Building Commissioning Guide
Building Commissioning Guide
Table of Contents
12.1 Introduction
The purpose of this code is to improve public health, safety and general welfare by enhancing
the design and construction of buildings through the use of concepts that reduce negative and
increase positive environmental impacts. Commissioning is a vital element in this effort:
Acronyms
• BOD Basis of Design
• Cx Commissioning
• FPT Functional Performance Test
• HVAC Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning
• O&M Operations and Maintenance
• OPR Owner’s Project Requirements
Glossary
• Acceptance Criteria - The conditions that must be met for systems or equipment
to meet defined expected outcomes.
designed, installed, tested, operated and maintained as the owner intended, and
that building staff are prepared to operate and maintain its systems and equipment.
• Owner - The individual or entity holding title to the property on which the building is
constructed.
• Commissioning Team - The key members of each party involved with the project
designated to provide insight and carry out tasks necessary for a successful
commissioning project. Team members may include the commissioning
coordinator, owner or owner’s representative, building staff, design professionals,
contractors or manufacturer’s representatives, and testing specialists.
12.2 Introduction
Section 120.8(b). Owner’s or Owner representative’s Project Requirements (OPR). The
energy-related expectations and requirements of the building shall be documented before the
design phase of the project begins. This documentation shall include the following:
1. Energy efficiency goals;
2. Ventilation requirements;
3. Project program, including facility functions and hours of operation, and need for after
hours operation; and
4. Equipment and systems expectations.
12.2.1 Intent
The Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) documents the functional requirements of a project
and expectations of the building use and operation as it relates to systems being
commissioned. The document describes the physical and functional building characteristics
desired by the owner and establishes performance and acceptance criteria. The OPR is most
effective when developed during pre-design and used to develop the Basis of Design (BOD)
during the design process. The level of detail and complexity of the OPR will vary according
to building use, type and systems.
1. Energy Efficiency Goals – Establish goals and targets affecting energy efficiency
which may include:
a. Overall energy efficiency (exceeding Title 24 by %)
b. Lighting system efficiency (exceeding Title 24 by %)
c. HVAC equipment efficiency & characteristics
d. Any other measures affecting energy efficiency desired by owner
1. Building orientation and sitting
2. Daylighting
3. Facade, envelope and fenestration
4. Roof
5. Natural ventilation
6. Onsite renewable power generation and net-zero energy use
7. Landscaping and shading
2. Ventilation Requirements - For each program space describe indoor ventilation requirements
including intended use and anticipated schedule
3. Project Program, including facility functions and hours of operation, and need for after hours
operation – Describe primary purpose, program and use of proposed project
a. Building size, number of stories, construction type, occupancy type and number
b. Building program areas including intended use and anticipated occupancy
schedules
c. Future expandability and flexibility of spaces
d. Quality and/or durability of materials and building lifespan desired
e. Budget or operational constraints
f. Applicable codes
4. Equipment and Systems Expectations – Describe the following for each system
commissioned:
a. Level of quality, reliability, equipment type, automation, flexibility, maintenance and
complexity desired
b. Specific efficiency targets, desired technologies, or preferred manufacturers for
building systems
c. Degree of system integration, automation, and functionality for controls; i.e. load
shedding, demand response, energy management
5. Enforcement
At their discretion, the building official confirms demonstrated compliance at Plan Review by:
a) Receipt of a copy of the OPR document (optional), and
b) Receipt of a form signed by the owner or owner representative attesting that the OPR
has been completed and approved by the owner.
Enforcement
At their discretion, the building official confirms demonstrated compliance at Plan Review
by:
a. Receipt of a copy of the BOD document (optional), or
b. Receipt of a form signed by the owner, owner’s representative, architect, engineer
or designer of record, attesting that the BOD has been completed and meets the
requirements of the OPR.
1. Design Reviewer Requirements. For buildings less than 10,000 square feet, design
phase design review may be completed by the design engineer. Buildings between 10,000
and 50,000 square feet require completion of the Design Review Checklist by either an
engineer in-house to the design firm but not associated with the building project, or a third
party design engineer. For buildings larger than 50,000 square feet or for buildings with
complex mechanical systems, an independent review of these documents by a third party
design engineer is required.
2. Design Review. During the schematic design phase of the building project, the owner or
owner’s representative, design team and design reviewer must meet to discuss the project
scope, schedule and how the design reviewer will coordinate with the project team. The
12.4.1 Intent
The intent of design phase design review is to improve compliance with existing Title 24 Part 6
code requirements, encourage adoption of best practices in design, and lead to designs that
are constructible and maintainable.
Enforcement
Compliance is demonstrated by completion of the compliance forms NRCC-CXR-01-E through
NRCC-CXR-04-E, as applicable, and signature form NRCC-CXR-05-E. See section 12-10
Commissioning Compliance Forms for additional information on completing these forms.
Enforcement
At their discretion, the building official confirms demonstrated compliance at Plan Review
by:
a) Receipt of a copy of the commissioning specifications (optional), or
b) Receipt of a form signed by the owner or owner representative or designer of record
attesting that the owner-approved commissioning specifications are included in the
construction documents.
12.6.1 Intent
The Commissioning Plan (Cx Plan) establishes the commissioning process guidelines for the
project and commissioning team’s level of effort. It identifies the required Cx activities to ensure
that the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) and the Basis of Design (BOD) are met. The Cx
Plan also includes a commissioning schedule from design to occupancy.
2. Commissioning Goals – Document the commissioning goals, including, but not limited to:
-Meeting code requirements for commissioning
-Meeting OPR and BOD requirements
-Carrying out requirements for commissioning activities as specified in plans
and specifications
4. Commissioning Team Information - Provide a contact list for all Commissioning team
members, including but not limited to:
a. Owner, owner’s representative
b. Architect, Engineers
c. Designated commissioning representative
d. General contractor, sub-contractors, and construction manager
Enforcement
At their discretion, the building official confirms demonstrated compliance at Plan Review
by:
a) Receipt of a copy of the Commissioning Plan (optional), or
b) Receipt of a form signed by the owner or owner representative attesting that the Cx Plan
has been completed.
12.7.1 Intent
Develop and implement the functional performance tests to document (as set forth in the
Commissioning Plan) that all components, equipment, systems and system-to-system
interfaces were installed as specified, and operate according to the Owner’s Project
Requirements, Basis of Design, and plans and specifications.
The following systems to be functionally tested are listed in the Basis of Design:
1. Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems and controls
2. Indoor lighting system and controls
3. Water heating system and controls
4. Covered processes
Enforcement
At their discretion, the building official confirms demonstrated compliance during Field
Inspection by:
1. Receipt of a copy of completed and signed Functional Performance Tests that
indicate any deficiencies have been corrected (optional), or
2. Receipt of a form signed by the owner, owner representative or commissioning
coordinator attesting that the Functional Performance Tests have been completed
and any deficiencies corrected.
3. Instructions for basic operations & maintenance, including general site operating
procedures, basic troubleshooting, recommended maintenance requirements,
and a site events log
4. Description of major systems
5. Site equipment inventory and maintenance notes
6. A copy of all special inspection verifications required by the enforcing agency or
the Standards.
12.8.1 Intent
The Systems Manual documents information focuses on the operation of the building systems.
This document provides information needed to understand, operate, and maintain the
equipment and systems and informs those not involved in the design and construction of the
building systems. This document is in addition to the record construction drawings, documents,
and the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Manuals supplied by the contractor. The Systems
Manual is assembled during the construction phase and available during the contractors’
training of the facility staff.
b) Facility Description
i. Use/Function
ii. Square footage
iii. Occupancy Type
iv. Construction Type
v. Basis of design
vi. Location of major systems & equipment
c) Project History
i. Project requirements
-Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR)
-Basis of Design (BOD)
ii. Project undocumented events
iii. Record Drawings & Documents
iv. Final control drawings and schematics
v. Final control sequences
vi. Construction documents - Location or delivery information:
3. Basic operation & maintenance, including general site operating procedures, basic trouble
shooting, recommended maintenance requirements site events log
a) Basic operation
i. Written narratives of basic equipment operation
ii. Interfaces, interlocks and interaction with other equipment and systems
iii. Initial maintenance provide by contactor
b) General site operating procedures
i. Instructions for changes in major system operating schedules
ii. Instructions for changes in major system holiday & weekend schedules
c) Basic troubleshooting
i. Cite any recommended troubleshooting procedures specific to the major
systems and equipment installed in the building.
ii. Manual operation procedures
iii. Standby/Backup operation procedures
iv. Bypass operation procedures
v. Major system power fail resets and restarts
vi. Trend log listing
d) Recommended maintenance events log
i. HVAC air filter replacement schedule & log
ii. Building control system sensor calibration schedule & log
e) Operation & Maintenance Manuals - Location or delivery information
4. Major systems
a) HVAC systems & controls
i. Air conditioning equipment (chillers, cooling towers, pumps, heat exchanges,
thermal energy storage tanks, etc)
ii. Heating equipment (boilers, pumps, tanks, heat exchanges, etc.)
iii. Air distribution equipment (fans, terminal units, accessories, etc.)
iv. Ventilation equipment (Fans, accessories, and controls)
v. Building automation system (workstation, servers, panels, variable frequency
drives, local control devices, sensors, actuators, thermostats, etc.)
b) Indoor lighting systems & controls
i. Lighting control panels
6. A copy of all special inspection verifications required by the enforcing agency of this code
Enforcement
At their discretion, the building official confirms demonstrated compliance during Field
Inspection by:
a. Receipt of a copy of the Systems Manual (optional), or
b. Receipt of a form signed by the owner or owner representative attesting that the
System’s Manual has been completed.
12.8.3 Intent
The systems operation training verifies that a training program is developed to provide training
to the appropriate maintenance staff for each equipment type and/or system and that this
training program is documented in the commissioning report. The systems operations training
program is specified in the project specifications for the major systems listed. The System
Manual, Operation and Maintenance (O&M) documentation, and record drawings are prepared
and available to the maintenance staff prior to implementation of any training or the
development of a written training program. The training program is to be administered by the
commissioning coordinator or other responsible party when the appropriate maintenance staff
is made available to receive training.
Enforcement
At their discretion, the building official confirms demonstrated compliance during Field
Inspection by:
1. In the event appropriate maintenance staff is made available to receive training for each
equipment type and/or system installed in the building.
a. Receipt of a copy of the written training program and completed attendance forms,
or
b. Receipt of a form signed by the owner or owner representative attesting that the
training program and delivery of training has been completed
2. In the event appropriate maintenance staff are unavailable to receive training for each
equipment type and/or system installed in the building.
a. Receipt of a copy of the training program provided to the owner or owner’s
representative (optional), or
b. Receipt of a form signed by the owner or owner representative attesting that the
written training program has been provided.
12.9.1 Intent
The Commissioning Report documents the commissioning process and test results. The
report includes confirmation from the commissioning coordinator verifying that commissioned
systems meet the conditions of the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR), Basis of Design
(BOD), and Contract Documents.
Enforcement:
At their discretion, the building official confirms demonstrated compliance during Field
Inspection by:
a. Receipt of a copy of the Commissioning Report (optional), or
b. Receipt of a form signed by the owner or owner representative attesting that the
Cx Report has been completed.
documents design review process which occurs towards the end of construction document
development.
E. Design Reviewer Qualifications
This section consists of three check boxes that are used to identify the qualifications of the
design reviewer based on project size and complexity of mechanical systems. Contractors
accepting the responsibilities of the engineer under the provisions of the Business and
Profession Code may also complete and sign these certificates. The commissioning
coordinator who meets the requirements of 120.8(d) may also fill the role of design reviewer.
Complete the check box for the qualification being met by the project’s design reviewer.
F. List of Meeting Attendees
Meeting attendees should be identified on this section of the form. Mechanical and/or
electrical engineers may be identified under the design engineer check box.
G. Documents Received by Design Reviewer for Design Review Kickoff
Complete the check boxes and identify information received by the design reviewer prior to or
during the kickoff meeting. These documents will be used to inform the design reviewer on
which forms (NRCC-CXR-01-E through NRCC-CXR-05-E) will require completion at the end
of design.
H. Design Review Meeting Topics
The meeting topics section identifies five areas that should be discussed between the owner,
design engineer(s), design reviewer and project manager. These topics include the following:
The PROJECT SCOPE section should include a brief description of the project including
topics such as type of building occupancy and function, building hours of operation, number of
building occupants, and O&M requirements of staff or contracted services.
DESIGN ELEMENTS AND ASSUMPTIONS should include a description of the approach
taken in designing the building’s envelope, mechanical, service hot water, and electrical
systems and may reference the Basis of Design and Owner’s Project Requirements. Also
included in this section are assumptions on building loads, i.e. typical versus unique or
specialty plug loads.
HVAC SYSTEM SELECTION identifies the HVAC system type and the reasoning behind that
selection to include items such as energy efficiency requirements, building limitations (i.e. no
mechanical equipment on the roof), owner preferences, etc..
The RECOMMENDED ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES section includes a brief
discussion of efficiency measures that may be incorporated based on the OPR, BOD and
discussion of project scope and HVAC system selection.
OTHER COMMENTS includes topics such as building lighting approach and daylight
harvesting, occupied period lighting controls, unoccupied egress lighting, outdoor lighting
control, HVAC controls, building sustainability goals, etc.
I. Coordination
The design reviewer, owner, design engineer and project manager should coordinate on
timing of the construction documents design review. The construction documents design
review and completion of forms NRCC-CXR-02-E through NRCC-CXR-04-E should occur late
in the construction document phase, so the timing must be coordinated such that the design
engineer can review the completed forms and provide any required changes prior to the
project schedule permit submittal date.
Next Draft”, or “Not Included – State Reason”. The notes section should also be used to clarify
why a measure either complies or will not be included.
NRCC-CXR-03-E – Certificate of Compliance – Cx Construction Documents – Simple HVAC
Systems
NRCC-CXR-03-E or the Construction Document – Simple HVAC Systems Certificate of
Compliance is the design review checklist that must be completed by all projects that have HVAC
systems that are NOT defined as Complex, per Section 100.1.
COMPLEX MECHANICAL SYSTEMS are systems that include 1) fan systems each serving
multiple thermostatically controlled zones; or 2) built-up air handler systems (non-unitary or
non-packaged HVAC equipment); or 3) hydronic or steam heating systems; or 4) hydronic
cooling systems. Complex systems are NOT the following: (a) unitary or packaged equipment
listed in Tables 110.2-A, 110.2-B, 110.2-C and 110.2-E that each serve one zone, or (b) two-
pipe, heating only systems serving one or more zones.
For projects that have more than one system type, the CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE form
applicable to each system type should be completed. In other words, if a project has a chilled
water system with variable air volume air handlers serving the majority of the building and a
packaged DX rooftop unit serving an individual space, both NRCC-CXR-03-E and NRCC-CXR-
04-E should be completed.
A. Project Information
• PROJECT NAME is the title of the project, as shown on the Code Compliance Forms.
• DATE PREPARED provide the date that the form was prepared.
B. General Information
• CLIMATE ZONE is the California Climate zone in which the project is located. See
Reference Joint Appendix JA2 for a listing of climate zones.
• BUILDING TYPE is specified because code requirements and design decisions are
influenced by building type. It is possible for a building to include more than one
building type.
• CONDITIONED FLOOR AREA has a specific meaning under the Standards. The
number entered here should match the floor area entered on the other forms.
• REVIEWER’S NAME identifies the reviewer by name.
• REVIEWER’S AGENCY identifies the agency that the reviewer is representing.
• ENFORCEMENT AGENCY identifies who has enforcement jurisdiction such as the
county or city. The enforcement agency is the entity that issued the building permit.
• PERMIT NUMBER is the number issued by the enforcement agency and is located on
the building permit.
C. Design Review Checklist
The checklist is divided into the categories of Fan System design and Controls. As for the
NRCC-CXR-02-E form, each measure in the checklist is identified as a mandatory,
prescriptive or best practice item. There are two sections to be completed – the first three
columns to the right of the measure description should be completed by the design reviewer.
The next three columns to the far right are to be completed by the design engineer (referred to
as designer on the form).