Commissioning building systems

Commissioning refers to the process of bringing an item into operation and ensuring that it is in good working order. On building projects, this refers primarily to building services.

Approved Document L, Conservation of fuel and power, Volume 1: Dwellings, 2021 edition incorporating 2023 amendments, states:

Building services requiring commissioning may include:

• Heating, cooling and ventilation systems.
• Generators.
• Switchboards.
• Water supply and sanitation.
• Pumps.
• Motors.
• Fire detection and protection systems.
• Information and communications technology (ICT) systems.
• Security systems.
• Facilities management systems.
• Process plant.
• Lifting equipment and escalators.
• Acoustic and vibration appraisals.

The contract documents should set out:

• Who will be responsible for commissioning different building services.
• What methods, standards and codes of practice are to be used.
• What should happen to test results.
• Whether commissioning is to be witnessed and if so, whom.
• The documentation that is required.

Commissioning can benefit from the preparation of a commissioning plan, which according to BSRIA Guide BG 8/2009 Model Commissioning Plan should:

• Provide general information about the project.
• Identify the commissioning team members for each stage of the commissioning process.
• Define roles and responsibilities for each commissioning team member.
• Identify the systems to be commissioned.
• Create a schedule of commissioning activities for each stage of the process.
• Establish documentation requirements associated with the commissioning process.

A commissioning manager may be appointed to give advice during design, construction planning and installation and then to manage commissioning, testing and handover.

Commissioning activities may include:

• Ensuring client access and providing client training and demonstrations.
• Completing operating and maintenance manuals, record drawings, software and test certification.
• Obtaining statutory approvals and insurance approvals.
• Manufacturers work testing.
• Component testing.
• Pre-commissioning tests.
• Set to work: this is the process of switching on (i.e. setting to work) items such as fans and motors to ensure that they are operating as specified (for example checking that fans are turning the right way).
• Balancing: this follows setting to work and involves looking at whole systems (rather than individual components) to ensure that they are properly balanced (i.e. water is coming out of all the taps at the correct pressure, air is coming out of the correct diffusers, etc).
• Commissioning checks and performance testing.
• Post commissioning checks and fine tuning during occupancy.

NB: The building regulations require that a commissioning notice is given to the relevant building control body (BCB) confirming that commissioning has been carried out according to a procedure approved by the Secretary of State. See Commissioning notice for more information.

The BSRIA guide to 'Commissioning Air Systems' (BG 49/2024), written by by Keith Barker and published by BSRIA in March 2024, explains how to commission ducted air distribution systems in buildings. It was originally published in 2013, then 2015 with the latest update in 2024. For the benefit of the guide and number of commissioning relate terms arte defined, some of which are included here for information:

• Commissionable system: 'A system designed, installed and prepared to specified requirements in such a manner as to enable commissioning to be carried out'
• Commissionability: 'The ability of a system to be functionally tested and regulated satisfactorily'
• Commissioning: 'This is defined in CIBSE Code M[6] as "A process of assuring that a project is planned, programmed, costed, designed, installed, tested and fine-tuned, so it meets specified performance requirements".
• Commissioning management: 'The planning, monitoring and control of all aspects of commissioning and the engagement of all those involved in it, to achieve the specified outcomes.'
• Commissioning manager (CxM): 'The entity that leads the management of the commissioning process on a project.'
• Commissioning specialist: 'The organisation or person appointed to carry out specified duties in connection with functional testing and regulating of systems.'
• Commissioning specification: 'The document (or sub-section of the design specification) that prescribes the detailed objectives and requirements for commissioning Note: the specification should refer to drawings, schedules and relevant parts of the codes, manuals, guides and other standards.'

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• BREEAM seasonal commissioning.
• BSRIA Water Treatment for Closed Heating and Cooling Systems BG 50/2021.
• Client commissioning.
• Commissioning documents.
• Commissioning notice.
• Commissioning plan.
• Commissioning planning.
• Commissioning report.
• Commissioning v testing.
• Corrosion in heating and cooling systems.
• Handover to client.
• IAQ developments accelerated by COVID-19 pandemic.
• Initial commissioning case studies.
• Inspection.
• Migration strategy.
• Practical completion.
• Seasonal and continuous commissioning.
• Soft landings.
• Specialist commissioning manager.
• Training for pre-commissioning cleaning of pipework systems.

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