Helping commissioning providers ensure optimized operation of their facilities and systems is the focus of a newly published guideline from ASHRAE.

ASHRAE Guideline 0.2-2015, Commissioning Process for Existing Building Systems and Assemblies, outlines a systematic quality-oriented process that improves the performance and sustainability of existing facilities. This roadmap includes planning, assessing, investigating, implementing, verifying and documenting performance to meet operational requirements.

“Guideline 0.2 provides commissioning providers with the latest tools needed to address the growing market of commissioning existing buildings that require improvements to reduce energy consumption, improve occupant comfort and increase operational efficiency,” Tom Cappellin, vice chair of the committee that wrote the guideline, said.

The step-by-step process guides owners and facility managers through the process of ensuring optimum effectiveness from their facility for the lowest investment and provides the tools to ensure those benefits last for the life of the building.

Guideline 0.2 is intended for use by owners, facility decision makers and commissioning providers who are seeking to achieve goals as identified in the owner’s “current facility requirements.”

It expands on the commissioning principles developed in ASHRAE Guideline 0.  Guideline 0.2 includes 10 sections that explain recommended steps to apply the existing building commissioning process, as well as 23 informative annexes that explain how the process steps can be organized into a comprehensive set of activities and commissioning documents.

The annexes include flow charts, costs/benefits information, RFQ and team selection information, and guidance on preparing various commissioning reports. Many of the annexes include links to example documents prepared for actual projects.

Other commissioning guidance from ASHRAE includes Guideline 0-2005, The Commissioning Process; Guideline 1.1-2007, HVAC&R Technical Requirements for the Commissioning Process; and Guideline 1.5-2012, The Commissioning Process for Smoke Control Systems; and Standard 202-2013, Commissioning Process for Buildings and Systems.

ASHRAE also is working on several other guidelines related to commissioning:  Guideline 1.2P, The Commissioning Process for Existing HVAC&R Systems; Guideline 1.3P, Building Operation and Maintenance Training for the HVAC&R Commissioning Process; and Guideline 1.4P, Procedures for Preparing Facility Systems Manuals.