Energy Service & Commissioning
Energy Service & Commissioning
This domain tests performance-based energy services and the commissioning process that verifies systems work as intended. Expect commissioning authority roles, functional performance testing, retrocommissioning, measurement and verification (M&V), and savings guarantees.
Core rules
- Commissioning (Cx) is a quality process, not a one-time repair. ASHRAE Guideline 0 organizes it from pre-design through operations, with owner's project requirements (OPR) and basis of design (BOD).
- Functional performance testing checks systems under modes and seasons, not just at steady design conditions.
- Retrocommissioning applies Cx to existing buildings; monitoring-based commissioning uses trend data to find faults.
- IPMVP defines M&V options: A (retrofit isolation, key parameters), B (retrofit isolation, all parameters), C (whole facility), D (calibrated simulation).
- An ESCO/ESPC bundles design, installation, financing, and M&V; the contract needs a baseline, adjustment method, measurement boundary, and guaranteed savings.
Worked example
A chiller project has a baseline of 800,000 kWh/year. After retrofit, metered use is 700,000 kWh. Weather normalization adds 10,000 kWh to the baseline. Adjusted savings = (800,000 + 10,000) − 700,000 = 110,000 kWh. At $0.09/kWh, savings are $9,900. If the contract guarantees $12,000, the shortfall is $2,100 and the guarantee mechanism applies, subject to the contract's adjustments and boundaries.
Traps
Commissioning is not routine maintenance. Do not claim savings without an adjusted baseline. Do not mix IPMVP boundaries between baseline and reporting period. Keep the commissioning authority independent of the design and construction team where the contract requires it.