I heard from two fellow commissioning professionals in the same week about the inconsistencies between functional performance test (FPT) procedures used on new construction projects. I know that these vary from non-existent to blank sheets of paper to generic off-the-shelf scripts to very detailed steps and acceptance criteria. As building systems commissioning has evolved over the past 20 years, I have been supportive of the idea of varying levels of commissioning rigor as required to match different owners’ priorities and budgets. This was based on the belief that some commissioning is better than no commissioning in most cases.

Why aren’t there any? What should they be?

A current trend can prove troublesome if it takes itself to extremes.

Project managementPM Workbench is an integrated multi-project workbench designed to simplify and quicken project management, reducing risk and bolstering the bottom line. Features include a PM dashboard to provide

Buildings would run better with this curriculum (and its graduates) in place.

Reader mail laments the lack of quality assurance when hiring commissioning agents.

The U.S. building industry tries to keep up with the pace of efficiency abroad.

We need an improved framework for building operating decisions, including using the stuff you buy.

Design engineers need to step up how their specs sort out sequencing details.

Is the hospitality sector at the fringe of the intelligent building industry?