‘ASHRAE 90.1-2019

expands on the commissioning scope from previous editions by detailing specific requirements starting at the design phase through the postoccupancy phase. ’ specific requirements starting at the design phase through the post-occupancy phase. The purpose of the commissioning process is to provide a systematic approach to identify and correct deficiencies before the building is fully operational, helping owners achieve their energy performance goals. That cannot be completed effectively unless there is early integration. A terminology misnomer is that “commissioning” is functional testing. Those involved in the industry must understand there is more to commissioning than just functional testing to help move the needle as it relates to energy efficiency. These new commissioning requirements help speak to that commitment.

The commissioning provider’s role

These new requirements result in additional scope and cost that building owners, designers and contractors may not have previously accounted for. Given the relative novelty of these updates, stakeholders face a learning curve in adapting to the standard’s new demands. It is important for the commissioning provider (CxP) to walk through their process early and often on a given project to understand the benefits of implementing these changes effectively as it will result in cost savings and fewer headaches in the long run if commissioning is engaged and performed properly.

Two of the additional commissioning requirements that need to be included are electrical energy monitoring (metering of electrical consumption within the building such as HVAC and lighting systems) and whole-building energy monitoring (metering of utilities to the building produced by a central plant or utility provider such as chilled water and natural gas).

It is important for designers and owners to understand what metering equipment needs to be provided and where. Some common issues with metering equipment are:

• It is unclear who is to provide and install the meter.

• They are not shown in the right location.

• The meter polling frequency does not align with the building automation system (BAS) needs, resulting in incomplete data.

Scheduling a temperature controls meeting with the design team and contractor during the pre-construction phase can help flesh out these controls details along with other controls utility and energy