Operations & Maintenance

Best Practices for Energy Management

O&M Energy Management Guide

Commissioning and Retro-Commissioning 

Retrocommissioning is a systematic process that identifies and corrects operational inefficiencies in existing building systems without requiring significant capital investments. Over time, building operations naturally drift from optimal performance as sensors degrade, schedules become overridden, and control logic no longer reflects current occupancy patterns or seasonal demands.

The RCx process typically includes:

  • Recalibrating sensors and controls

  • Optimizing HVAC schedules and sequences

  • Fine-tuning building automation systems

  • Correcting equipment operational issues

Implementing low-cost energy conservation measures.

Key Benefits of Retro-Commissioning

  • California commercial buildings that undergo retrocommissioning typically achieve energy savings of 5-30%, with most projects seeing a 10-15% reduction in energy consumption. With California's high utility rates, these savings translate directly to your bottom line.

  • Most retrocommissioning projects in California achieve payback periods of 3 months to 2 years, making it one of the most financially attractive energy efficiency investments available. The simple payback period—the time it takes for energy savings to cover the cost of the RCx process—is typically under 1.5 years for California commercial buildings.

  • Properly functioning equipment experiences less wear and tear, reducing maintenance costs and extending the useful life of your building systems.

The Retro-Commissioning Process  

A typical California retrocommissioning project follows these steps:

  1. Preliminary Assessment: Review utility bills, building documentation, and interview facility staff to identify patterns of energy waste.

  2. Site Investigation: Conduct a thorough on-site inspection of building systems, focusing on mechanical equipment, controls, and operational sequences.

  3. Diagnostic Monitoring: Install temporary meters or use building automation system data to analyze system performance under various conditions.

  4. Implementation: Execute low-cost operational improvements and adjustments identified during the assessment phase.

  5. Verification: Confirm energy savings and improved performance through measurement and verification protocols. 

Things to Keep in Mind  

Some incentives may be available to help cover the cost of retro-commissioning.

Retro-commissioning may not be appropriate for:

  • Very old buildings with obsolete systems that need replacement rather than optimization

  • Buildings with significant deferred maintenance issues that must be addressed first

  • Properties scheduled for major renovations or demolition in the near future

Retro-commissioning can be difficult when:

  • Original building documentation is missing or incomplete

  • As-built drawings don't match actual conditions

  • Control sequences and system modifications are undocumented

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