Building Commissioning

Building Commissioning Services for New Construction

Make sure your new building performs exactly as designed on day one. Blink Energy Services offers independent, third-party building commissioning services that verify system performance, support code compliance, and deliver a seamless transition to occupancy.

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SUMMARY

New Construction Commissioning—Verified Performance Before Occupancy

New Construction Commissioning confirms that a building’s HVAC, ventilation, controls, and lighting systems are installed correctly and operating as intended before occupancy. The process verifies energy code compliance, identifies issues early, improves comfort and reliability, and provides clear documentation for owners, developers, and jurisdictions.

Commissioning applies to:

  • Required energy code pathways

  • Above-code programs such as Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB)

  • Elective commissioning scopes chosen by owners

WHAT IS NEW CONSTRUCTION COMMISSIONING?

What It Means to ‍Commission a Building

Instead of assuming equipment will perform correctly at startup, commissioning is a structured, quality-focused process used to confirm that new building systems function properly under real-world conditions.

Commissioning a building verifies performance through:

  • Planning and scope definition

  • Design and submittal review

  • Field inspections

  • Functional performance testing

  • Issue tracking and resolution

  • Training and system turnover

In practical terms, commissioning ensures your building is delivered as the design team intended, with fewer surprises, fewer callbacks, and a smoother first year of operation.

THREE TYPES OF NEW CONSTRUCTION COMMISSIONING

Commissioning Pathways Based on Code, Program, and Owner Goals

Blink Energy Services offers three distinct commissioning pathways, tailored to meet jurisdictional requirements and project objectives.

Required Code Commissioning

Most modern energy codes, including IECC and ASHRAE standards, require commissioning for new buildings with certain HVAC and control systems. Typically required for:

  • DOAS and advanced ventilation systems
  • Economizers
  • VFD-driven HVAC systems
  • Complex HVAC sequences
  • Buildings exceeding jurisdictional size thresholds

What is included:‍

  • Commissioning plan
  • Submittal and document review
  • Functional performance testing
  • Controls verification (schedules, setpoints, resets, economizer logic)
  • Issues log and verification
  • Final commissioning report for city submittal

Applies to IECC 2015/2018/2021, ASHRAE 90.1, local amendments, and above-code incentives. As construction code inspectors, we support compliance.

Commissioning for AEGB

Most modern energy codes, including IECC and ASHRAE standards, require commissioning for new buildings with certain HVAC and control systems. Typically required for:

  • DOAS and advanced ventilation systems
  • Economizers
  • VFD-driven HVAC systems
  • Complex HVAC sequences
  • Buildings exceeding jurisdictional size thresholds

What is included:‍

  • Commissioning plan
  • Submittal and document review
  • Functional performance testing
  • Controls verification (schedules, setpoints, resets, economizer logic)
  • Issues log and verification
  • Final commissioning report for city submittal

Applies to IECC 2015/2018/2021, ASHRAE 90.1, local amendments, and above-code incentives. As construction code inspectors, we support compliance.

Elective Commissioning

Many owners opt for commissioning, even when it is not required by code or incentive programs. Common reasons for elective commissioning:

  • Reduce warranty claims
  • Minimize hot/cold calls after opening
  • Prevent startup surprises
  • Confirm controls match sequences of operation
  • Improve turnover in property management
  • Protect long-term equipment life

Elective commissioning is especially valuable for first-time owners, including contractor relationships, fast-track projects, complex controls, and high-visibility buildings.

When Do You Need New Construction Commissioning?

You will benefit from commissioning if your building includes:

  • Complex HVAC systems

  • Dedicated outside air systems

  • Advanced controls or BAS

  • Large ventilation or hydronic systems

  • Strict energy code compliance requirements

  • Sustainability or incentive-driven designs

  • High occupant comfort expectations

If your building needs to perform reliably from day one, commissioning is the most dependable path.

WHAT WE DO DURING COMMISSIONING

Our Commissioning Process

1 — Planning & Scope Definition
  • Identify systems required by code, program, or owner
  • Develop the commissioning plan
  • Align responsibilities with the GC, subcontractors, and design team
2 — Design & Submittal Review
  • Review drawings, specifications, and sequences of operation
  • Identify coordination issues early
  • Confirm equipment selections match design intent
3 — Construction Phase Check-Ins
  • Early and mid-construction site visits
  • Installation spot checks
  • Reduced last-minute startup issues
4 — Functional Performance Testing

We verify system behavior during:

  • Normal operation
  • Off-normal conditions
  • Startup and shutdown
  • Economizer and ventilation sequences
  • VAV, VRF, and hydronic reset strategies
5 — Issue Tracking & Resolution
  • Maintain a clear issues log
  • Coordinate corrective actions
  • Re-test and confirm resolution
  • Document outcomes
6 — Training & Turnover Support
  • Hands-on training for facility teams
  • Maintenance walkthroughs
  • Review of O&M documentation

WHAT SYSTEMS ARE COVERED?

Systems Included in New Construction Commissioning

Typical commissioning scopes include:

  • HVAC equipment (RTUs, AHUs, DOAS, VRF/VRV)

  • Air distribution and ventilation systems

  • Hydronic loops and pumping systems

  • Building Automation Systems (BAS)

  • Lighting controls

  • Domestic hot water (when applicable)

Final scope varies by code pathway, program requirements, and owner goals.

DELIVERABLES

Clear, Actionable ‍Commissioning Documentation

Each commissioning project includes:

  • Commissioning plan

  • Issues log with resolutions

  • Submittal review comments

  • Training materials

  • Functional test procedures and results

  • Final commissioning report

These documents support city approvals, incentive programs, operations, and future upgrades.

BENEFITS OF NEW CONSTRUCTION COMMISSIONING

Value Across the Project Team

1 — Planning & Scope Definition
  • Fewer startup surprises
  • Verified code compliance
  • Lower operating costs
  • Improved first-year comfort
2 — Design & Submittal Review
  • Knowledge transfer before occupancy
  • Clear understanding of system behavior
3 — Construction Phase Check-Ins
  • Structured hand-off
  • Reduced ambiguity
  • Fewer callbacks
4 — Functional Performance Testing
  • Validation of sequences
  • Field-based performance feedback

INCENTIVES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Commissioning ‍Incentives in Texas

Each commissioning project includes:

  • Local utility incentives (Oncor, CenterPoint, Austin Energy, CPS)
  • Savings-based incentive programs
  • Utility-funded commissioning initiatives (availability varies by region)

HOW MUCH DOES COMMISSIONING COST?

Commissioning Cost Expectations

Costs depend on building size, system complexity, and p rogram requirements. Typical new construction commissioning ranges from 0.25%–1.0% of mechanical construction cost.

Commissioning often pays for itself through reduced rework, fewer comfort complaints, and lower early-life energy expenses.

WHERE WE WORK

Building Commissioning Services Across Texas

Many new construction commissioning projects qualify for:

  • Dallas–Fort Worth
  • Austin
  • San Antonio
  • Houston

We support multifamily, mixed-use, office, education, retail, and industrial projects and regularly work alongside third-party construction inspection teams.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Building Commissioning Services

Is commissioning required for my project?

Often yes, but not always. We verify requirements based on jurisdiction and project scope.

Does commissioning delay the construction schedule?

No. Commissioning reduces delays by identifying issues earlier.

Can Blink join the program late?

Yes, although earlier involvement produces better outcomes.

Do you support AEGB or LEED?

Yes. AEGB commissioning is a dedicated service pathway, and we support programs that exceed code requirements.

NEXT STEP

Start Your Commissioning Plan

Start a Commissioning Plan

Choose the commissioning path that fits your project or send us your plans for review.