Monitoring-Based Commissioning

Energy-efficient building operations are a vital consideration for building owners and property managers. Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBCx) is one growing cutting-edge approach to improving building efficiency. MBCx may also be referred to as continuous commissioning. SEA's MBCx service combines innovative data collection technology with engineering expertise to maximize each building’s energy savings potential.

Through web-based data collection, implementation of energy saving measures, and continuous monitoring, MBCx has the potential to significantly reduce energy use in large buildings. MBCx leverages the power and accessibility of technology while assuring that experienced human beings are making the appropriate decisions about how to proceed with changes. Our engineers can even view data in real-time, twenty-four hours a day, from anywhere with a computer and an Internet connection.

MBCx is ideal for buildings over 250,000 square feet that have a building automation system (BAS) installed. Every MBCx project is driven by collecting and monitoring building HVAC systems data. SEA uses a proprietary web-based data collection platform that connects directly to a facility’s BAS. Upon reviewing that data, our Energy Efficiency Team identifies inefficiencies and anomalies in building systems operations and recommends energy saving measures.

The advantage to MBCx is that SEA has a continuously up-to-date picture of how a building’s systems are operating. In contrast, a “typical” retro-commissioning (RCx) project relies on occasional site visits for insight into building operations and energy data. MBCx provides an all-inclusive portrait that evolves over time, while standard RCx focuses on narrower windows of time. The ongoing collection of data during the MBCx process enables our team to better understand building operational trends and develop a more comprehensive range of potential energy saving improvements.

As system changes are made in response to MBCx findings, SEA confirms from the data whether or not the measures have been implemented correctly and whether or not they have degraded after a few days or weeks. In addition, the data provide immediate feedback with respect to energy reduction targets. The MBCx process results in our team acquiring in-depth building knowledge, resulting in optimal building performance.

Interested in exploring MBCx for your building? Want to learn more about the process? Please call our office with questions or to discuss the potential of MBCx for your building.