Optimizing Equipment and Systems to Work Together

Retro-commissioning (RCx) applies a systematic process for improving and optimizing a building’s operations and supporting those improvements with enhanced maintenance. This process focuses on the operation of mechanical equipment, lighting, and related controls. The process is intended not only to optimize how equipment and systems operate, but also to optimize how the systems function together.

Since RCx is primarily concerned with low-cost energy savings, an efficient Retro-commissioning process is usually more cost-effective than the installation of capital-intensive equipment. In addition, given that a full understanding of a building’s energy using systems is essential to a proper Retro-commissioning project, it is an ideal time to determine the demand responsiveness of a building. By determining how best to limit peak demand within a building, Retro-commissioning identifies non-essential loads that can be “shed” in times of peak demand. As such, Retro-commissioning is a cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency in existing buildings, reduce peak demand, and provide increased owner satisfaction.

A complete RCx process involves:

• A screening activity to identify candidate buildings
• A scoping study that results in a RCx plan
• A RCx investigation including diagnostic monitoring
• A RCx report identifying O&M strategies for achieving energy efficiency and demand responsiveness opportunities
• Implementing selected Retro-commissioning improvements
• Applying persistence measures to ensure operational performance and savings

For more information on how Retro-commissioning can benefit your company, contact Michael Doucette at (203) 499-2764.