The Role of Commissioning in DGNB Certification

The DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen or German Sustainable Building Council) certification system is a comprehensive sustainability assessment method for buildings and urban districts. It covers a wide array of factors contributing to the overall sustainability of a building, from environmental impacts to economic viability and social aspects. A critical component within the DGNB system is commissioning, which ensures that buildings perform as intended regarding energy efficiency, sustainability, and overall functionality. This article delves into the intricacies of commissioning in the context of DGNB certification, outlining its processes, importance, and benefits.

What is Commissioning in DGNB?

Commissioning in the DGNB context involves a systematic process of verifying and documenting that all building systems and components are designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained according to the owner’s project requirements and the project’s sustainability goals. This rigorous process ensures that the building functions optimally, adheres to sustainability standards, and meets the intended performance criteria set out during the planning stages.

Importance of Commissioning

1. Performance Verification: One of the primary objectives of commissioning is to ensure that the building operates as designed. This involves checking that all systems, including HVAC, lighting, and water management, meet the specified performance criteria. It helps identify any issues that could compromise the building’s functionality or sustainability goals.
2. Sustainability Goals: Commissioning is pivotal in achieving sustainability targets. By ensuring that all systems operate efficiently, commissioning helps reduce the building’s environmental footprint. It verifies that sustainable design intentions translate into actual performance, supporting the overall sustainability framework of the DGNB certification.
3. Cost Efficiency: Optimizing building systems for energy and resource efficiency can lead to significant cost savings. Commissioning helps identify inefficiencies and ensures that systems are calibrated for optimal performance, reducing operational costs over the building’s lifecycle.
4. User Comfort: Enhancing occupant comfort and satisfaction is another crucial aspect of commissioning. By ensuring optimal indoor environmental quality, commissioning contributes to a healthy and comfortable living or working environment, which is a key component of sustainable building design.

Commissioning Process in DGNB

The commissioning process in DGNB typically follows several stages, each critical to ensuring that the building meets its performance and sustainability goals.

1. Planning and Pre-Design Phase

• Define Objectives: The first step in the commissioning process is to establish the commissioning scope, goals, and objectives. These should align with the DGNB criteria and the owner’s project requirements.
• Commissioning Plan: Develop a comprehensive commissioning plan that outlines the process, responsibilities, timeline, and documentation requirements. This plan serves as a roadmap for the entire commissioning process.

2. Design Phase

• Review Design Documents: During the design phase, it’s essential to review the design documents to ensure they meet the owner’s requirements and sustainability goals. This review helps identify potential issues early on, allowing for adjustments before construction begins.
• Incorporate Commissioning Requirements: Integrate commissioning specifications into the design documents and construction contracts. This ensures that all parties involved in the project understand the commissioning requirements and their roles in the process.

3. Construction Phase

• Installation Verification: Regular inspections during the construction phase are crucial to verify that the installation of building systems complies with design specifications. These inspections help catch and correct issues before they become more significant problems.
• Functional Testing: Conduct functional performance tests to verify that systems operate correctly under all expected conditions. This testing ensures that all systems function as intended and meet the specified performance criteria.

4. Acceptance Phase

• System Verification: In the acceptance phase, verify that all systems and components meet performance criteria and operational requirements. This involves a final review and testing to ensure everything is working correctly before the building is occupied.
• Documentation: Compile and review all commissioning documentation, including test reports, inspection records, and system manuals. Comprehensive documentation is essential for ongoing maintenance and future re-commissioning efforts.

5. Post-Occupancy Phase

• Training: Provide training for facility management staff on system operations and maintenance. Proper training ensures that the staff can maintain and operate the systems effectively, supporting long-term building performance.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Implement ongoing performance monitoring and re-commissioning to maintain optimal building performance over time. Regular monitoring helps identify and address any issues that arise, ensuring the building continues to meet its performance and sustainability goals.

DGNB Criteria Related to Commissioning

DGNB’s criteria related to commissioning are integrated into several aspects of the certification system, primarily under the categories of Process Quality and Technical Quality. Key criteria include:

• QGNB 5.1.1 Planning and Conceptual Design: This criterion ensures that sustainability goals are integrated into the planning and design phases. It emphasizes the importance of setting clear sustainability objectives early in the project.
• QGNB 5.2.2 Construction and Assembly: This criterion verifies that construction practices align with sustainability and performance goals. It involves regular inspections and quality checks during the construction phase.
• QGNB 6.1.4 Commissioning: This specific criterion focuses on the commissioning process, requiring thorough verification and documentation of system performance. It ensures that the building’s systems are correctly installed and functioning as intended.

Benefits of Commissioning in DGNB

1. Enhanced Building Performance: Commissioning ensures that the building performs as intended, achieving energy and resource efficiency targets. It verifies that the systems are optimized for performance, reducing energy consumption and improving overall efficiency.
2. Reduced Operational Costs: By optimizing system performance, commissioning can significantly reduce operational costs. Efficient systems consume less energy and require less maintenance, leading to cost savings over the building’s lifecycle.
3. Improved Sustainability: Commissioning supports the achievement of DGNB certification by ensuring compliance with sustainability criteria. It verifies that the building meets the required sustainability standards, contributing to its overall environmental performance.
4. Increased Occupant Satisfaction: Enhanced occupant comfort and satisfaction are key benefits of commissioning. By ensuring optimal indoor environmental quality, commissioning creates a healthy and comfortable living or working environment, which is essential for sustainable building design.

Conclusion

Commissioning is a vital process within the DGNB certification system, ensuring that buildings meet their sustainability goals and perform optimally throughout their lifecycle. By following a systematic commissioning process, project teams can achieve significant benefits, including enhanced building performance, reduced operational costs, and improved occupant satisfaction. The rigorous verification and documentation involved in commissioning ensure that buildings not only meet design intentions but also operate efficiently and sustainably. As sustainability becomes increasingly important in the built environment, commissioning will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring that buildings achieve their full potential in terms of performance and sustainability.

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