Building commissioning is the purposeful inspection of the mechanical, electrical and energy management system (EMS) in order to insure the following:

1.  Verification that the general contractor satisfied the contract requirement for all of the electrical and mechanical components of the EMS.

2.  Verification that all EMS software features and functions promised are installed and operating correctly.

3.  Documentation of site identification information, screen captures of system operation in heating and cooling modes, key EMS function tests, and separate mechanical and electrical punch lists.

4.  Multi-site owners and operators have a consistent EMS look and feel and operation from store to store and region to region.  This is vital for proper operation and maintenance over time.

   Owner sponsored building commissioning solves a problem that grew from the reality of widespread fast-paced construction programs.  Engineering firms and general contractors' knowledge of EMS ranges from poor to adequate.  The rate of change and the complexity of any given EMS design have a direct impact on the ability of contractors to provide a consistent results nationwide.

   Owner sponsored building commissioning separates the task from the general contractor and becomes a furnished by owner (FBO) service governed by an annual contract agreement with flat rate pricing regardless of location for ease of construction budgeting.

   Over the years owners have found value performing building commissioning by ensuring all energy conservations strategies work from the day of grand opening forward, by helping the new construction group ensure the systems are handed off to the maintenance group without headaches, and by acting as a check and balance to the EMS system provider, finding problems and facilitating solutions.