Recommissioning for existing buildings

Recommissioning (RCx) improves buildings to save energy and make buildings more comfortable for their occupants.

Substantial savings

RCx can yield energy savings of 5 to 15 percent with a typical payback period of less than three years in most cases. Annual savings can sometimes reach 30 percent.

Recommissioning is one of the most economical ways to improve a building’s performance because it:

• Optimizes energy efficiency
• Optimizes building operations
• Improves peak building energy demand management
• Ensures the sustainable development and operation of buildings
• Improves business strategies

Use these tools and services

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) offers a range of tools and services for engineers, managers, owners and stakeholders of institutional and commercial buildings who want to use RCx to improve their buildings’ performance.

Efficient Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning (HVAC) Operation during a Pandemic: Self-evaluation Tool and Guide

NRCan has developed this voluntary, self-assessment Tool and Guide to provide feedback on the impact of your HVAC strategies during and after pandemics. It highlights key areas and best practices for efficient HVAC operation during these times. Learn more about it!

Tuning Up: A Framework for Existing Building Commissioning

Tuning Up, a framework developed by the Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) Working Group, focuses on broadening awareness of EBCx and highlights key actions for increasing its use in commercial, institutional and multi-unit residential buildings.

The key actions can be used to develop new programs and activities or be integrated into existing approaches. Find out more about the Tuning Up framework.

NRCan’s RCx guide

The more involved you are in the RCx process, the larger the benefits and the more lasting the impact. NRCan has developed a comprehensive guide on how to use RCx to affordably improve performance and save energy.

• Download the RCx Guide.
• Find the RCx Guide online.

Advanced training

NRCan developed a 3.5-day advanced RCx course for engineers and technicians. This course covers all stages of the RCx process: planning, investigation, implementation, hand-over and monitoring.

Training topics include:

• The system approach
• Efficient methods for uncovering problems
• Working with building staff
• Calculating savings
• Implementing RCx findings
• Updating documentation and providing targeted training
• Applying best practices in ongoing commissioning

Join an advanced training course.

Read our case study series

Learn how RCx projects reduced costs and greenhouse gas emissions, and improved comfort for these buildings’ occupants.

• Case Studies

Related links

• Building Recommissioning for Commercial and Institutional Buildings Opportunities for Owners and Property Investors, Natural Resources Canada (2011)
• Commissioning Guide for New Buildings, Natural Resources Canada (2010)
• Recommissioning case studies, Natural Resources Canada
• Building Optimization, Natural Resources Canada

Other commissioning resources

• Z320-11 - Building Commissioning Standard & Check Sheets, Canadian Standards Association, 2011
• New Construction Building Commissioning Best Practice, Building Commissioning Association (2011)
• ASHRAE Guideline 0-2013: The Commissioning Process, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (2013)
• Functional Testing Guide & Control System Design Guide, Portland Energy Conservation, Inc.