Back on Track: Why Recommissioning Your Building Just Makes Sense
A building doesn’t need to be broken to be underperforming, over time:
Systems drift
Schedules get overridden
Setpoints shift
Energy costs quietly creep up while comfort slowly declines
Recommissioning - also known as RCx - is a smart, strategic process to bring your building back to its intended performance.
🏢 1. Your Building Has Changed - Even If You Haven’t Noticed
Buildings are like living systems. They age, they adapt, and they don’t always tell you when something’s off:
Maybe the ventilation is running all night
Maybe heating and cooling are battling each other
Maybe the building automation system hasn’t been checked since installation
Recommissioning digs into the details - looking at how your HVAC, lighting, and controls are really performing, and identifying low-cost or no-cost changes to get things back in sync.
⚡ 2. It’s One of the Most Cost-Effective Efficiency Measures
RCx consistently delivers strong returns on investment. Why? Because you're optimizing systems you already have - no major retrofits required.
Energy savings from recommissioning can be significant - especially if the building hasn’t been reviewed in some time. Because you're optimizing what’s already there, the improvements are often quick to realize and even quicker to pay off.
Recommissioning extends the life of your equipment, meaning fewer surprises and deferred capital costs down the line.
📉 3. It Reduces Risk and Improves Resilience
Buildings that run better are less vulnerable to unexpected issues. Recommissioning helps uncover hidden maintenance problems, controls glitches, or air quality issues before they become costly or disruptive.
It also sets you up to respond to new challenges - like carbon reporting, indoor air quality standards, or rising utility rates.
Think of it as preventative care for your building - an operational tune-up that pays off in performance and peace of mind.
🔁 4. It’s Not a One-and-Done - It’s a Mindset
The best-performing buildings are the ones that are actively managed. Recommissioning isn’t just a checklist - it’s a chance to reset how your building is run and build a culture of continuous improvement.
That includes:
Monitoring key metrics (like energy use, CO₂ levels, or comfort)
Engaging your operations team
Aligning system performance with occupant needs
Supporting long-term carbon reduction and sustainability goals
✅ The Bottom Line
If you want your building to perform at its best - for the people inside and for your bottom line - recommissioning is a smart move.
It’s not about fixing what’s broken, it’s about making good buildings great again. Because if you’re not managing your energy, who is?
2-Minute Payback is GRCL’s weekly blog of energy-saving tips and tools for busy building managers. This post was written by Jeremy Lutes.