3 STEPS IN HEALING HOSPITAL EFFICIENCY

by Jacob Tsimanis PE, LEED AP, CPMP, BCxP.

Many hospitals that have never gone through a commissioning process, have building systems that are performing well below optimal level. Implementation of the commissioning process for these buildings is referred as Retro-Commissioning. Retro-Commissioning provides an opportunity to verify existing facility operational needs/parameters and is the most cost-effective strategy for reducing energy costs in existing facility. It focuses on saving energy by improving conventional building systems whether or not the building is equipped to be energy efficient. Commissioning adjusts the existing systems, improves building performance, saves energy, and extends equipment life. Additionally, it verifies the facility and systems meets requirements. It also identifies and resolves building systems controls and maintenance problems. It improves indoor environment quality, can be used to address complaints from the building’s occupants, reduces associated liability and minimizes operational risk. The cost of commissioning is thus largely time and labor, as opposed to material and capital equipment. 

Commissioning/Retro-Commissioning Three Step Approach:

Planning.  Evaluations on retro-commissioning projects start with a plan. Each building is unique and presents its own set of challenges. To have the best possible solution, the commissioning professional must understand the building as a “whole,” versus looking at individual systems/components. In addition, the commissioning professional should become knowledgeable with the facility and be familiar with all drawings, reports, evaluations, operations, physical plan limitations, and associated risks with the project. Performing trend analysis, and utilizing facility control systems allows the commissioning professional to receive and analyze information related to the peak and lows of the systems performance.

Commissioning varies as compared to other energy savings strategies because it does accept what it is in the building as the optimal solution. Commissioning is not a remedy for energy and climate problems, but it is an approach to applying best practices in an effort to achieve optimal facility performance. As a result of this approach, efficiencies and cost savings to individual categories (i.e. energy and climate) are often attained. The approach it will improve thermal comfort, productivity and indoor air quality.

Investigation. Retro-Commissioning is systematic approach in building/space functionality, equipment performance, occupant scheduling, controls, and risk management. All building systems, equipment, and interactions between them are tested and confirmed they meet requirements. Sequences of operations are investigated. Existing systems drawings are verified and compared to the actual installation. Reliability, maintainability, and availability of the equipment, deficiency reports and efficiency analytics are investigated and verified. Consistencies of the air balance and pressurization requirements are verified and controls instrumentation calibrations are reviewed and validated. Starting with respective zones and establishing required air controlled environment and what is in compliance and what is not. As a final face of the investigation a process a plan/schedule for Retro-Commissioning improvements and energy conservation measures is created.

Implementation. For the starting point of Retro-Commissioning implementation, the simplest items will be fixed first. Leaking ductwork, control reset schedules, missing insulation, damper position, and one degree dead band and control set points, are several examples. In addition, implementation of a temperature reset (set back mode) during low occupancy or in partially occupied areas and/or replacement of fluorescent lighting to LED lighting. Installation of variable frequency drives in HVAC and Domestic water pumps will be able to deliver positive operational and energy savings. Updating control programming and optimize equipment operations and operational strategies should be considered as well. Implementation of predictive maintenance programs to include energy management systems and automatic temperature control training for all maintenance personal can also improve system building performance. Effective implementation of retro-commissioning will ensure systems operations are properly documented will improve personal training and increase the facility value. Additionally, it makes desired facility improvements and repairs assists the facilities achieve green building certification.

Retro-Commissioning has the potential to save at least 10% to 15% on facility energy cost. Improvements in non-energy categories will improve thermal comfort, indoor air quality, ongoing labor cost, equipment life, productivity and safety, vastly improving the quality of life within a facility.