The objective of this project is to demonstrate a retro-commissioning (RCx) methodology in the Utility Energy Service Contract (UESC) contracting model. The demonstration project will develop standardized, replicable processes including assessments, investigations, and potential limited implementation. This would be done using a performance work statement with clearly defined deliverables which can be used as a template for future work. The result will be awarded RCx investigations to provide cost, payback, and verification models to facilitate future RCx projects.

The technology is the systematizing of the RCx process to allow for greater implementation through UESCs. The innovation is establishing consistent standards to overcome the hurdles that have held back the use of RCx in the past, and to allow RCx to become a key tool in UESCs. RCx is a process that combines knowledge of building systems with specific testing and analysis techniques to optimize facility energy systems and solve comfort or operations and maintenance problems, and support Department of Defense (DoD) installation resilience. RCx uses instrumentation and automation systems to determine how the system is operating and how it can operate better. But managing successful RCx projects is a complex process that requires facilities staff to acquire technical and non-technical skillsets to identify, implement, and sustain often hidden opportunities. The basic methodology of the RCx process includes six phases, as defined in the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air- conditioning Engineers published Guideline 0.2, “Commissioning Process for Existing Buildings”. With foundational protocols developed through this demonstration, UESCs could provide an ideal execution method to contract for RCx projects.

Anticipated cost and performance benefits of UESC RCx demonstration are represented in the project success criteria of energy reduction (> 16% annual energy use intensity), system economics (< 10-year simple payback), and user satisfaction (> 75% satisfaction of DPW Staff). The improved economics should result in larger overall UESC projects since the high return on investment (ROI) RCx work should allow lower ROI energy conservation measures to be implemented. This should also result in more comprehensive retrofit solutions.

Additional benefits are the development of standardized processes and methodologies. Deliverables from this demonstration will be recommended RCx Guidelines for UESC projects. These should result in more consistent approaches for how RCx projects are developed, implemented, and verified. In addition, by developing consistent standards, the DoD will be able to improve cost and savings models to further bolster the use of RCx. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2026)