What process ensures that the facility's systems, like HVAC, operate as designed?

The process that ensures that a facility's systems, such as HVAC, operate as designed is known as commissioning. Commissioning is a quality assurance process intended to confirm that all systems and components of a building are designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained according to the operational requirements established during the design phase. This includes verifying that the HVAC system, along with other mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, functions according to the specified performance metrics.

During the commissioning process, various tests and inspections are conducted to ensure that all systems perform correctly and that any issues are identified and resolved before the building is occupied. This step is crucial because it helps ensure energy efficiency, comfort, and safety for building occupants, ultimately leading to better lifecycle performance and reduced operational costs.

In contrast, close-out refers to the finalization of a project, which includes completing documentation, returning warranties, and ensuring all contractual obligations are met but does not specifically focus on performance verification of facility systems. Design development is the phase dedicated to refining and finalizing design concepts before construction begins, while pre-construction involves all the planning and preparation necessary before actual construction work starts, but it also does not guarantee system performance validation. Therefore, commissioning is the distinct process that specifically addresses the operational validation of