Most people in the major design and construction business understand that commissioning is a process by which a building’s systems are verified to function properly prior to acceptance by the owner. However, design engineers, architects, and contractors tend to be less aware of the intent for commissioning to help set the stage for continued proper operation of the systems for the life of the building. Building owners value this second objective at least as much as the first.
Requirements for sustainable operations include, but are not limited to, accurate, complete and timely systems documentation, meaningful maintenance training, customized systems operations training, and access to equipment for regular maintenance and repair.