Continuous Commissioning – Energy Efficiency Through Optimization

Earn 2 PDH | .2 CEU 

ABOUT THE COURSE

This intermediate level training course, designed for building, energy & facility professionals, focuses on the principles and practices of continuous commissioning (CCx). Participants will explore how to leverage data-driven monitoring and proactive measures to optimize building performance, reduce energy waste, and enhance operational efficiency.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand the concept and importance of continuous commissioning (CCx).
• Learn the tasks and processes involved in CCx, including monitoring, inspecting, diagnosing root causes, remediating deficiencies, and optimizing systems.
• Develop strategies for maintaining optimal building operations using tools like Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Building Automation Systems (BAS).

What is Continuous Commissioning?

Continuous commissioning is an ongoing process of monitoring, evaluating, and optimizing a building's systems and operations to ensure efficiency and minimize resource waste. Unlike traditional commissioning, which occurs during installation or periodically, CCx is continuous, proactive, and data-driven, focusing on long-term improvement and adaptation to changing building conditions.

• Ensure systems consistently operate at their highest efficiency.
• Address and resolve inefficiencies through regular monitoring, inspections, and data analysis.
• Optimize energy usage by reducing waste, improving system performance, and maintaining equipment functionality.

It leverages tools such as Energy Management Systems (EMS), Building Automation Systems (BAS), or Building Management Systems (BMS) to track building operations and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.

Benefits for Building Operators, Energy Managers, Facility Managers, VP’s of Operations and Other Important Stakeholders:

Building team members who apply CCx principles benefit by:

• Reducing energy costs and enhancing environmental impact.
• Extending the lifespan of equipment through regular maintenance and optimization.
• Proactively addressing system issues before they escalate into costly problems.
• Achieving a more comfortable and efficient environment for building occupants.

This course is ideal for:

• Building operators and facility managers.
• Energy managers, energy engineers and energy efficiency consultants.
• HVAC technicians and controls specialists.
• Existing Commissioning Professionals
• Energy Service Professionals
• VP’s of Operations
• Building Controls Specialists
• Architects and engineers specializing in building science.

Course Outline

1. Introduction to Continuous Commissioning

   • Definition and differentiation from other types of commissioning (e.g., retro-commissioning).
   • Key principles and objectives.

2. Core Components of CCx

   • Monitoring systems and analyzing data trends.
   • Inspecting physical systems for performance and operational integrity.
     
     

3. The CCx Process – MIRROR Framework

   • Monitor: Utilizing EMS dashboards, energy bills, and sensors to detect anomalies.
   • Inspect: Conducting physical checks of controls, sensors, and hardware.
   • Root Cause: Diagnosing and understanding underlying issues.
   • Remediate: Implementing solutions to restore optimal performance.
   • Optimize: Enhancing system efficiency post-remediation.
   • Review: Evaluating the impact of changes and iterating as necessary.
     
     

4. Optimization Techniques

   • Setting dynamic schedules and temperature resets.
   • Minimizing reheats and unseasonal equipment operations.
     
     

5. Common Challenges and Solutions

   • Understanding the limitations of Energy Management Systems (EMS) / Building Automation Systems (BAS).
   • Addressing anomalies like zones ignoring schedules, reheats running unnecessarily, and system imbalances.
     
     

6. Planning and Sustaining a CCx Program

   • Resource allocation and setting realistic goals.
   • Building a cohesive team and defining roles.
   • Importance of vigilance and ongoing documentation.

This comprehensive course equips participants with actionable insights and tools to implement and sustain a successful CCx program, ensuring their buildings operate at peak efficiency.

Please Note: This is an intermediate level course. This 2000 level course, assumes attendees have at least a working understanding of building science topics like HVAC systems and building controls. 

ABOUT INSTRUCTOR

Andrew Vaillencourt is a second-generation energy professional who walked his first facility at the age of twelve. As part of numerous consulting firms, utilities, and ESCO’s, Andrew has provided valuable and actionable energy efficiency services for customers in virtually every type of industry. A frequent speaker at energy events and conferences, Andrew explores the often-predatory marketplace of energy conservation in his book, Silver Bullets: (And Other Energy Efficiency Myths and Magic.  (Available from all fine online booksellers). As president and principal of SRG Energy Efficiency Services, Andrew continues to serve the energy efficiency marketplace as a trusted consultant, trainer, and building-science subject matter expert. His clients cover a wide swath of the energy and sustainability landscape, including technology start-ups, ESCOs, and sustainability-minded companies all over the world.  In addition, Andrew leads a team that can help commercial & institutional customers with all levels of ASHRAE energy audits, feasibility studies, operation cost assessments, energy modeling, scoping, pricing, and project management, as well as provide owner’s (end user) representation.

 

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