Sustainability · Defined
Retro-commissioning (RCx)
A commissioning process applied to an existing building to investigate and improve how its systems operate. It focuses on actual operation and the owner’s current requirements.
Why it matters
The work may reveal scheduling, sensor, control, or maintenance issues that do not require wholesale equipment replacement. Findings still need implementation and verification. An investigation alone does not demonstrate that savings or corrections have been achieved.
In practice
A project example
Heating and cooling operate at the same time because of a controls issue. Correcting the sequence and checking operation may address avoidable energy use.
Technical references
General educational guidance from KOW Building Consultants. Examples are illustrative, not project records. The applicable contract, standard, program, and jurisdiction control the requirements for a specific assignment.