Energy Efficient Buildings | Recommissioning

Recommissioning (RCx) Guide for Building Owners and Managers

Chapter 3 - Project Basis

Recommissioning Process Overview

A well-planned and executed recommissioning project generally occurs in four Phases: Planning, Investigation, Implementation, and Hand-off (as shown in Figure 5). These are followed by ongoing activities to ensure that the benefits continue, often referred to as "persistence strategies". The more detailed flow chart shown in Figure 6 outlines a typical recommissioning process and highlights the major work products (deliverables) coming out of the process. There is, however, no one-size-fits-all approach to recommissioning. Several factors affect how recommissioning may be executed, including the condition of the facility, scope and budget of the project, size and complexity of the facility and availability of in-house resources and expertise. These differences do not commonly cause a project to divert significantly from the basic process.

Who is the "owner"?

During the recommissioning process, the "owner" can be represented by any upper level manager with a vested interest in the project, a director or chief of engineering, or the property or facilities manager. In all cases, the owner’s representative should be an active "champion," who is involved throughout the project and can secure the necessary senior management support to ensure that the project moves forward suc-cessfully. The owner should be a strong advocate for the recommissioning project, since his or her support allows the project to progress smoothly, correct more build-ing problems, and produce greater benefits.