Improving the sustainability of buildings through commissioning

Commissioning is an essential approach in the construction sector, aimed at guaranteeing the quality of new buildings in terms of performance, safety and the environment. It responds to the constant evolution of the sector, focused on the search for performance, durability and energy efficiency. This approach requires close collaboration between players and cutting-edge technical and regulatory expertise.

Despite the challenges it presents, commissioning represents a profitable investment for owners, contractors and users. It allows them to benefit from a building that is more efficient, safer and respectful of the environment. Here's everything you need to know about commissioning.

 

Commissioning: what is it?

The goals of commissioning

Commissioning is a precise method for verifying whether a new building meets the needs of users, managers and owners in terms of energy efficiency, comfort, safety and respect for the environment.

Commissioning for a new building has several important objectives:

• Energy performance: ensuring that the design and construction of the building are carried out in such a way as to use energy efficiently, with a reduction in operating costs and a limitation of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Safety and compliance: check that the building's equipment and installations comply with the standards and regulations in force to guarantee fire safety, accessibility, hygiene, etc.
• Environmental quality: minimizing the environmental impact of the building by taking into account aspects such as indoor air quality, waste management and the preservation of natural resources.

 

Installations supported by commissioning

Here are some examples of installations of this method:

• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC): to ensure thermal comfort and good indoor air quality.
• Electrical installations: to guarantee safe and efficient energy distribution.
• Lighting systems: to save energy and improve visual comfort for occupants.
• Production of domestic hot water: to supply hot water in an energy-efficient way.
• Technical building management (GTB): to facilitate the control and supervision of equipment and installations and to adjust the parameters according to the occupation.
• Fire safety equipment: to prevent and manage emergency situations.
• Water treatment and distribution: to ensure water quality and reduce consumption.
• Renewable energies: to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs.
• Accessibility: to facilitate access and use of the building for people with reduced mobility.

The advantages and disadvantages of commissioning 

 

 

 

The stages of commissioning

Commissioning encompasses all stages, from planning to operation, aimed at ensuring that the building meets the owner's expectations in terms of operation and quality of the indoor environment.

Here are the different phases of commissioning:

1. Planning phase: definition of commissioning objectives, requirements and schedule, in collaboration with all stakeholders.
2. Design phase: verification of the conformity of the plans and specifications of the building with respect to the objectives set, in terms of performance, safety and environmental quality.
3. Construction phase: on-site verification of the conformity of the work carried out with the plans and specifications, as well as of the equipment and installations.
4. Operation phase: support for operators and users to ensure that the expected performance is achieved after acceptance of the building.

Commissioning thus ensures that the building operates in accordance with the owner's expectations in terms of consumption of energy, water, etc.,to the specifications of the specifications, and the quality of the indoor environment. If there is building certification, it ensures compliance with that certification.

 

Who is involved in commissioning?

The commissioning process involves several actors:

• Owner:The/She is the project manager who establishes the objectives and requirements for performance, safety and environmental quality.
• Project manager: he/she designs and builds the building taking into account the objectives and requirements of the client. The project manager works closely with the commissioner throughout the process.
• Commissioner: he/she is the guarantor of compliance with the objectives and requirements set by the contracting authority. He/she accompanies the various actors at each stage of commissioning.

 

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