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Energy
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atatwww.sciencedirect.com
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ScienceDirect
ScienceDirect
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Energy
EnergyProcedia
Procedia162 (2019) 000–000
00 (2017) 369–378
www.elsevier.com/locate/procedia
Special Issue on Emerging and Renewable Energy: Generation and Automation
Special Issue on Emerging and Renewable Energy: Generation and Automation
Saving Energy through Using Green Rating System for Building
Saving Energy through Using Green Rating System for Building
The 15th International Commissioning
Symposium on District Heating and Cooling
Commissioning
a
Assessing the feasibility Mady A. A.using
Mohamed *
Mady A. A. Mohameda *heat demand-outdoor
of the
temperature functionCollege
for a and
a long-term
of Engineering,
b
ZagazigEffat
district
University,
University, Jeddah
Zagazig
heat
College of Architecture and Design, Effat University, Jeddah 21478, KSA
College
a

of Architecture Design, city,21478,

demand forecast
Egypt KSA
b
College of Engineering, Zagazig University, Zagazig city, Egypt
a,b,c
I. Andrić *, A. Pinaa, P. Ferrãoa, J. Fournierb., B. Lacarrièrec, O. Le Correc
Abstract
a
IN+ Center for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research - Instituto Superior Técnico, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
Abstract b
Veolia Recherche & Innovation, 291 Avenue Dreyfous Daniel, 78520 Limay, France
Finding solutions c
for energy
Département saving
Systèmes has become
Énergétiques one of the most
et Environnement demanding
- IMT Atlantique,issues facingKastler,
4 rue Alfred almost44300
all the governments,
Nantes, France decision
Finding
makers and solutions for energy
stakeholders saving
all over the has become
world. Energyonesaving
of thesolutions
most demanding
in buildingissues facing
industry almost
could all the governments,
be applied decision
in all the construction
makers
phases –and stakeholders
Pre-design, all over
design, the world. Energy
pre-construction, saving solutions
construction, in building industry
and post-construction. Energycould be appliedinintheallpost-construction
management the construction
phases – Pre-design,
(operation) phase - indesign,
particularpre-construction,
- is the key point construction,
for energy and post-construction.
saving. Energy on
This paper is focusing management
employingin the post-construction
green rating systems to
Abstract
(operation)
guide phase -ofinthe
the process particular - is the key
commissioning for point for energy
buildings in ordersaving.
to saveThis paper
energy is focusing
during on employing
the operation green rating
and maintenance of systems to
buildings.
guide the process
Moreover, of thehighlights
the research commissioning on the for buildings
important in order
process thattoshould
save energy
be taken during the operation during
into consideration and maintenance of buildings.
the other phases. LEED
Moreover,
(Leadership the
forresearch
District heating highlights
Environmental
networks are and onEnergy
the important
commonly Design)process
addressed is in that
suggested
the should be
as taken
and discussed
literature one ofinto
theconsideration
here inmost to beduring
ordereffective employedthe other
solutions infor phases.
this regard.LEED
decreasing The
the
(Leadership
greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector. These systems require high investments which are returned through theThe
LEED for
fundamental Environmental
commissioning and Energy
system Design)
is is suggested
discussed briefly and discussed
while a here
detailed in order to
explanation be employed
for the in this
processes, regard.
tasks and
heat
LEED
sales. fundamental
responsibilities
Due to of theeachcommissioning
stakeholder
changed climatein system
building isprojects
conditions discussed briefly
is presented.
and building while a policies,
detailed helps
Commissioning
renovation explanation
heat to reviewfor
demand the future
inDesign
the processes,
couldtasks
Documentations and
decrease,
responsibilities
make theof
recommendations
prolonging each stakeholder
investment to the design
return in team
building
period. and projects
pertaining is presented. Commissioning
to functionality helps of
and workability to commissioned
review Design systems.Documentations and
In addition,
make
itThe recommendations
aidsmain
to review Owner to the
Project design team
Requirements and pertaining
(OPR) and to functionality
Basis Of Design and workability
(BOD). This of
ensurescommissioned
the achievement
scope of this paper is to assess the feasibility of using the heat demand – outdoor temperature function for heat demand systems.
of In
high addition,
levels of
it aids to review and
professionalism Owner Project Requirements
technicalities in the (OPR)
different and Basisphases
construction Of Design
of (BOD). This
buildings. The ensures
paper the achievement
presents at the end of
a high levels
designed of
chart
forecast. The district of Alvalade, located in Lisbon (Portugal), was used as a case study. The district is consisted of 665
professionalism and technicalities
for the entire commissioning in thethat
processes different
can aidconstruction
the process phases of buildings.
of assuring The paperinpresents
energy efficiency buildings.at the end a designed chart
buildings that vary in both construction period and typology. Three weather scenarios (low, medium, high) and three district
for the entire commissioning processes that can aid the process of assuring energy efficiency in buildings.
renovation scenarios were developed (shallow, intermediate, deep). To estimate the error, obtained heat demand values were
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
© compared
2019 The
Copyright ©with results
Authors.
2019 fromLtd.
Published
Elsevier a dynamic
by Elsevierheat demand model, previously developed and validated by the authors.
Ltd
Selection and peer-review underAll rights reserved.
responsibility of the scientific committee of the Special Issue on Emerging and Renewable
Selection
The andshowed
results peer-review
that underonly
when responsibility of theisscientific committee of the 6th International Conference foron Emerging and
Selection
Energy: and peer-review
Generation and under responsibilitychange
Automation.
weather considered,
of the scientific the margin
committee of theof error
Special could be Emerging
Issue on acceptable and some applications
Renewable
Renewable
(the error Energy:
in annual Generation
demand andlower
was Automation,
than ICEREGA
20% for all 2018. scenarios considered). However, after introducing renovation
weather
Energy: Generation and Automation.
scenarios, the error value increased up to 59.5% (depending on the weather and renovation scenarios combination considered).
Keywords: LEED, O&M, Commissioning, Rating systems, Energy saving
The value
Keywords: of slope
LEED, O&M,coefficient
Commissioning, increased
Ratingon average
systems, within
Energy the range of 3.8% up to 8% per decade, that corresponds to the
saving
decrease in the number of heating hours of 22-139h during the heating season (depending on the combination of weather and
renovation scenarios considered). On the other hand, function intercept increased for 7.8-12.7% per decade (depending on the
coupled scenarios). The values suggested could be used to modify the function parameters for the scenarios considered, and
improve the accuracy of heat demand estimations.

© 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Peer-review under responsibility of the Scientific Committee of The 15th International Symposium on District Heating and
* Corresponding author. Tel.: +966-92-000-3331 Ext: 7923; fax: +966-12-637-7447.
Cooling.
* E-mail address:author.
Corresponding Tel.: +966-92-000-3331 Ext: 7923; fax: +966-12-637-7447.
momohamed@effatuniversity.edu.sa
E-mail address: momohamed@effatuniversity.edu.sa
Keywords: Heat demand; Forecast; Climate change
1876-6102 Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
1876-6102 Copyright
Selection and © 2019
peer-review Elsevier
under Ltd. All of
responsibility rights reserved. committee of the Special Issue on Emerging and Renewable Energy: Generation
the scientific
Selection
and and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Special Issue on Emerging and Renewable Energy: Generation
Automation.
and Automation.
1876-6102 © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Peer-review under responsibility of the Scientific Committee of The 15th International Symposium on District Heating and Cooling.
1876-6102 © 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 6th International Conference on Emerging and
Renewable Energy: Generation and Automation, ICEREGA 2018.
10.1016/j.egypro.2019.04.038
370 Mady A.A. Mohamed / Energy Procedia 162 (2019) 369–378
2 Mady Mohamed/ Energy Procedia 00 (2019) 000–000

1 Introduction
Buildings consume the largest amount of energy among the different industrial sectors all over the world and
particularly in the Middle East. In recent researches [1-7], authors confirmed the significance of prioritizing the energy
consumption in buildings. Zheng et. al. [2] mentioned that large-scale public buildings accounts for almost 30% of
the energy consumption by civil buildings in China. Mutani et. al. [3] confirmed that energy efficiency in buildings is
one of the key priorities for European low carbon transition. Tardioli et. al. revealed that residential and commercial
buildings account for about 14% of greenhouse gas emissions and 40% of total energy consumption of the built
environment and according to the reports on the energy end-use consumption in the EU 27 for 2011 [7]. Tibermacine
et. al. [8] mentioned that only the residential buildings in Algeria consume 40% of total electricity consumption on
the national level. Wu et. al. [9] also revealed that building energy demand is the largest - with about 40% - among all
kind of power consumption sectors. Green rating systems can aid the processes of the construction industry during its
all phases.
Rating systems are designed to include groups of requirements for projects. These requirements are organized in
the form of credits. Projects earn their points by satisfying the credit’s intent. While each category includes
prerequisites and credits. The number of points the project earns determines its level of LEED certification. The weight
of each credit in points is determined on the potential impacts on human and the environment during the entire building
construction phases including the design, construction, and post-construction phases. Effects such as indoor
environmental performance, greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel use, air and water pollutants are examples of these
impacts. In order to quantify the impact of each type, several approaches are employed such as life-cycle assessment,
energy modelling, and transportation analysis. [10-12]. These credit weightings are shown in Table 1. LEED V4 are
awarded according to the following scale in Table 2.
Table 1: The credits weighting of the environmental categories of the LEED Table 2: Certification scale of LEED [11]

Total LEED
Category LEED v3
Credits Ratings
Integrative Process 1 Certified 40-49 point
Location and Transportation 16 Silver 50-59 points
Sustainable Sites 10 Gold 60-79 points
Water Efficiency 11 Platinum 80+ points
Energy & Atmosphere 33
Materials & Resources 13
Indoor Environmental Quality 16
Innovation in Design 6
Regional Priority 4
Total 110
LEED rating system divides the commissioning process into two main categories; 1) Fundamental Commissioning
and 2) Enhanced Commissioning. The fundamental commissioning is the scope of current research [13]. The building
fundamental commissioning is mandatory for to support the building construction phases of a project that meets the
OPR for Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ), energy, water, and durability [13, 14]. Commissioning aims at enhancing
the quality of systems start-up and aid in the orderly transfer of systems to the Owner’s beneficial use [15]. This
assures the owner/operator that the commissioned systems have been installed in the prescribed manner, and operate
according to the performance guidelines of the BOD. According to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) [16], Commissioning is defined as “A quality-focused process for
enhancing the delivery of a project. The process focuses on verifying and documenting that the facility and all of its
systems and assemblies are planned, designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained to meet the OPR.”

The Commissioning Authority provides the owner with an unbiased, objective view of the system’s installation,
operation and performance [15].. Commissioning takes place continuously during the project and touches all parties
involved in design, construction as well as representatives of the Owner, and start-up and testing [17, 18].
 Mady A.A. Mohamed / Energy Procedia 162 (2019) 369–378 371
Author name / Energy Procedia 00 (2019) 000–000 3

2 Nomenclature
BOD Basis Of Design
Cx Authority A member of the Commissioning Team,
LEED Leadership for Environmental and Energy Design
OPR Owner Project Requirements
O&M Operation and Maintenance

3 Commissioning Systems
The scope of Commissioning varies from project to project depending on the Owner’s needs and budget [19-21].
The commissioning (Cx) process activities should be implemented in accordance with ASHRAE Guideline 0-2005
and ASHRAE Guideline 1.1–2007 for HVAC&R Systems in terms of for electrical, mechanical, , plumbing,
and renewable energy systems and assemblies, related to IEQ, energy, water, and durability [22]. In general, the
commissioning can cover three main systems:
1 Mechanical Systems: This includes; Air Handling Units, Absorption chillers including pumps and piping,
cooling towers including pumps and piping, Fan coil units, Supply and Exhaust Fans, and Pressurization Fans,
2 Electrical Systems: This includes; Variable Frequency Drives associated with the HVAC System, Emergency
Generator, and Lighting Control System,
3 Renewable Energy Systems: This includes; Domestic Hot Water System, and Photovoltaic system.
Moreover, commissioning is a holistic approach emphasizing the connections between components and the overall
building energy efficiency [23-25]. According to ASHRAE [26], Figure 1 illustrates the relationship between the
commissioning process and integrated individual energy-efficiency measures which will be explained later in details.
Design/construction/sta Metering; energy management system; energy information system
rt‐up Proper/optimal application of tools and procedures
Development and Test and verify that systems and displays match specifications
adherence to design Trending, benchmarking, and other data for the purpose of commissioning and improved operations
intent
Review of submittals
Proper equipment, Rooftop plantation Photovoltaic generation
thermal distribution Efficient lighting
system optimization, etc. equipment and controls
Construction Improving Verification that
Automated ventilation Insulation equipment installed same
control as specified
Sensors for control  Controls and sensors
Calibration/accuracy as per design intent.
Lighting
Proper placement other Emergency circuits
control using
always on
data for commissioning natural light
i h l li
Lighting
High control using
Efficient windows, efficiency motion detector KEY:
insulation, other light fixtures sensors
envelope components Restriction for Conventional efficiency
Verify that materials sunlight measure
and installation match
design intent Commissioning
Design and application measures
to ensure avoidance of
moisture and thermal
comfort problems Rainwater utilization
High‐efficiency
heating/cooling equipment systems

Efficient HVAC equipment and controls

Direct observation (e.g., schedules; variable‐speed drive functionality disabled; time clocks not used; simultaneous heating and cooling)
Pre‐functional tests (e.g., pipe‐pressure testing; duct leakage; valve leakage; witness testing in factory, if necessary)
Functional tests (e.g., review pump and fan speeds; actuator and damper functioning; observe operation of control sequences; test extremes and crash‐
recovery)
Scheduling and rests match specs; if necessary seasonal testing

Figure 1: Relationships between commissioning and energy-efficiency measures, after ASHRAE [2]
372 Mady A.A. Mohamed / Energy Procedia 162 (2019) 369–378
4 Mady Mohamed/ Energy Procedia 00 (2019) 000–000

3.1 Commissioning Team

The Commissioning Team consists of representatives from each of the different parties involved in the design,
construction and operation of this facility: 1) Owner, Facilities Operations & Users; 2) Architect & Design
Professionals; 3) Program Manager; 4) Contractor, Subcontractors & Equipment Suppliers; and 5) the Commissioning
Authority & Cx Authority [27]. The time at which individual members join the team and the level of their participation
during the different phases of the project varies from member to member. The responsibility of the commissioning
Authority is to lead commission team to achieve the project goals. According to Alzarka [28], these responsibilities
are: 1) Review the OPR, BOD, and project design, 2) Develop and implement a Cx plan, 3) Confirm incorporation of
Cx requirements into the construction documents, 4) Develop construction checklists, 5) Develop a system test
procedure, 6) Verify system test execution, 7) Maintain an issues and benefits log throughout the Cx process, 8)
Prepare a final Cx process report, 9) Document all findings and recommendations and report directly to the owner
throughout the process.

3.2 Commissioning PLAN and phases

The commissioning plan defines the process of how commissioning is executed. According to ASHRAE, the
following table explains the contents of the Cx plan [26].

Table 3: Commissioning Plan Contents [26]

Introduction Purpose and general summary of the plan

General project information
Commissioning scope
Team contacts
Communication plan & protocols
Commissioning process
Commissioning documentation
Commissioning schedule
Overview of the project, emphasizing key project information and delivery method
Building assemblies, systems, subsystems and equipment to be commissioned on the project
Project-specific commissioning team members and contact information
Documentation of the communication channels to be used throughout the project
Detailed description of the project-specific tasks to be accomplished during the pre-design, design,
construction and operational phases, with associated roles and responsibilities
List of commissioning documents required to identify expectations, track conditions and decisions,
and validate/certify performance
Specific sequences of events and relative timeframes, dates and duration for commissioning

According to Reid [29], the commissioning processes could be divided into three main phases; 1) Design Phase,
2) Construction Phase, and 3) Operational Phase Figure 2 [30-33].

Integrate Cx into schedule

Refine Cx plan per shop drawings
Document design intent
Cx meeting and construction team meeting
Construction document Cx
Execute Cx plan
Review and Back-check
Review parafunctional checklist
Commissioning specifications
Start-up functional performance
Develop commissioning plan
Test & Balance
Document training
O&M manual

Final Cx report – Commissioning record

Systems concepts and operations manual
Opposed season testing
Warranty review meeting
Review O&M problems
Warranty items
Figure 2: Commissioning Phases [29]
 Mady A.A. Mohamed / Energy Procedia 162 (2019) 369–378 373
Author name / Energy Procedia 00 (2019) 000–000 5

However, Montgomery [34] add the pre-design phase as a separate one because of its importance in commissioning.
Therefore, the next section explains the four phases in terms of its scope, activities, plan, procedures, requirements,
and documentation.

3.2.1 Pre-Design Phase

1. Pre-Design Phase Overview: The Commissioning Process begins during the Programming Phase of the Project.
It is the first step in the Cx Processes to review the OPR. The commissioning authority develops and maintains
an “Issues Log” as required for the Commissioning Process. This Log tracks the status of Commissioning related
project issues, actions taken, and final resolution [34].
2. Pre-Design Phase Commissioning Activities: Using the whole building approach in commissioning of all
systems has proven to be beneficial on many projects. However, owners may want to look at commissioning
systems that yields the greatest benefit to them based on the budget constraints,.
3. Develop Commissioning Plan: It identifies processes and procedures necessary for a successful Commissioning
Process. The commissioning plan addresses the OPR and reflects the defined scope and budget for the
commissioning process in addition to the description of each member in the commissioning team. An efficient
energy management system can reduce energy consumption and operational cost and provide a comfortable and
healthy indoor environment where it can lead to 5-15% energy savings in existing buildings [35].
4. Establish Issues Log Procedures: An Issues Log contains detailed descriptions of design, installation, or
performance issues that are at variance with construction documents or the OPR. The Cx Authority prepares and
updates the Log. The Cx Authority tracks Issues as they are encountered during the Design, Construction, and
Operation Phases of the project. The Cx Authority maintains the Log with the status of all current and resolved
issues. On a periodic basis the Cx Authority generates a written narrative report describing the outstanding issues
and the status of each Issue.
5. Pre-Design Phase Acceptance Requirements: The primary commissioning documents created during the Pre-
Design Phase are the OPR, the preliminary commissioning plan and the Issues Log.
6. Pre-Design Phase Documentation: Documentation delivered at the conclusion of the Pre-Design Phase
includes: 1) Owner’s Project Requirements, 2) Preliminary Commissioning Plan, and 3) Updated Issues Log

3.3 Design Phase Commissioning

1. Design Phase Overview: During the design phase of the project delivery process, the OPR are translated into
construction documents. The Cx Authority provides focused reviews of the contract documents at the various
stages of completion to insure the Cx Process requirements are incorporated into the contract documents. The
Cx Authority develops the “Basis of Design Document” template. It is vital at this stage to consider the passive
design strategies and techniques that can save the energy consumption significantly. This can include efficient
building enclosure with particular attention to solar shading and air tightness, domestic hot water, providing the
building with renewable energy sources, wind collective mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery [36].

2. Design Phase Commissioning Activities

• Develop Commissioning Specifications: The Cx Authority develops a project specific commissioning
specification section to be included in the project specifications. The Cx Authority reviews the complete set of
specifications to insure proper cross references is made to all related sections. These review comments are issued
to the Architect for review and consideration for inclusion into the contract documents.
• Develop Basis of Design: The BOD is developed by the design team and facilitated by the Cx Authority. This
document details all assumptions made during the design phase. These are, codes, standards, occupant load,
noise criteria, etc. that are typically recorded in the designer’s files, but never transmitted to the Owner [37, 38].
• Perform Focused Review of Contract Documents: The general quality of the documents is evaluated by checking
for consistent layout and legibility of the contract documents. Compliance with the OPR along with ease of use
and clarity are the major issues reviewed. Sample areas of the facility are reviewed in detail in terms of
constructability and interfaces among disciplines to evaluate the accomplished coordination among the different
teams. Systematic errors, if any, are identified and resolved in this stage.
374 Mady A.A. Mohamed / Energy Procedia 162 (2019) 369–378
6 Mady Mohamed/ Energy Procedia 00 (2019) 000–000

• Identify Training Requirements: The training requirements of the operation and maintenance personnel are
identified based on the designed systems and assemblies of the project. The goal of the Cx process is to identify
in the specifications the required time for each required training, the number of training sessions, the expected
experience and knowledge of the trainer, and commissioning procedures for submittal of training Plan, handouts,
record of training, and evaluation feedback from the trainees. One additional step the Cx Authority performs is
the follow-up evaluation from each of the Training Session Attendees.
• Pre-Bid Meeting: During the Pre-Bid Meeting, the Commissioning Authority presents an overview of the
commissioning process and identifies specific areas in the construction documents that require unique
performance from the contractor. Questions from the Bidders also are addressed.

1. Design Phase Acceptance Requirements: When the Contract Documents are issued for Bid, the Cx Authority
submits the design phase commissioning documents to the commissioning team members for review and
acceptance. The updated BOD document and the commissioning plan are updated and issued to the Bidders as
Information Only.
2. Design Phase Documentation: Documentation delivered at the conclusion of the Design Phase includes: 1)
Design Review Comments, 2) Updated Owner’s Project Requirements, 3) Updated Basis of Design, 4)
Commissioning Specifications, 5) Updated Commissioning Plan, 6) Updated Issues Log

3.4 Construction Phase Commissioning

1. Construction Phase Overview: It begins with the notice to proceed and concludes on the date of substantial
completion [39]. During this Phase, systems and assemblies are installed, inspected, tested, and placed into
service to meet the OPR.

2. Construction Phase Commissioning Activities

• Commissioning Kick-Off Meeting: Within almost sixty days after the Notice to Proceed, the commissioning
authority conducts a commissioning kick-off meeting to introduce the contractor and subcontractors to the
commissioning process requirements for the project. The OPR, BOD, Commissioning Plan, unique Contract
Document requirements, and the commissioning-related roles and responsibilities of the Contractor are
reviewed.
• Progress Meetings: The Commissioning Authority periodically attends the job progress meetings. The Cx
Authority notifies all expected attendees well in advance of scheduling a Commissioning Progress Meeting.
• Project Schedule: The Cx Authority provides to the Contractor a detailed schedule of commissioning activities
to be performed on the project. A vital activity in the Cx Process is the functional performance testing of the
systems being commissioned. It is imperative that adequate time be allotted for in the schedule for this testing.
• Submittal / RFI Reviews: The Cx Authority reviews commissioning related submittals for quality. Any
deviations from the submittal requirements are compared to the BOD document for any positive or negative
impacts. Construction checklist are initial static inspections and procedures that prepare the system or the
equipment for first operation (eg. oil levels, labels affixed, fan belt tension, calibration for sensors, gauges in
place, etc.). Some checklist items need simple testing of the function of a component, piece of equipment or
system (eg. measuring voltages and current values, checking rotations, etc.).
• Operation & Maintenance Data: One of the requirements of the commissioning process is to compile all O&R
Data prior to performing functional performance testing or owner training sessions. This requires the contractor
to submit the O&R data to the architect and the Cx Authority immediately after receipt of the approved submittal
package.
• Construction Checklists: These are important to ensure that the systems and the equipment are operational and
that functional performance testing could be proceed immediately. The Cx Authority develops a construction
checklist for each major piece of equipment included in the systems being commissioned. The checklists are to
be completed by the contractor and returned to the Cx Authority for inclusion in the final commissioning report.
• Contractor QA / QC Testing: Providing the Quality Assurance and Quality Control Testing and administrative
procedures in addition to record all procedures used and results of the testing have to be done by the Contractor
as required by the contract documents. The Commissioning Authority should be notified in advance of all testing
 Mady A.A. Mohamed / Energy Procedia 162 (2019) 369–378 375
Author name / Energy Procedia 00 (2019) 000–000 7

performed on the project.

• Pre-Installation Conferences: This is held by the contractor as required by the contract documents. The Cx
Authority only is involved with the Conferences related to the systems being commissioned. The Test and
Balance (TAB) Conference is a major event in the commissioning process.
• Functional Performance Test Procedures: Systems are tested under various modes under full operation (dynamic
testing), such as during high loads, low cooling or heating loads, component failures, varying outdoor air
temperatures, unoccupied, fire alarm, power failure, etc. The systems are run through all of the control system’s
sequences of operation and components are verified to be responding as the sequences state. The Cx Authority
develops the test procedures and issue to the commissioning team for review and comment. Once the test
procedures are finalized, a meeting is held to plan the sequencing and scheduling of the functional performance
testing.
• Corrective Issue Reports: This is generated by the Commissioning Authority when issues or problems arise
during the functional performance testing procedures. The report describes the problem condition along with any
related reference information and issued to the contractor for corrective action.
• Develop Systems Manuals: One of the benefits for the operations personnel from the commissioning process is
the systems manuals prepared by the Commissioning Authority. It encompasses gathering all of the information
related to the systems, assemblies and the commissioning process, and incorporating it into a usable information
resource, with indexes and cross references. This shall include the final OPR, BOD Document, Commissioning
Plan, Commissioning Process Report, manufacturer installation manuals, manufacturer operation and
maintenance manuals, system schematics, Record Drawings and test results [40, 41].
• Coordinate Training Sessions: The commissioning process requires all training sessions follow pre-approved
agendas, all attendees sign the attendance sheet during the sessions, and a follow-up evaluation is performed to
verify that the trainees were provided with the pertinent information to properly operate and maintain the facility.
The Contractor submits a separate Training Form for each training session required by the Contract Documents
to the Commissioning Authority. This form shall be submitted a minimum of fourteen calendar days in advance
of the proposed training session [23].

3. Construction Phase Acceptance Requirements: Acceptance of the construction phase of the commissioning
process requires the owner’s acceptance of the systems manuals, verified test reports, and training reports,
consistent with recommendations of the Architect/Engineer and other appropriate commissioning team members.
4. Construction Phase Documentation: Documentation delivered at the conclusion of the construction phase
includes: 1) Completed Construction Checklists, 2) Completed QA / QC Test Reports, 3) Completed Functional
Test Procedures, 4) Completed Corrective Issue Reports, 5) Completed Training Records, 6) Updated
Commissioning Plan, 7) Updated Basis of Design, 8) System Manuals

3.5 Occupancy/Operation Phase Commissioning

1. Occupancy / Operations Phase Overview: At this point, the Commissioning Process activities continue to the
end of the contractual warranty/correction period. During the post construction phase (Occupancy and
Operations), the updated OPR is being used to review the on-going operation, maintenance, and modification of
the facility systems and assemblies, and their associated documentation [42]. In order to increase the life time
and reduce the probability of the failure of the electric power components, a preventive maintenance scheduling
is carried [43]. Where maintenance is defined as “the combination of all technical, administrative and
managerial actions during the life cycle of an item intended to retain it in, or restore it to, a state in which it can
perform the required function”. Another definition in concordance with the first definition is provided by the
UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), defining the maintenance as “the management, control, execution
and quality of those activities which will ensure that optimum levels of availability and overall performance of
plant are achieved, in order to meet business objectives” [44].

2. Occupancy / Operations Phase Commissioning Activities

• Seasonal Testing: During the con
• Verification of the Construction Phase, performance of all systems and assemblies being commissioned should
376 Mady A.A. Mohamed / Energy Procedia 162 (2019) 369–378
8 Mady Mohamed/ Energy Procedia 00 (2019) 000–000

be completed. However, some verification activities needs certain load and weather conditions, or occupant
interactions that should be done the earlier after occupancy under the required conditions.
• Final Commissioning Report: The final commissioning report compiled by the Cx Authority is issued to the
Owner for record of the Commissioning Process. This Report is a compilation of all the Commissioning related
documents, forms, logs, and miscellaneous correspondences that was generated during the project.
• Month Lessons Learned Meeting: Ten months into the typical twelve-month warranty period, the Cx Authority
reconvenes the commissioning team to meet with the owner and building staff. This meeting is intended to solicit
the user comments, suggestions, and areas of concern regarding the systems and their first year of operation.
• Occupancy / Operations Phase Acceptance Requirements: This phase of the commissioning process includes the
formal acceptance of any deferred testing &training, the final project Systems Manuals, and the final
Commissioning Process Progress Report.
• Occupancy / Operations Phase Documentation: Documentation delivered at the conclusion of the Occupancy /
Operations Phase includes: 1) Final Commissioning Report, 2) Lessons Learned Summary, 3) Updated System

As a results of this analytical literature review, Figure 3 summarizes the main tasks during the different project
commissioning phases. The chart divides the commission processes into three phases; Design phase, Construction
phase, and the Operation phase. The main tasks in each phase is highlighted to reach the final commissioning report.
Adapting such commissioning process can assure the highest efficiency of project delivery that can lead to 5-15%
energy savings in existing buildings [35] while it can save up to 35% of the required energy in new construction [12].

Figure 3: The process of the commissioning during the different phases, by the author

4 Conclusion
The current paper reviewed and analyzed the fundamental commissioning process during the different phases of
building construction. These phases are: pre-design phase, design phase, construction phase, and operational phase.
This can assure energy saving in buildings. Several conclusions could be drawn from this research:
1. Commissioning system is vital part of the operational lifetime in order to achieve the highest energy efficiency
in reality,
2. Commissioning is a comprehensive approach that should be started from the pre-design phase and end by the
operation phase after occupancy,
3. Commissioning should be done with a holistic approach that ensure the integration between the components
 Mady A.A. Mohamed / Energy Procedia 162 (2019) 369–378 377
Author name / Energy Procedia 00 (2019) 000–000 9

and the energy efficiency of the overall building,

4. Commissioning is not only the responsibility of the commissioning agent or the commissioning authority, but
also it is the responsibility of all the buildings’ stockholders. This is includes, Owner, Facilities Operations &
Users, Architect & Design Professionals, Program Manager, Contractor, Subcontractors & Equipment
Suppliers, and the Commissioning Authority & Cx Authority,
5. Passive strategies and techniques - such as; efficient building enclosure with particular attention to solar
shading and air tightness, domestic hot water, providing the building with renewable energy sources, wind
collective mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery - should be addressed in the design phase to
ensure energy saving,
6. An efficient energy management system can cut energy consumption (5-15% energy savings in existing
buildings and up to 35% in new construction), operational and maintenance cost and provide a better IEQ.

5 Acknowledgment
The author would like to thank Design Firm for Engineering and Consultancy to allow the author to use the material
of a prepared technical report for Fundamental Commissioning for the Headquarter of Audi Bank, new Cairo, Egypt.
Also, thanks goes to Eng. Hazem Yousef, the Cx Authority of the commissioning team for his great efforts in preparing
the technical report.
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