What Are the Types of Commissioning – And Which One is Right for You?

As a building owner, operator, or facility manager, you know your facility is like a complex machine with many moving parts. When everything runs smoothly, energy costs stay low, occupants are comfortable, and maintenance teams can focus on proactive work instead of constantly fixing issues. But when systems aren’t performing as they should, you may face higher energy bills, occupant complaints, and unexpected equipment failures. That’s where building commissioning (Cx) comes in.

Commissioning is the process of verifying and optimizing building systems to ensure they function efficiently and reliably. However, not all commissioning is the same. Whether you’re constructing a new building, improving an existing one, or maintaining long-term performance, the right commissioning approach can make all the difference.

How Do You Know If You Need Commissioning?

Many building owners and operators don’t realize they have performance issues until costs start adding up. Here are some key warning signs that indicate your building could benefit from commissioning:

1. Rising Energy Costs Without Explanation If your utility bills keep increasing despite no major operational changes, your HVAC, lighting, or control systems may be underperforming. Commissioning identifies inefficiencies and pinpoints areas for improvement.
2. Frequent Equipment Breakdowns & Costly Repairs Constantly repairing the same mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems? Poor installation, aging components, or lack of calibration may be the cause. Commissioning helps extend equipment life and prevent costly repairs.
3. Comfort Complaints from Occupants Hot and cold spots, poor air quality, or inconsistent humidity can mean your HVAC and controls systems aren’t optimized. Commissioning fine-tunes these systems to improve occupant comfort.
4. Unreliable Building Automation System (BAS) or Controls Issues If your building controls don’t respond properly, scheduling is off, or systems aren’t communicating as they should, commissioning can ensure your automation system functions correctly.
5. Persistent Maintenance Backlog If your facilities team spends more time reacting to issues instead of preventing them, commissioning can help reduce their workload by ensuring systems operate reliably.
6. Planning a Renovation, Retrofit, or New Construction Before investing in a new build or upgrade, commissioning ensures your design goals translate into real-world performance—maximizing ROI from the start.

What Type of Commissioning is right for your project? 

The Right Type of Commissioning for Your Building

1. New Building Commissioning (Cx) – Laying the Foundation for Success

If you’re constructing a new building, you need to ensure that HVAC, lighting, controls, and other critical systems are installed and working properly before occupancy. New Building Commissioning (Cx) provides a structured process to confirm that everything meets design intent and functions as expected from day one.

Best for: Owners and developers of new buildings who want to prevent costly fixes later.

Key Benefit: Reduces warranty call backs and post-construction troubleshooting, ensuring a smoother handoff to facilities teams.

2. Re-Commissioning (ReCx) – Tuning Up a Previously Commissioned Building

If your building was originally commissioned but hasn’t been reviewed in a while, Re-Commissioning (ReCx) helps optimize performance and fine-tune systems to match current operational needs. Once the building is occupied the building’s personality is discovered.  fine tuning schedules and setpoints to match —helping you regain efficiency and extend equipment life. Think of it like a tune-up for your building

Best for: Buildings that were commissioned during construction but need adjustments for improved efficiency.

Key Benefit: Improves comfort and reduces energy costs without major upgrades.

3. Retro-Commissioning (RCx) – Getting Older Buildings Back on Track

If your building was never commissioned or has developed inefficiencies over time, Retro-Commissioning (RCx) digs deep into how your systems operate. By analyzing energy use, identifying performance gaps, and implementing cost-effective fixes, RCx can uncover hidden savings and improve overall building performance.

Best for: Older buildings experiencing high energy bills, comfort issues, or persistent equipment failures.

Key Benefit: Identifies and resolves inefficiencies that could be costing you thousands annually.

4. Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBCx) – Continuous Optimization in Real Time

Technology has transformed commissioning. With real-time data and analytics, Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBCx) continuously tracks how your building systems perform. By detecting faults before they become problems, MBCx helps maintain peak efficiency without the need for one-time studies and allows for proactive maintenance.

Best for: Owners who want continuous, long-term insights into building performance.

Key Benefit: Proactively prevents system failures and keeps buildings running efficiently year-round.

5. Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) – Protecting Your Building’s First Line of Defense

Your building’s exterior—roof, walls, windows, and insulation—directly impacts energy efficiency and durability. Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) ensures that these components are properly designed and installed to prevent air leaks, moisture intrusion, and energy loss.

Best for: Any building project looking to reduce long-term maintenance costs and prevent envelope failures.

Key Benefit: Increases energy efficiency and protects against costly exterior failures.

Which Commissioning Type is Right for You?

The right commissioning approach depends on your building’s age, performance issues, and long-term goals:

• If you’re constructing a new building, go with New Building Commissioning (Cx) and consider Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBCx).
• If your building was previously commissioned but needs a refresh, choose Re-Commissioning (ReCx).
• If you have an older building with inefficiencies, invest in Retro-Commissioning (RCx).
• If you want continuous monitoring and real-time insights, Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBCx) is your best bet.
• If you’re experiencing drafts, leaks, condensation, or unexpected energy loss, Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) can identify and resolve issues.

No matter where your building stands today, commissioning is an investment that pays for itself through energy savings, fewer maintenance issues, and improved occupant satisfaction.

Not sure which approach fits your building best? 

Take Our Commissioning Quiz To Find Out What Commissioning Type You Need