The problem we solve.
Buildings rarely perform as designed. New builds reach handover with control sequences that were never properly tested under real load conditions. Existing assets drift over the years — set-points changed, schedules overridden, sensors decalibrated, equipment replaced without re-tuning the system around it. The gap between design intent and operating reality is, in most UAE assets, between 10 and 30% of energy consumption.
Commissioning closes that gap on new construction. Retro-commissioning closes it on existing buildings. Both are among the highest-ROI energy services available — typically with payback under 18 months and minimal capex.
Commissioning (new construction).
Owner's representative on the Cx process
We sit on the owner side of the table during design, construction and handover — ensuring that the Owner's Project Requirements (OPR) and Basis of Design (BOD) are translated into Cx specifications, witnessed during installation, and verified through functional performance tests.
- Design review — drawings, sequences of operation, controls, mechanical/electrical scope vs OPR.
- Cx specification — preparation of Cx specifications integrated into the construction documents.
- Installation verification — periodic site reviews, witnessed pre-functional checklists.
- Functional Performance Tests — design and supervision of FPT scripts on chiller plants, AHUs, controls, life-safety integration.
- Seasonal & warranty Cx — return visits to verify performance under different load conditions.
- Final Cx report & systems manual — compliant with LEED, Estidama and international Cx frameworks.
Retro-Commissioning (existing buildings).
Five-stage methodology
For existing assets, retro-Cx follows a structured five-stage process aligned with ASHRAE Guideline 0.2:
- 1. Planning — defining the asset, its boundaries, the M&V approach, and the Owner's current Project Requirements.
- 2. Investigation — site survey, BMS data analysis, trend logs, sensor checks, interviews. This is where 60% of the value is found.
- 3. Implementation — coordination of operational re-tuning by FM team and BMS contractor, with vendor-neutral specifications.
- 4. Hand-off — documentation, training, updated systems manual, and integration into ongoing operations.
- 5. Verification — measurement & verification per IPMVP, comparing post-Cx performance with the established baseline.
Typical findings in UAE assets.
Across the assets we audit in the Emirates, the same recurring inefficiencies appear:
- Simultaneous heating & cooling (reheat coils fighting cooling) in offices and hotels.
- Chilled water plants operating at fixed delta-T regardless of load.
- AHUs running 24/7 in spaces with defined occupancy schedules.
- Outside air intake well above ASHRAE 62.1 minimums during peak hours.
- Lighting controls bypassed or overridden on a permanent basis.
- Sub-metering installed but never connected to operational reporting.