What is the role of building commissioning in FacOps?

• A. Increase energy consumption by design.
• B. Verify that systems operate according to design intent, perform functional tests, and address deficiencies before occupancy.
• C. Delay all testing until after occupancy.
• D. Create new building designs during commissioning.

Answer: (B)

Building commissioning is the process of verifying and documenting that building systems are designed, installed, and operating according to the owner's project requirements and the basis of design. Its role is to ensure systems operate as intended, perform functional tests, and address deficiencies before occupancy. This proactive testing covers HVAC, electrical, controls, and life-safety systems, verifying control sequences and confirming that energy systems work together as designed. The result is reliable operation, better energy performance, occupant comfort, and smoother ongoing maintenance with fewer post-occupancy changes. Commissioning is not about increasing energy use; it’s about validating performance. It isn’t about delaying testing until after occupancy or creating new designs during commissioning; it’s about confirming and settling the approved design and ensuring ready-to-operate systems.