Specialist commissioning manager
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.
It defines a Commissioning manager (CxM) as 'The entity that leads the management of the commissioning process on a project'.
It defines a Commissioning specialist as 'The organisation or person appointed to carry out specified duties in connection with functional testing and regulating of systems'.
It defines Commissioning Management for the purposes of the guide as: ‘The planning, monitoring and control of all aspects of commissioning and the engagement of all those involved in it, to achieve the specified outcomes.’
The previous version of the same document from 2015 defines the Commissioning Management Organisation as: 'The firm (or person) appointed to manage the commissioning process, being responsible for overall planning, supervision and witnessing of the results of the integrated commissioning of all installed building services systems.'
BREEAM UK New Construction, Non-domestic Buildings (United Kingdom), Technical Manual, SD5078: BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 3.0, published by BRE Global Limited, defines specialist commissioning managers as:
‘… a specialist contractor rather than a general sub-contractor, able to independently verify the work carried out by the project team members installing the systems. The specialist commissioning manager can be appointed by the client or the contractor to perform the tasks described under the relevant criteria for buildings with complex building services and systems and defined in their contract. The specialist commissioning manager shall be a professional who, in the opinion of the assessor, has experience or qualifications that enable them to undertake the responsibilities described in this issue (Commissioning and handover). As an example, membership to the Commissioning Specialists Association (CSA) is a relevant qualification.’
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- BRE articles.
- BSRIA articles.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Building services.
- Client commissioning.
- Commissioning documents.
- Commissioning notice.
- Commissioning plan.
- Commissioning planning.
- Commissioning v testing.
- Commissioning.
- Initial commissioning case studies.
- Seasonal and continuous commissioning.
- Soft landings.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.

















