Existing buildings consume more than their required energy. Retro-commissioning (RCx) is a systematic, documented process that identifies low-cost operational and maintenance improvements in existing buildings and brings the facilities to the design intentions of their current energy usage. Our team have involved in various RCx projects and worked with local utility companies to reduce energy and improve indoor air quality in existing buildings. We currently provide retro-commissioning services in the Los Angeles, CA, and San Diego, CA.
Our team members use highly efficient tools to identify the energy savings in an existing building. BTU Engineers have standalone data loggers and use software like MATLAB and other recognized industry tools to quantify energy savings. Our team members helped owners in receiving rebates. Most RCx programs are at no cost to building owners.
Our RCx Approach:
We work with utilities on RCx programs, so we comply with their scope of work. Our customized RCx audit includes auditing the entire building, including a study of past three-year utility bills, developing Energy Star benchmarking, and interviewing facility personnel. The diagnostic monitoring and functional tests of building systems are executed and analyzed. Building systems are retested and monitored to fine-tune improvements. This process helps find and repair operational problems. The identification of more complex issues is presented to the owner as well. A final report, recommissioning plan, and schedule are then given to the owner. Training will be provided to the building operators on operating and maintaining the equipment efficiently.
Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBCx):
Monitoring-based commissioning is an energy study developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; the study relies on measurements of energy use to diagnose problems, account for savings, and help ensure that energy savings persist over time. Our goal for this study is to ensure that energy savings are maintained over time while preserving and improving a building’s environmental profile. Our study will also provide building owners to make informed, effective energy decisions.