The commissioning process works to ensure that building services are complete and functioning properly upon occupancy and that the facility staff has adequate system documentation and training. Why should a building owner pay extra for commissioning services? Shouldn’t the building properly work when the keys are handed over?

The modern building is composed of many systems and subsystems bound together in complex ways. These systems are in turn made up of many components that are each required to function properly for the entire system to operate properly. While each piece of equipment or system component may have been checked at its respective factory prior to shipment and then perhaps rechecked after installation, even a small failure rate can have a significant impact on total system operation. In addition, the set up and programming required for getting all of these components to act in unison with each other often takes numerous attempts through trial and error. Even after these components are made to work together, more effort is required to get these systems optimized for peak performance. Commissioning entails ensuring and documenting that all of these tasks have been completed. The persons responsible for commissioning will “test drive” your facility so that any latent defects can be identified and fixed before the keys are turned over.

Advanced Engineering Consultants has been fortunate to be involved with many significant projects through the commissioning process. These projects include:

• Franklin County Courthouse (LEED Gold): seven stories, 300,000 sf
• Columbus public Schools
• The Ohio State University Medical Center Cancer Hospital: 800,000 sf
• Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Upgrades to The Ohio State University Medical Center: $65 million construction
• The Ohio State University OARDC Animal & Plant Biology Level 3 Isolate Facility: $15 million construction
• Central Power Plant Water Treatment System for The Ohio State University: $11 million construction

Advanced Engineering Consultants has found that in addition to providing a valuable service to the owner, commissioning provides a platform for our senior level personnel to exercise their "technical muscles” making them better designers in the process.