The document summarizes lessons learned from retrocommissioning projects. It provides examples of projects at the Howard Opera House and Fletcher Free Library. Typical retrocommissioning measures included installing variable speed drives, improving controls, changing setpoints, adding pipe insulation and economizers. Stumbling blocks included scope increases, contractor scheduling issues, and incomplete plans. Key lessons were to gauge the owner's needs and openness to changes, choose trustworthy contractors, stay flexible but don't overpromise, select measures wisely, and choose motivated owners who will support future projects. Retrocommissioning commercial buildings can typically save 20% on energy costs by improving existing systems.

1. Retrocommissioning Lessons from the Field
Eveline Killian, CEM
Cx Associates, LLC

2. AIA Quality Assurance
The Building Commissioning Association is a Registered Provider
with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education
Systems (AIA/CES). Credit(s) earned on completion of this program
will be reported to AIA/CES for AIA members. Certificates of the
Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are
available upon request.
This program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing professional
education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed
or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any
material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using,
distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will
be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.
2

3. 3
At the end of this session participants will be
able to:
See the benefits of:
• Retrocommissioning small commercial buildings
• Developing a collaborative team
• Staying flexible with expectations
• Choosing the measures carefully
And…be forewarned of some stumbling blocks
Learning Objectives

4. 4
Presentation Overview
Example Projects
Lessons Learned

5. 5
Howard Opera House

6. 6
Problem Statement
• Constant speed pumps
• Manual diverter valve
• Failing controls
• Open ductwork to MEP

7. 7
RCx Solutions
• VSDs on cooling tower
and main pumps
• Removal of diverter
valve
• Boiler circulating pump
• Central Plant controls
• Controlled OA dampers

8. 8
Realized Savings
-
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
Apr-13
May-13
Jun-13
Jul-13
Aug-13
Sep-13
Oct-13
Nov-13
Dec-13
Jan-14
Feb-14
Mar-14
kWh
Pre- and Post-Installation Monthly kWh
Pre kWh Post kWh

9. 9
Fletcher Free Library

10. 10
Controls Upgrade Savings
Average annual utility bill savings of 18%.

11. 11
Operational Performance Support
Services Contract
• Monitor HVAC system operation & utility bills
• Maintenance program definition & oversight
• Assessment of unplanned maintenance
items
• Further energy savings identification
• Long-term capital planning for HVAC system
costs

12. 12
Performance Monitoring Successes
• Chiller compressor failure Early
cooling tower failure warning.
• HVAC-1 economizer/fan speed control.
• Exhaust fan failure discoveries.
• Resolution of draft issues at circulation
desk.
• Freezestat failure discoveries.

13. 13
Typical RCx Measures
• VSDs on pumps
• Controls
• Setpoint changes
• Pipe insulation
• Economizer
• System harmonizing

14. 14
Stumbling Blocks
• Scope increases during
project
• Narrow our attention…
and then… refer to first
bullet
• Contractor schedule
pushed out
• Plans were incomplete,
took long to piece
together

15. 15
What Went Right
The people!
• Quality
contractors
• Flexible team
• Collaborative
team
• Good
communication

16. 16
Lessons Learned

17. 17
Lesson #1: Gauge the Owner
Determine:
• their version of the problem
• their openness to new
efficiency ideas
• if there are others who
could influence the project
and involve them early
Hear and address their
concerns immediately

18. 18
Lesson #2: Good Contractors
Create a team you can trust and then listen to their
ideas throughout the project

19. 19
Lesson #3: Stay Flexible
If it’s an old building,
things WILL come up
unexpectedly – stay
flexible and creative, and
convey this mindset to the
owner.
However
Don’t necessarily promote
this attitude to the
contractors – you’ll be
bombarded with
suggestions and change
orders!

20. 20
Lesson #4: Choose Measures Wisely
• Present at least two tiers in the
proposal:
• Tier 1: conservative approach
that addresses their concerns
• Tier 2: deeper cost-effective
opportunities
• Tier 3: long term opportunities
• Don’t push – they’ll balk
• Don’t try to do it all – they’ll balk

21. 21
Lesson #5: Choose Owners Wisely
If you can, pick owners
that:
• care about their
building, not just their
bottom line
• have the support they
need to make it happen
• will potentially lead to
more projects

22. 22
Why It’s Worth Doing
• Commercial Buildings consume nearly 20% of
all energy used in the United States.
• We spend more than $200 billion each year to
power our country's commercial buildings.
• “A typical commercial building could save 20%
on its energy bills simply by commissioning
existing systems so they operate as intended.”
Source: U.S. DOE - http://www4.eere.energy.gov/alliance/node/9

23. Company Name
Website
Email Address
Eveline Killian, CEM
Senior Engineer
www. cx-associates.com
eveline@cx-assoc.com
802-861-2715 ext. 15