Retro-Commissioning
(RCx)
Over time, building efficiency decreases that costs you to spend more to operate the building. When it comes to energy savings, a great deal of focus is equipment replacement that costs high CAPEX. While it is very important to have efficient equipment, controlling it correctly is equally important. Retro-commissioning (RCx)
is the systematic process that optimizes your building controls to improve building systems and operations. Through the process of auditing, investigating, and system implementation and verification, BeOps is with you through every step until you recognize cost reduction on your utility bills.
RCx is one of the least expensive investments in your building you can make. Compared to other capital projects, RCx existing HVAC, electrical, and lighting control systems is more attractive, as it often provides a shorter payback period than replacing equipment or making system modifications. In a 2009 Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) study, researchers found an average payback time of only 1.1 years for RCx. The average verified energy savings ranging from 5 to 20%. Improvements can be seen in energy efficiency, operation (energy and O&M) cost reduction, greenhouse gas reduction, safety, comfort and even equipment lifetimes.
Determine if RCx is right for your building
There are several signs that your building needs RCx. If any of these apply to your building, RCx will likely reveal significant savings:
- Your building has NOT done a RCx before. Any building with a controls system should conduct RCx every 5 years.
- Capital is limited to conduct major equipment upgrade. Cost of RCx is significantly lower than a new chiller.
- Need a cost-effective way to reduce cost and carbon emissions. Simple payback of RCx is 1.1 years according to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) study.
- Higher EUI (energy use intensity) compared to similar buildings.
- EUI is calculated based on important factors such as square footage, utility data and weather. A building with a poor EUI is inefficient and is probably a good candidate for RCx.
- Frequent equipment and control failures also indicate a building’s need for RCx.
- Occupant complaints indicate that the building systems are either overloaded or poorly controlled. The latter case, which is more likely, is another sign that controls probably need a tune-up.
- Your building has NOT done a RCx before. Any building with a controls system should conduct RCx every 5 years.
- Capital is limited to conduct major equipment upgrade. Cost of RCx is significantly lower than a new chiller.
- Need a cost-effective way to reduce cost and carbon emissions. Simple payback of RCx is 1.1 years according to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) study.
- Higher EUI (energy use intensity) compared to similar buildings.
- EUI is calculated based on important factors such as square footage, utility data and weather. A building with a poor EUI is inefficient and is probably a good candidate for RCx.
- Frequent equipment and control failures also indicate a building’s need for RCx.
- Occupant complaints indicate that the building systems are either overloaded or poorly controlled. The latter case, which is more likely, is another sign that controls probably need a tune-up.
