Retrocommissioning solutions

What is retrocommissioning?

Retrocommissioning is a systematic process for “tuning up” the major components of a building to improve energy efficiency. It specifically focuses on improving the control of energy-using equipment (e.g., heating, ventilation, and air conditioning [HVAC] equipment and lighting) and typically does not involve equipment replacement. Typical measures are low-cost with a simple payback of two years or less based on electricity savings.

Retrocommissioning has many benefits. Here are a few: 

• Energy and cost savings
• Improved equipment performance and extended life
• Increased productivity and asset value
• Improved occupant comfort and indoor air quality
• Increased operations and maintenance (O&M) staff capabilities and expertise
• Improved building documentation

Mid-sized facilities building tuneup

For buildings that are at least 15,000 square feet, the program can help you take measures such as:

• Corrections to HVAC and lighting equipment operating schedules
• Adjustments to air-side economizer operation and minimum percentage of outdoor air intake
• Repairs to air-side economizer sensors and damper actuators
• HVAC coil cleaning and refrigerant recharge

Traditional Retrocommissioning & Monitoring-Based Commissioning

For facilities over 50,000 square feet, customers must commit to spending at least $3,000 to implement identified measures. For facilities over 150,000 square feet or 3 million kWh of annual usage, customers can choose to participate in the Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBCx), which allows for additional data collection and greater energy savings. Both processes target a wide range of possible measures, including:

• HVAC components, including optimizing and checking airside economizers, confirming, and adjusting set points for temperature and static duct pressure, verifying system scheduling, identifying/repairing evaporator valve leaks, and eliminating simultaneous heating and cooling
• Central plant, including revising control sequencing, reducing equipment runtime and scheduling systems, and optimizing chilled- and condenser-water supply temperature reset strategies
• Lighting systems, including fine-tuning existing controls
• Compressed air, refrigeration and process equipment optimization

Rebates

Traditional Retrocommissioning and Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBCx) Solutions provide a rebate for large facilities of $0.05 per kilowatt-hour for the first year of electricity savings plus $100 per average peak kW saved. The peak period is defined as the hours from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday – Friday, July, and August. QSPs involved in Traditional Retrocommissioning who actively bring in eligible projects will receive a higher rebate rate at each phase ($0.06/kWh @ IP; $0.04/kWh @ VP), subject to the Customer rebate cap as shown below.

The program also pays for the analysis, diagnostics, and technical assistance provided for all customers, including Building Tuneup customers.

Building Tuneup customers must agree to pay the Building Tune-up QSPs $500 for every 50,000 sq. ft. of conditioned floor space with the customer agreeing to directly pay the Building Tune-up QSPs a minimum of $500 for Building Tune-Up services.

In addition to the incentives above, MBCx customers will receive 50% of the cost, up to $15,000, to pay for integrating monitoring software and hardware. Another 50%, up to $15,000, is available upon successful completion of an MBCx project. New construction buildings are eligible for 100% of the cost, up to $12,000, for integrating monitoring software and hardware on new buildings.

Eligibility

To participate in the program, you must be an SRP customer enrolled in an eligible nonresidential retail electric price plan. In addition:

• Mid-sized facilities building tuneup: Buildings must be at least 15,000 square feet, at least 2 years old, and use package HVAC units.
• Traditional Retrocommissioning & MBCx: Buildings must be at least 50,000 square feet, at least 2 years old, and have a functional energy management system. There is one exception: New construction buildings that are at least 150,000 square feet can qualify for monitoring-based commissioning.

The building owner, along with O&M staff, must express a commitment to be actively involved in the retrocommissioning process.

How to participate

Traditional Retrocommissioning & MBCx

1. Submit a completed project application for review and approval by SRP.
2. Supply building documentation and support SRP's information collection process.
   MBCx Only: Integrate MBCx software with current EMS.
3. Provide required data trending and retrieval for relevant building systems, equipment, set points and operations as requested.
4. Assist with SRP's investigation activities.
5. Contract or arrange the implementation activities.
6. Manage the completion of recommended measures.
7. Support the SRP verification process.

Mid-sized facilities building tune-up

1. Complete and submit the project application and supporting documents. Refer to the program manual for more information.
2. Sign the SRP commitment to proceed and the Building Tuneup QSP Agreement.

Contact us

Call us at (480) 768-6989 or email dgest@resource-innovations.com.