioning is a structured and documented process designed to ensure that a building services system meets the predefined performance requirements. This process includes planning, design review, implementation, commissioning, testing, and handover, as well as monitoring during the operational phase.

According to ISSO 107, the guideline for commissioning building-related systems, the process is divided into several phases:

Initiation phase
1. Establishing performance requirements and project objectives.
2. Drawing up a commissioning plan.
Design phase
1. Assessing the design against the performance requirements.
2. Developing test procedures and verification points.
Implementation phase
1. Supervising installation and implementation in accordance with the design.
2. Reviewing documentation and preparing for testing.
Testing and commissioning phase
1. Functional testing of systems.
2. Verifying performance and aligning with usage.
Handover and Transfer
1. Transfer of documentation and instructions to the operator.
2. Training of users and maintenance personnel.
Operation and Use Phase
1. Monitoring and evaluation of performance.
2. Adjustments and optimization as needed.

This process ensures that installations not only meet design expectations but also perform optimally during use.

What is commissioning?

Commissioning is a systematic process designed to ensure that all building systems function interactively in accordance with the design intent and the needs of the building owner/user. The process involves evaluating the building’s systems, subsystems, and equipment, as well as building operations and maintenance (B&O) procedures and the performance level of all components, with the aim of ensuring that the building functions efficiently as a whole, in accordance with the design.

This section provides a very brief explanation of commissioning, drawing on information from the TVVL commissioning course. For a more complete description, please refer to that course or to the Dutch Building Commissioning Association (DBCA). It should be noted that the DBCA has adopted the so-called American model, which encompasses the entire process.

Quality assurance through commissioning is achieved by beginning in the Initiation Phase or at the start of the Design Phase of a building/construction project by defining the intent of the design, and continuing through the Construction Phase, Acceptance, and Warranty Period with the verification of the actual performance level of each system/installation in the building.

The commissioning process encompasses and coordinates the traditionally separate activities of system documentation, equipment startup, control system calibration, testing and adjustment, performance testing, and training. A maintenance standard is defined, which is later used to assess the condition of the building and perform trend analyses.

Commissioning may cover the building envelope, the building’s HVAC systems/installations, controls, control devices, electrical installations, transportation systems, sanitary facilities, personal safety, security, or any possible combination of these and other systems.

Commissioning Authority

The person or organization that leads and oversees the commissioning process is the commissioning authority, commonly referred to as the CA. Assistance from subject matter experts in specific areas is often required. The organization that performs this role provides the commissioning service and is referred to as the commissioning provider.

Commissioning Plan

The manner in which commissioning will be carried out within a project must be documented in a Commissioning Plan by the CA prior to the start of that project. The scope of the tests and document flows to be carried out in accordance with this Commissioning Plan varies. This scope depends heavily on the size and complexity of the project. A Commissioning Plan also depends on the client’s/owner’s requirements, which are set forth in a contract between the client/owner and the CA.

Types of Commissioning

There are several types of commissioning:

Initial Commissioning (Cx); commissioning for new construction projects or major renovations, in which the entire design phase is repeated;
Retro-commissioning (Retro-Cx); commissioning for existing buildings where commissioning has not previously been applied. This requires a complete reassessment of the performance criteria and verification that the (HVAC) systems meet these criteria. ISSO Publication 104 ‘Step-by-Step Plan for Sustainable Management and Maintenance’ outlines a retro-commissioning process;
Re-commissioning (Re-Cx); commissioning of existing buildings where commissioning has already taken place. This involves recalibrating the performance criteria and using the existing commissioning documentation to verify whether the preconditions are still being met, adjusting them if necessary;
Continuous Commissioning (Continuous Cx); this commissioning involves the continuous and ongoing assurance of the original performance during the building’s operational phase, typically through monitoring of processes and performance.

Commissioning Handover Protocol

A handover protocol, or handover procedure in commissioning terminology, marks the conclusion of the initial commissioning process. It represents the transition from Phase IV “Implementation” to Phase V “Operation and Management.” Ideally, this is followed by continuous performance assurance during the operational phase (continuous commissioning). The handover procedure according to commissioning is detailed in the Commissioning Plan based on the supporting documents available in the literature. According to the literature, four (sub)phases are distinguished:

Assessment/verification of safety and completeness;
Functional verification and testing;
Measurements;
Reporting

In addition, the handover protocol following commissioning covers topics such as the handling of outstanding issues, revision data and reports, operating instructions, and the transition to the operational phase in detail. Within ISSO Publication 107, this is summarized and addressed under the relevant topics.

About us

Adamas has been active in the certification sector since 2001, during which time the requirements for BREEAM certification have evolved to include the need for commissioning on projects. In 2018, Adamas established a dedicated department to handle this function and its implementation: the Commissioning Department. The aim is to ensure that the installations on these projects are assessed with a focus on quality and that a practical and pragmatic approach is taken during implementation. Collaboration with the design and installation teams is central to this process. After all, meeting high-quality standards from the preliminary design phase through to the operational phase of a building is a team effort.

Adamas strives to set quality and performance standards that are achievable for all parties involved, while also ensuring that a client or user can make optimal use of the systems throughout their lifespan. Drawing on extensive practical experience with installations, as well as expertise in certification, potential errors and issues are addressed in advance. Through guidance during the preliminary, design, and construction phases, the parties involved are relieved of the burden of ensuring a successful installation. This gives the client the assurance that their installations will function and be applied properly. Adamas strives for open communication within the project team and commissioning team, with the goal of ensuring a positive process in both certification and implementation. Sustainability is in our blood. We are building a bright, green future for current and future generations.

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