Using Building Commissioning to Improve Performance in State Buildings

Using the commissioning process, states are beginning to improve and optimize their existing building stock as well as ensure that their new construction projects perform according to design. This paper reports on the progress a number of states are making in the area of commissioning for both new construction and existing buildings. It discusses the various programmatic approaches they are using to incorporate commissioning into state energy management programs and new construction projects. It also reports the results of a recent survey of members of the National Association of State Facility Administrators (NASFA) on their use and understanding of commissioning for new construction and existing buildings. The results of two commissioning case studies, one for a new construction project in the State of Montana and one for an existing building in the State of Tennessee are reviewed. Key Words: Commissioning, Survey