Commissioning & Energy Assessments of Commercial Buildings
The commissioning process is critical to ensuring high-performing buildings.
At GAIA, we offer commissioning and commercial energy assessment services that help optimize your building’s systems for:
Long-term performance
Cost savings
Sustainability through reducing carbon emissions and air pollution
From entitlement to the warranty period, we provide hands-on support throughout the entire process to ensure that every system works as it should and that any inefficiencies are addressed right away.
Commissioning Services
Commissioning (abbreviated as Cx) ensures that selected systems in your building—commonly HVAC, domestic hot water, lighting controls, and landscape irrigation—are installed and functioning to meet Owner’s Requirements or exceed expectations. It’s not a one-time checkup, but a continuous process aimed at maintaining peak system performance over time.
Our commissioning services include:
Verifying that all systems meet design specifications
Testing for functionality and efficiency
Providing a comprehensive performance review after construction is complete
Types of Commissioning Services
We understand that every building has different needs. That’s why we offer a variety of commissioning services to suit your property:
LEED Fundamental Commissioning (Fundamental-Cx)
Ensures that all critical systems, such as HVAC, lighting, electrical, and plumbing, are installed and functioning as designed. This type of commissioning is often a requirement for certifications like LEED, ensuring the building meets specific performance standards from the outset.
LEED Enhanced Commissioning (Enhanced-Cx)
Goes beyond the LEED Fundamental requirements by adding extra layers of verification. This is typically required for projects with more stringent energy performance goals, such as those needing to comply with regulations like California’s Title 24. It ensures that all systems meet advanced energy efficiency standards.
Retro-Commissioning (Retro-Cx)
Designed for older buildings that were never commissioned, this process focuses on improving the efficiency of existing systems. Retro-Cx helps bring systems in line with current operational standards and corrects inefficiencies that may have developed over time, particularly when performance has declined or energy consumption has increased.
Re-Commissioning (Re-Cx)
This service is a repeat of the initial commissioning for buildings that have already gone through the process. Re-commissioning is typically performed every few years or in response to significant changes like renovations or shifts in building usage. It ensures systems continue to function optimally, adjusting to wear and tear or new operational requirements.
Ongoing Commissioning (Ongoing Cx)
A continuous process that uses real-time data and automation to monitor and adjust building systems throughout their lifecycle. Ongoing Cx helps identify realistic and actionable energy conservation measures to maintain peak efficiency. Ongoing Cx involves proactively identifying maintenance needs and addressing changes in system performance. This service is ideal for reducing operating costs and ensuring long-term occupant comfort and safety.
Commercial Energy Assessments
Get a thorough analysis of your building's energy consumption with a commercial energy assessment. GAIA’s energy assessment services includes:
A comprehensive analysis of energy use across heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation
Pinpointing inefficiencies and offering practical solutions
Delivering a detailed energy audit report that outlines improvements
Varying commercial energy assessments (Levels 1-3) are often performed to meet property Owner requirements.
Why Commissioning & Energy Assessments Matter:
Commissioning and energy assessments offer significant benefits for any commercial building. Here’s why these services are so important:
↳ Boost Energy Efficiency
We ensure that all systems are operating efficiently. Quality-based inspections such as functional testing and a commercial energy audit can help optimize energy performance and prevent wasted energy.
↳ Improve Occupant Comfort
Everyone can work more comfortably and effectively in an atmosphere with constant temperatures, improved air quality, and optimized lighting thanks to efficient technologies.
↳ Lower Operating Costs
By reducing the time facility staff spend on troubleshooting and minimizing service provider callbacks, you can lower the chances of system downtime and future inefficiencies. This also translates to long-term savings through reduced utility and operations & maintenance (O&M) expenses.
↳ Ensure Compliance
While commissioning satisfies regulatory and code requirements like LEED or California’s Title 24, commissioning providers act as resourceful Owner-advocates, communicating Owner needs to necessary project team members at appropriate stages of the building process.
↳ Extend System Life
Routine commissioning and energy assessments catch problems early, which helps prolong the life of your building’s infrastructure. This leads to fewer breakdowns and less frequent system replacements.
↳ Marketability
Effective commissioning supports ESG reporting and portfolio consistency, showcasing an owner’s commitment to sustainable practices. This not only enhances brand reputation but also attracts tenants who value green building initiatives.
GAIA is an Amazon pre-approved sustainability consulting firm that provides LEED, California Energy Code (CEC), and DB-60 commissioning services for Amazon facilities and distribution centers throughout the United States.
A GAIA commissioning provider verifies a smart distributed energy network (SDEN) for a large Amazon warehouse. SDEN networks are designed to optimize energy production, distribution, and consumption in a localized, intelligent way, often using advanced monitoring, automation, and data analytics.
When to Hire a Commissioning Provider?
A commissioning provider should be brought in early in the design process. As a third-party, they can verify early on that the architects’ and engineers’ designs meet the Owner’s Project Requirements.
Commissioning providers collaborate with design teams in Commissioning Design Reviews, review schedules, RFIs, and submittals, and maintain Issues Logs to track performance tests. This early involvement helps keeps everything on track and ensures that contractors install and program the systems correctly according to the design.
Commissioning providers continue to support your project once in operations, assisting with mechanical system maintenance and catching potential issues early, which can save you from costly breakdowns later. Engaging them early guarantees long-term efficiency and success.
The commissioning process for LEED has 15 steps outlined in Commissioning 101 →.
Why Choose GAIA?
Working with GAIA for commissioning and commercial energy assessment means collaborating with a reliable, detail-oriented team.
Here's why customers from various industries depend on us:
In-House Expertise
We manage commissioning, energy assessments, and audits internally, ensuring you have a knowledgable team throughout the building’s lifecycle.
Proven Results
Through office building retrofits or industrial energy assessments for warehouses, we have significantly reduced energy costs for our clients.
Tailored Services
Our services are specific to the owner’s requirements, whether it’s a business energy audit for one facility or ongoing commissioning for large-scale portfolios.
Data-Driven Insights
Our evaluations offer practical suggestions supported by evidence. We concentrate on the factors that will most significantly affect the performance of your building.
Boost Your Building's Energy Efficiency with GAIA
GAIA’s commissioning and commercial energy assessment services are designed to make your building more efficient, more comfortable, and more cost-effective.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how we can help you meet your energy and sustainability goals
GAIA performs commissioning services for all building types:
Santa Monica Proper Hotel: GAIA performed LEED Fundamental Commissioning during the design and construction phase, then Ongoing Commissioning three years into operations.
GAIA is an Amazon pre-approved sustainability consulting firm that provides LEED, California Energy Code (CEC), and DB-60 commissioning services for Amazon facilities and distribution centers throughout the United States.
GAIA was the Sustainability Consultant for the revitalization of UCLA's historic Clark Library, supporting LEED certification with enhanced commissioning
Prologis Home Depot Distribution Center: This 530K ft² smart industrial building in California earned LEED Platinum certification with GAIA's commissioning services. Our team also provided energy, daylight, and thermal modeling, supporting its high-tech systems and award-winning design
Vineyards at Porter Ranch: GAIA provided CALGreen and LEED enhanced commissioning for 13 buildings, including solar system verification.
Kaiser Permanente Porter Ranch: GAIA performed LEED Enhanced commissioning and LEED Gold certification management on this 52,617 ft² medical office building.
Onyx: GAIA performed CALGreen commissioning services for the 250 unit apartment in downtown Los Angeles
As Rexford Industrial's Portfolio Sustainability Partner, we perform commissioning services on all their Southern California projects along with LEED certification, energy modeling, and solar consulting.