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After initial commissioning, we often think that the building is ready to perform. In reality, it has not yet reached cruising speed. The systems work, but their real use, the habits of the occupants and the operating conditions have not yet delivered all their variables. Without monitoring, energy targets may remain out of reach.
This is precisely where continuous commissioning comes in: transforming a one-off process into a living cycle of monitoring, adjustment and optimization.
Continuous commissioning extends the initial commissioning. It does not aim to systematically repeat performance tests, but to ensure that the building reaches — and then maintains — its cruising speed.
In practice, CxC is based on three levers:
Rather than a series of one-off tests, it is a living cycle of observation and adjustment. Its role: to keep the building aligned with its energy targets, while adapting it to the evolution of its uses.
Imagine a few months after the finalization of a brand-new building, a new layout or a major renovation. Energy bills are starting to rise. Occupants complain of discomfort: some spaces are too cold, others too hot. However, everything had been tested and validated during initial commissioning.
The problem? At this point, there is virtually no performance history to compare. No solid reference to determine if what is happening is normal... or if the building is already deviating from its trajectory.
The CxC makes it possible to document the real performance of the building, to quickly identify differences and to make adjustments in order to maintain its efficiency, while contributing to asset profitability and the reduction of operating expenses (OPEX). It makes it possible to quickly identify differences, to act immediately and to ensure that the energy and comfort targets set are really reached.
Continuous commissioning does not consist in systematically repeating the detailed test protocols from the initial commissioning. These tests — balancing the systems, verifying the control sequences, validating the performances according to the design — belong to the initial commissioning (Cx).
CxC takes a different approach: ensuring that systems continue to operate effectively over time, through regular monitoring, performance audits, including some from Cx, and adjustments to avoid the worsening of a drift as soon as it is detected.
Clearly, continuous commissioning does not call into question the conformity of installations on a daily basis; it seeks to maintain the real performance of the building and to adapt it to the evolution of its uses.
Ongoing commissioning is based on a structured but flexible process. It is based above all on the regular monitoring of systems and the analysis of operating data. Each month, the observed performance is compared with the planned targets. If excesses appear — increased consumption, deviant control sequences, discomfort reported by users — an investigation is triggered.
The effectiveness of the CxC is also due to its collaborative nature. It is not an isolated technical exercise, but an integrated process that involves all stakeholders: owners, managers, operating teams, tenants and users. Everyone plays a role in achieving and maintaining performance.
In practice, this means a continuous cycle of observation, analysis, and adjustment, which allows discrepancies to be quickly identified and acted upon before they become costly or difficult to correct.
The CxC process can be supported by technological monitoring that will have been implemented and tested during initial commissioning, including the monitoring-based commissioning portion. Monitoring using technological tools makes it easier to access data and pre-programmed analyses.
Continuous commissioning adapts to the contexts of new and existing buildings, but the approach differs slightly.
For a new construction, the CxC is the natural extension of the initial commissioning. It goes beyond the minimum compliance requirements and establishes regular monitoring from the start of the occupation. The objective is to ensure that the building meets and maintains its energy and operational targets, while adapting to real uses from the start.
For an existing building, the process often starts with a complete return to service (RCx). This step makes it possible to correct the accumulated discrepancies, to document the real condition of the building and to create a solid reference. Then, continuous commissioning takes over to maintain the gains made, monitor drifts and adapt the building to changing uses.
In both cases, the approach remains the same: regular monitoring, constant analysis and targeted actions to ensure that the building remains efficient, comfortable and efficient over time.
Initial commissioning is essential to get a building off to a good start. But that is only the starting point. Continuous commissioning transforms this punctual compliance into sustainable performance. It makes it possible to monitor, adjust and optimize systems over time, while taking into account real uses and changing needs.
For managers and operators, continuous commissioning consists in observing the real performance of the building, in quickly identifying discrepancies and in adjusting the systems as needed. It is a pragmatic process that transforms data into concrete actions, ensuring that the building remains efficient and effective over time.
At TST, we support owners, managers, and operations teams throughout this process. Whether for a new project or an existing building, we set up the necessary follow-ups, audits and interventions to ensure that your building meets its energy and operational goals in a sustainable manner. Our approach combines technical expertise, data analytics, and practical advice to maximize the performance and value of your assets. We are also in a position to identify technological surveillance solutions, participate in their implementation and verify them in order to improve the CxC process.
