Commissioning is a valuable tool, but according to the National Institute of Building Sciences, there is a great deal confusion as to what commissioning is, who is qualified to perform it, and the different types of commissioning agents.

To help clear up the confusion, the organization is offering “The Commissioning Symposium: Optimizing Performance through Commissioning.” The symposium will be held Jan. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., as part of Building Innovation 2014: The National Institute of Building Sciences Conference and Expo in Washington, D.C.

The half-day commissioning symposium will focus on the process of commissioning, the roles of key participants, and the desired results. Speakers will aim to clarify the differences between commissioning for new construction and retrocommissioning for existing buildings.

Following an introduction to commissioning, two panels consisting of representative participants in the commissioning process will address commissioning for new buildings and retrocommissioning respectively. Audience members will then have an opportunity to get feedback from the panelists in a question and answer session.

Go here for more information.