ESCO ESCO Commissioning and Retro-Commissioning 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary goal of retro-commissioning (RCx) as an ESCO measure?
- To restore existing building systems to their original design intent and identify operational improvements without capital replacement (Correct answer)
- To demolish and replace all HVAC equipment
- To certify the building for LEED Platinum status
- To upgrade the building automation system to a cloud-based platform
Correct answer: To restore existing building systems to their original design intent and identify operational improvements without capital replacement
RCx investigates and corrects control sequences, setpoints, and maintenance deficiencies so existing equipment performs as originally intended.
Question 2: Which document produced during the commissioning process formally records all discovered deficiencies and their resolution status?
- Issues Log (Deficiency Log) (Correct answer)
- Commissioning Plan
- Systems Manual
- Test and Balance Report
Correct answer: Issues Log (Deficiency Log)
The Issues Log tracks each deficiency found during testing, assigns responsibility, and records when each issue is corrected and verified.
Question 3: In ASHRAE Guideline 0, what is the 'Owner's Project Requirements' (OPR) document?
- A written statement of the owner's functional requirements, performance expectations, and quality standards for the project (Correct answer)
- The contractor's bid proposal listing equipment brands
- The local utility's interconnection agreement
- The mechanical engineer's equipment schedule
Correct answer: A written statement of the owner's functional requirements, performance expectations, and quality standards for the project
The OPR defines what the owner expects the building to do, providing the benchmark against which commissioning verifies actual performance.
Question 4: Which building system is most commonly targeted first in an ESCO retro-commissioning scope because it offers the fastest payback?
- HVAC controls and scheduling (Correct answer)
- Domestic hot water piping insulation
- Elevator modernization
- Fire suppression system
Correct answer: HVAC controls and scheduling
Correcting HVAC control sequences, scheduling errors, and setpoint issues typically costs little but yields immediate energy reductions.
Question 5: What is 'functional performance testing' (FPT) in the commissioning process?
- Dynamic testing of equipment and systems to verify they operate correctly through all modes and sequences under varying conditions (Correct answer)
- Static nameplate verification of installed equipment
- A paper review of submittals and shop drawings
- Pressure testing of refrigerant circuits only
Correct answer: Dynamic testing of equipment and systems to verify they operate correctly through all modes and sequences under varying conditions
FPT exercises each system through its full range of operating modes to confirm controls, interlocks, and sequences work as designed.
Question 6: Which ASHRAE standard specifically establishes the process and requirements for building commissioning?
- ASHRAE Guideline 0 — The Commissioning Process (Correct answer)
- ASHRAE Standard 90.1
- ASHRAE Standard 55
- ASHRAE Standard 62.1
Correct answer: ASHRAE Guideline 0 — The Commissioning Process
ASHRAE Guideline 0 is the foundational document defining commissioning phases, deliverables, and responsibilities from pre-design through occupancy.
ESCO ESCO Commissioning and Retro-Commissioning 1
What is the primary goal of retro-commissioning (RCx) as an ESCO measure?