ASHRAE Process Overview

ASHRAE’s Commissioning Process (Cx) is a structured, quality-focused methodology that verifies and documents that building systems are planned, designed, installed, tested, and operated to meet the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR). It treats commissioning as part of normal project delivery, not an add-on, aligning owners, designers, contractors, and operators around measurable performance outcomes.

Using ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 202 for minimum requirements and ASHRAE Guideline 0 for best practice, the process begins in predesign with development of the OPR and continues through design, construction, turnover, and occupancy. Key activities include defining and documenting the OPR and Basis of Design (BoD), preparing a project-specific Commissioning Process Plan, embedding Cx specifications in the contract documents, and performing targeted design and submittal reviews.

During construction, the Cx team observes installation, uses standardized checklists, witnesses start-up and functional performance tests, and maintains an issues and resolution log until items are resolved or accepted by the owner. At turnover, commissioning supports delivery of a Systems Manual and structured training so operations staff can understand sequences of operation, set points, maintenance requirements, and limitations. The outcome is a facility that operates closer to its design intent, with improved comfort, energy efficiency, reliability, and maintainability, and a clear foundation for ongoing commissioning over the life of the building.