RETRO-COMMISSIONING EXPRESS (RCXPRESS) INVESTIGATION REPORT

Click here to type project name Located at:

Click here to type StreetClick here to type City, State, ZIP

Project # Click here to type project # (Provided by Nexant)

Submitted By:Nexant, Inc.

and Click here to type Service Provider's name

Click here to type date (For e.g. January XX, 20XX)

Retro-Commissioning Express (RCxpress) Investigation Report

Disclaimer

The intent of this Retro-Commissioning (RCx) Investigation Report is to provide analysis of the potential energy and demand savings available at the project site and present the investigated energy conservation measures (ECMs). While the calculations in this report have been reviewed for technical accuracy and are believed to be reasonably accurate, the actual results may vary. As a result, ComEd, Nexant, and/or Click here to type Service Provider's name are not liable if estimated energy or financial savings are not realized. All savings and cost estimates in the report are for informational purposes, and are not to be construed as a design document or as guarantees.

Click here to type customer's name shall independently evaluate any advice or suggestions provided in this report. In no event will ComEd, Nexant, and/or Click here to type Service Provider's name be liable for the failure of the customer to achieve a specified amount of energy or demand savings, the operation of the customer’s facilities, or any incidental or consequential damages of any kind in connection with this Freport or the installation of ECMs.

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Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS.................................................................................................. IICOVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT........................................................................................IIIEXECUTIVE SUMMARY................................................................................................ IVPROJECT CONTACTS...................................................................................................1INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................2

1.1 Project Objectives....................................................................................................................... 21.2 Project Scope............................................................................................................................. 2

BUILDING DESCRIPTION..............................................................................................42.1 General....................................................................................................................................... 42.2 Energy Use Analysis.................................................................................................................. 42.3 Rate Analysis.............................................................................................................................. 42.4 Building HVAC System...............................................................................................................5

ASSESSMENT 73.1 RCx Measures................................................................................................................................ 7

3.1.1 Energy Conservation Measure #1.....................................................................................73.1.2 Energy Conservation Measure #2.....................................................................................7

3.2 Additional Measures................................................................................................................... 73.2.1 Additional Measure #1.......................................................................................................73.2.2 Additional Measure #2.......................................................................................................7

PROJECT PLAN.............................................................................................................84.1 Recommendations.......................................................................................................................... 84.2 Roles and Responsibilities..............................................................................................................8

Appendix A ECM Form.............................................................................................A-1Appendix B Project Schedule...................................................................................B-1Appendix C Utility Billing History..............................................................................C-1Appendix D Equipment List......................................................................................D-1Appendix E Issues Log.............................................................................................E-1Appendix F Top 10 Measures List............................................................................F-1Appendix G Diagnostic & Calculation Plans.............................................................G-1

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Retro-Commissioning Express (RCxpress) Investigation Report Table of Contents

COVID-19 Announcement

The evidence that COVID-19 can spread indoors through aerosols demands that we alter building HVAC operation as part of a comprehensive strategy to control the spread of the virus. ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) states “Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through the air is sufficiently likely that airborne exposure to the virus should be controlled. Changes to building operations, including the operation of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, can reduce airborne exposures.” To assist building owners and operators, the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force has issued Building Readiness Guidelines which provide guidance on how to operate buildings as safely as possible during this pandemic. The guidelines represent ASHRAE’s current recommendations and are under constant revision as the body of scientific knowledge about the virus and its transmission grows.

For buildings that are occupied while pandemic conditions are in place, ASHRAE recommends the following:

Increase the outdoor air ventilation: Air handling systems should provide as much outdoor air to the space as they can while maintaining space temperature and humidity conditions. This reduces the air that is recirculated back to the space and dilutes contaminants.

Flush the building pre- and post-occupancy. Air handling systems should be run for 2 hours pre-occupancy and 2 hours post-occupancy to flush contaminants from the building. The maximum possible outdoor air should be provided during the flushes. (The ASHRAE guideline provides a calculation methodology for determining the exact duration required for flushing each space. Using this calculation may allow for a shorter flush duration, which would reduce energy consumption.)

Upgrading and Improving Filtration: ASHRAE recommends using filters that have a mechanical filter efficiency of at least MERV 13. Many existing systems were designed to operate with MERV 8 filters (a higher number indicates more effective filtration). Not all systems will be able to operate with upgraded filters.

Maintain Humidity Levels: ASHRAE recommends maintaining the indoor air humidity levels between 40% and 60%.

For spaces that cannot provide increased outside air or higher filtration, consider in-room filtration, or the use of ultra-violet germicidal irradiation.

The complete and most up to date recommendations can be found at ashrae.org/technical-resources/building-readiness.

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Executive Summary

Provide a summary of the RCx objectives (targets) and findings. Present an overview of identified measures and the total savings estimate. Compare the project savings with the savings target(s). Recommend if the project should proceed or be terminated based on the feasibility assessment. Also provide total facility floor space (sq ft), total conditioned floor space (sq ft), and facility use.

Table 1 Investigation Energy Conservation Measures (Customer) - Copy and paste from ECM – Please make sure to hide natural gas columns if not included in the

RCxpress project scope

Table 2 District Energy Savings (Utility) - Copy and paste from ECM; delete if none present – Please make sure to hide natural gas columns if not included in the

RCxpress project scope

Several opportunities have been identified which do not qualify as retro-commissioning measures based on the preliminary information. The measures are either capital in nature or considered maintenance recommendations. Capital investment type measures are not considered part of the RCx service and cannot be further investigated through the RCx offering However, the customer is encouraged to pursue these opportunities through the available utility incentive offerings where applicable. In

Retro-Commissioning Express (RCxpress) Investigation Report Executive Summary

addition, capital measure costs outlined in this section are not to be included toward the Minimum Customer Implementation Commitment.

Table 3 Additional Measures - Delete if none present

Measure Description Recommendation

Capital Measure #1 Apply for utility incentive

Capital Measure #2 Apply for utility incentives

Maintenance Issue #1 Address issue with contractor

Maintenance Issue #2 Purchase replacement parts

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Project Contacts

Owner / Owner RepresentativeClick here to type NameClick here to type street Click here to type City, State, and Zip P: Click here to type phone #E: Click here to type email

ComEdRick TonielliSr. Energy Efficiency Program Manager2011 Swift DriveOakbrook, IL 60523630.891.7420richard.tonielli@comed.com

Click here to type account managerCorporate Account ManagerClick here to type street Click here to type City, State, and ZipP: Click here to type phone #E: Click here to type email

Natural Gas (remove if not applicable – confirm with Nexant PC)Click here to type PM nameClick here to type roleClick here to type street Click here to type City, State, and ZipP: Click here to type phone #E: Click here to type email

Click here to type account managerCorporate Account ManagerClick here to type street Click here to type City, State, and ZipP: Click here to type phone #E: Click here to type email

RCxpress Implementing Contractor:Click here to type NameNexant, Inc.32 E. First StreetSuite 203Hinsdale, IL 60521P: Click here to type phone #E: Click here to type email

Service ProviderClick here to type NameClick here to type CompanyClick here to type street Click here to type City, State, and Zip P: Click here to type phone #E: Click here to type email

Introduction

The RCx service targets savings opportunities through the systematic evaluation of energy-using systems and the subsequent implementation of no-cost and low-cost measures. The RCx service also provides an opportunity for your staff to work hand-in-hand with expert engineers to increase their knowledge of the efficient and effective operation of building systems.

The RCx service consists of four primary phases for each individual project. The first two phases of this project are complete with the presentation of this report. The four project phases are:

1. Application Phase2. Investigation Phase3. Implementation Phase4. Verification Phase

1.1 PROJECT OBJECTIVESMost buildings have never gone through a formal, systematic commissioning or quality assurance process, and are likely performing below their potential. RCx is designed to assist in improving building performance and, in the process, captures energy and demand savings opportunities. RCx not only identifies problems due to design flaws or events that occurred during construction, just as traditional commissioning of a new building does, but it also identifies and recommends solutions to problems that have developed during the building’s operating lifetime. Improving the efficiency of major building systems presents a significant opportunity for energy and demand savings, usually with little or no capital investment. A key goal of the RCx process is to achieve more efficient operation of these systems in order to reduce energy waste and improve building performance and occupant comfort.

The goals of the RCx effort are as follows:

Reduction in annual energy consumption and annual costs

Improved building system control and occupant comfort

Reduction in peak electrical demand and related costs

1.2 PROJECT SCOPE Once an application is approved, the RCx process can begin with an Investigation Phase approach. The Investigation Phase consists of identifying project objectives, targeting systems for savings opportunities, and defining tasks and responsibilities for implementation of the identified ECMs.

On-site equipment assessment and testing are conducted during this portion of the study. This combined phase identifies system deficiencies and opportunities for

Retro-Commissioning Express (RCxpress) Investigation Report Introduction

energy savings, estimates their economic potential, and defines an implementation scope of work, which Customer Name can use as a guide for the Implementation Phase. Once the improvements are made, their success is validated through a final investigation and completion of revised calculations in the Verification Phase.

The RCx procedures focus on energy savings opportunities that can be implemented at no or low cost. Capital measures that are identified through the RCx service may be directed to other utility offerings.

To be eligible for the RCx service, the customer must commit to the following:

- Implement the mutually accepted ECMs according to the scope and procedures outlined by the joint utilities by an agreed-upon Required Implementation Date, which is typically set at 60 days following execution of the Customer Agreement.

- Spend $5,000 or $10,000 (depending on project size) to implement agreed-upon ECMs that result in an estimated total project simple payback of one-and-a-half years or less based upon energy savings.

RCx does not address fire and life safety or basic equipment safety controls. Additionally, the RCx service does not apply to new construction or satisfy commissioning requirements of other incentive offerings.

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Building Description

2.1 GENERALProvide a general building description including year of construction, square footage, building configuration, number of floors and occupants, etc. Discuss uses of building space in a narrative format here. Complete table 4.

Table 4 Building Occupancy Schedule

Location Space Type # of Occupants Scheduled Hours and Days of Occupancy

2.2 ENERGY USE ANALYSISPortfolio Manager is an online benchmarking tool created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It provides a powerful environment for tracking energy performance and benchmarking buildings’ energy usage. A facility's historical energy consumption is normalized for several significant factors such as the building’s size, function, and geographical location. The facility is then given an Energy Performance Rating, which ranks the facility’s energy performance against that of similar facilities across the United States on a scale of 1 (worst performance) to 100 (best performance). For example, an Energy Performance Rating of 50 indicates that about half of similar facilities in the United States are less energy intensive than the rated facility, and half are more energy intensive. A facility that scores 75 or higher is eligible to receive the ENERGY STAR® label. For more information on Portfolio Manager and how it can help promote a greener environment please see: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=evaluate_performance.bus_portfoliomanager

Customer Name’s Energy Performance Rating through Portfolio Manager has been determined as part of the Preliminary Assessment. Present the EPA Portfolio Manager Rating. Discuss any unique or unexpected results.

2.3 RATE ANALYSISInsert graphs of utility usage here that include: peak-electric demand-day building load profile and various benchmarks (e.g. W/ft2, kWh/ft2, therms/ft2, $/ft2, Ton/ft2, cfm/ft2, etc.). Use Appendix C for additional graphs.

Present results of electric bill and/or gas bill analysis; SP should obtain both delivery and commodity bills from customer and determine true avoided costs for incremental

Retro-Commissioning Express (RCxpress) Investigation Report Building Description

energy savings. For additional guidance see the RCx Calculation & M&V Guidelines document. Complete Table 5. – Please make sure to not include natural gas information if not applicable or included in the RCxpress scope

Table 5 Facility Rate SummaryComEd Account Number XXXXXX(Enter last 4 digits)

ComEd Rate Schedule

Average Cost of Energy ($ / kWh)

On-Peak ($ / kWh)

Off-Peak On-Peak ($ / kWh)

Transmission Charge ($ / kW)

Nicor/North Shore/Peoples Gas Account Number

XXXXXXX(Enter last 4 digits)

Nicor/North Shore/Peoples Gas Rate Schedule

Average Cost of Natural Gas ($ / therm)

2.4 BUILDING HVAC SYSTEM Describe the building’s systems and equipment. Describe the types of equipment installed, the system configuration (e.g., chillers in parallel on primary CHW loop, with secondary loop serving AHU coils, HW pumps, ventilation and air distribution, etc.), BAS controls and any pertinent details regarding sequence of operation and/or set points. Complete a tabular building equipment list and present it in Appendix D. Briefly discuss important sequences of operation and operating schedules.

The following questions (if applicable) should also be addressed:

Does the facility use a zone temperature setup/setback strategy? Is the Central supply air temperature fixed or is a reset strategy used? Does central air system have pre-heat? Is free cooling used, i.e. with an air or water-side economizer? How is the outdoor air controlled? What is the design minimum outdoor air fraction? For VAV systems, is a supply static pressure reset strategy used? Does system have automatic shutdown? Is an optimum start strategy used? Is system equipped with zone isolation devices for minimizing energy use in off-

hour operation?

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Retro-Commissioning Express (RCxpress) Investigation Report Building Description

Is there exhaust air heat recovery? Has the heating/cooling system always met load? If no, under what conditions

has the heating/cooling system not met load? Explain any free cooling that is used. Explain any HVAC equipment that is

undersized/oversized. What HVAC adjustments are made to unoccupied areas or spaces (e.g., turn off

HVAC, adjust thermostat to minimum heating and cooling, close off diffuser)? Is the facility HVAC system airflow correctly balanced? Are there any problems with the humidification method (explain)? Are there any problems with the dehumidification method (explain)?

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Assessment

The results of the Investigation Phase are summarized below. The RCx measures identified are low or no cost improvements to the facility operation. The additional measures are items which are either capital in nature or items whose feasibility is currently unknown. Capital investment measures may be eligible for incentives through other offerings.

3.1 RCX MEASURESThe ECMs identified during the detailed assessment are low or no cost improvements to the facility operation which are recommended for implementation. The study has uncovered the primary operating characteristics required to estimate energy savings. The Diagnostic & Calculation Plan (D&C Plan) is used to plan and document how the opportunity was diagnosed, how the energy savings were calculated, and how the post-installation conditions will be recorded with measurements. The D&C Plan will be updated at the completion of the project for each selected measure.

3.1.1 Energy Conservation Measure #13.1.2 Energy Conservation Measure #2

3.2 ADDITIONAL MEASURES The following additional measures have been identified during the detailed investigation. These measures require a large capital investment, have a long simple payback, or are considered maintenance recommendations. Therefore, these measures fall outside the scope of this RCx study.

3.2.1 Additional Measure #13.2.2 Additional Measure #2

Project Plan

4.1RECOMMENDATIONSThe next step in the RCx process is for the building owner to select low and no cost ECMs to implement within the RCx offering. Upon selection of the measures and signing of the ECM Form, Customer Name will implement the selected measures with support from the Service Provider.

Based on the preliminary ECM identification, savings estimates, and project savings target, provide a recommendation which ECMs should proceed to the implementation phase.

4.2 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIESRCx Implementing Contractor

1. Serves as project manager. 2. Facilitates the gathering of project information as needed by the Service

Provider.3. Works with the Service Provider to determine the RCx Plan and strategy for

leveraging existing resources to streamline the project and reduce costs. 4. Supports the Service Provider’s efforts to accomplish the work.5. Defines the lines of communication between the team members. Supports the

Service Provider by facilitating communication between the Service Provider and other project team members as needed.

Owner/Owner Representative1. Provides contact person for facilitating communications.2. Gathers building documentation. 3. Assists and provides detailed input into the initial assessment and investigation

process, to also include such items as: O&M methods and procedures. Service contract information. Equipment condition and operational constraints.

4. Keeps the building occupants informed of the intended RCx work, as needed.5. Provides a technician to assist Service Provider for RCx activities in the building.6. Provides an Energy Management System (EMS) programmer to investigate

programming changes.7. Gathers trending information from the EMS, as recommended by Service

Provider.8. Assists with the performance of functional testing, as needed.9. Performs appropriate preventive maintenance and complete any pre-requisite

tasks requested by the Service Provider prior to any diagnostic or functional testing.

10. Identifies and coordinates building work protocol for RCx team members, such as:

Security and access.

Retro-Commissioning Express (RCxpress) Investigation Report Project Plan

Restrictions on special areas in the building (e.g., sensitive tenants, etc.). Restrictions on photos or videos (building-wide or in certain areas). Necessary identification. Parking permits. Safety and emergency requirements and contacts. Need for escort while in the building or in special areas of the building. Special protocols when entering tenant spaces (e.g., the most acceptable

times for performing work in tenant spaces).11.Attends RCx meetings.

Service Provider1. Identifies documentation, drawings, data, and other information required from

facility staff.2. Develops a building-specific RCx report.3. Updates and maintains ECM Form.4. Proposes a schedule for review and acceptance by the team members.5. Performs a detailed on-site assessment of the present maintenance practices

and operating strategies, noting all possible improvements.6. Reviews the service contracts in effect and make recommendations to how they

may be improved to ensure that the equipment operates efficiently.7. Develops monitoring and testing plans.8. Performs short-term diagnostic monitoring, using EMS trend-logging where

appropriate.9. Develops, oversees, and documents the functional test procedures as needed.10. Installs and removes short-term diagnostic monitoring equipment.11.Recommends system or energy-efficient capital improvements on energy-using

systems for further investigation.12.Prioritizes for implementation the most cost-effective improvements of existing

systems.13.Conducts periodic project status conference calls with Implementing Contractor

and Customer. 14.Performs post-installation verification, monitoring and testing activities.15.Calculates the estimated energy savings.16.Develops methods for the owner and building staff to continue to track the

performance of the improvements.17.Submits a final report and all specified deliverables, such as:

RCx Plan specific for the building. Diagnostic monitoring, trending, and functional test plans. Completed functional performance tests. List of recommended improvements for immediate implementation (based

on cost-effectiveness). List of recommendations for capital improvements for further investigation. Final energy saving estimates and calculations. RCx schedule. Updated/revised building documentation.

18.Provides follow-up service and troubleshooting as needed.

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Retro-Commissioning Express (RCxpress) Investigation Report Project Plan

19.Prioritizes for implementation the most cost-effective improvements of existing systems.

20.Conducts periodic project status conference calls with Implementing Contractor and Customer.

21.Performs post-installation verification, monitoring and testing activities.22.Calculates the estimated energy savings.23.Develops methods for the owner and building staff to continue to track the

performance of the improvements.24.Submits a final report and all specified deliverables, such as:

RCx Plan specific for the building. Diagnostic monitoring, trending, and functional test plans. Completed functional performance tests. List of recommended improvements for immediate implementation (based

on cost-effectiveness). List of recommendations for capital improvements for further investigation. Final energy saving estimates and calculations. RCx schedule. Updated/revised building documentation.

25.Provides follow-up service and troubleshooting as needed.

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Appendix A ECM Form

Insert a PDF version of the ECM Form here.

Appendix B Project Schedule

Insert an updated project schedule provided by the Nexant Project Coordinator.

Appendix C Utility Billing History

Summarize the analysis of the historical utility data (monthly billing data is required, 30-minute interval data should be presented if available) and the ENERGY STAR rating. Illustrate with graphs any anomalies identified, typical daily profile (therms – if applicable and included in the RCxpress scope, kW & kWh), and annual profile (therms, kW & kWh). Include text to explain what may have caused the anomalies and how that may relate the identified savings measures.

Appendix D Equipment List

Provide a list of the building equipment here. Include equipment name, size (HP, CFM, GPM, etc.), operating hours, etc.

Appendix E Issues Log

List any issues that were encountered.

Appendix F Top 10 Measures List

Below is a list of the top 10 measures commonly found in RCx studies that were evaluated and considered for this project.

Insert completed table from ECM file here

©Commonwealth Edison Company, 2021The ComEd Energy Efficiency Program is funded in compliance with state law.RCxpress Investigation Report 12.2020

Appendix G Diagnostic & Calculation Plans

Insert the D&C Plans here.