When can MBCx and Building Optimization Be Implemented

When Can These Services Be Implemented?

Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBCx)

MBCx can be implemented at various stages of a building’s life, depending on your goals and needs:

New Building Commissioning:

MBCx can play a pivotal role in new building projects, beginning with the initial stages. It serves as a proactive tool to guarantee that systems are appropriately designed, installed, and commissioned right from the start. This proactive approach not only establishes a foundation for long-term efficiency and optimal performance but also seamlessly integrates into the initial commissioning phase of a new building, ensuring that systems align with the design intent and promptly addressing any issues that may arise.

After Turnover for True MBCx:

MBCx can also be applied after the turnover of a new or existing building. This post-commissioning approach ensures that the building maintains peak performance as it ages and adapts to changing needs.

Retro-Commissioning (RCx):

MBCx principles can be applied to retro-commissioning projects if it makes sense for the building. RCx aims to improve the performance of existing buildings, and MBCx can play a role in maintaining and optimizing these improvements.

Typically, MBCx services are provided on an agreed-upon term, often spanning 3 to 5 years, ensuring continuous monitoring and performance enhancement.

Building Optimization

Building Optimization focuses on fine-tuning and enhancing long-term building system performance. Optimization comes into play after a building is occupied, whether it’s a new or existing structure a building cannot be optimized until the building’s personality is revealed/understood.  The building first needs to be benchmarked to understand performance and occupancy trends to really learn how the building reacts to weather and interacts with the occupants. A new building will take longer to understand as no data has been established. For existing buildings, utility bills and BAS trend data can be utilized to understand the building. The implementation of Building Optimization services is typically conducted over a 3–5-year term, with specific activities for each year:

Year 1:

• Maximize identification of warranty issues to prevent post-warranty expenses.
• Provide additional training to building operators and maintenance staff.
• Learn the building’s personality and establish utility consumption baselines.
• Monitor day-to-day system performance.
• Conduct quarterly seasonal functional testing.
• Benchmark and analyze utility consumption and trends.

Year 2:

• Continue supporting building operators and maintenance staff.
• Modify schedules and setpoints to optimize system performance according to the building’s personality.
• Analyze utility consumption and trends.
• Monitor day-to-day system performance.
• Conduct quarterly seasonal functional testing.

Year 3:

• Maintain support for building operators and maintenance staff.
• Fine-tune schedules and setpoints to optimize system performance.
• Analyze utility consumption and trends.
• Monitor day-to-day system performance.
• Provide a final setpoint report to maintain proper building performance.

What are the Benefits of MBCx and Building Optimization