How to prioritize and select Retro-Commissioning improvements
Sep 25, 2013
Before a Retro-Commissioning project begins, the Retro-Commissioning provider conducts an investigation on the building to recognize and discover where opportunities and improvements can be made. All improvements are compiled and made into a document known as the Findings Log. The Findings Log is then presented to the building owner, and both parties meet to discuss and settle on a series of improvements that will be made during the Retro-Commissioning project.
Developing a Findings Log
Next to each item or improvement on the Findings Log, the Retro-Commissioning provider will write a brief description about the resolution that is required for that particular improvement. For example, a Findings Log may reveal information about unnecessary lighting and contain a description of how the lighting could be modified or removed to result in lower energy consumption.
Each improvement item in a Findings Log should be assigned a unique identification number for reference purposes during the Retro-Commissioning project. Assigning identification numbers to each item can prevent confusion among all team members during the implementation phase of the project.
A Findings Log should also include a list of project cost estimates broken down by each improvement, as well as the total estimated energy savings, recommendations on how to implement each improvement, and payback amount for each item.
In some cases, the building owner will request that a Retro-Commissioning provider add certain elements to the Findings Log, such as an estimated return on investment for each modification that is made to the building.
Combining the Findings Log with the Investigation Report
When it comes to Retro-Commissioning project expectations and goals, most building owners are satisfied with a detailed and thorough Findings Log. However, some owners prefer that the Findings Log be combined with the initial Investigation Report. The benefit to combining the two reports is to gain a clearer picture of how to meet and fulfill certain recommendations that were provided at the time of the investigation but not necessarily included in the Findings Log.
After the Findings Log and Investigation Report are reviewed and certain improvements are agreed upon, both the building owner and Retro-Commissioning provider can move forward with the implementation phase of the project.
sys-tek has been providing Retro-Commissioning services to buildings in the Kansas City region for over 18 years. Contact sys-tek today to learn more about how Retro-Commissioning can result in reduced energy costs, longer equipment life, and improved indoor comfort for your building.
