What is the primary purpose of building commissioning?

The primary purpose of building commissioning is to ensure that a new or renovated building and its systems operate as intended by the design and construction team and meet the owner's operational requirements. Commissioning is a systematic process that involves verifying and documenting that all building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection, are designed, installed, tested, and capable of being operated and maintained according to the owner's project requirements. The commissioning process typically begins during the design phase and continues through construction, acceptance, and operation. It involves reviewing the design documents, verifying equipment installation, performing functional testing, and training building operators. The goal of commissioning is to identify and correct any deficiencies or problems before the building is occupied, ensuring that the building performs efficiently, provides a comfortable and healthy indoor environment, and meets the owner's energy and sustainability goals. For example, during commissioning, the HVAC system's controls are tested to ensure that they are operating correctly and that the system is providing the correct temperature and airflow to each zone. This process helps to identify and resolve any issues, such as improperly calibrated sensors or incorrect control sequences, before they can impact building performance and occupant comfort.