Introduction to the Commissioning Process Online Anytime

This course is currently being updated and will be available for enrollment soon.

Learn the purpose and benefits of the commissioning process (CxP), as defined by ASHRAE Guideline 0. Discover why the CxP begins in the pre-design phase of a new construction project, and the steps needed in a true CxP effort. You will be able to evaluate whether CxP costs seem reasonable for your project, find case studies, locate resources to help you implement the CxP, and more.

• Project managers and planners
• Commissioning providers who are new to ASHRAE Guideline 0
• Architects
• Building owners
• Developers
• Engineers
• Construction managers
• Building operating staff

During Part 1, you will learn:

• Why the commissioning process (CxP) is needed
• The definition of the CxP
• Specific goals and benefits of using it

Part 2 of the course answers several frequently asked questions, including:

• Who can be the Commissioning Authority
• Why the CxP should start in pre-design
• Whether or not the CxP duplicates TAB services
• How much the CxP usually costs on a project

In Part 3, you will walk through each step of a typical CxP effort, covering:

• Pre-design phase tasks, including OPR and CxPlan
• Design phase tasks, including basis of design, design reviews, and specifications
• Construction phase tasks, including submittal reviews, site visits, checklists, and testing
• Operation phase tasks, including seasonal testing, warranty review, and lessons learned workshop

Joy Altwies

Joy Altwies, PhD, PE, LEED AP+, is a Program Director for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Office of Engineering Professional Development (EPD). For over 16 years, Dr. Altwies has developed and taught continuing education courses emphasizing high-performance building design and construction, mechanical system design and operation, energy efficiency, and commissioning. She is also Program Director of the Master of Sustainable Systems Engineering (SSE) degree program and an instructor of two graduate courses in the program.

Prior to joining the University of Wisconsin, Joy worked as a consulting engineer focusing on energy efficiency and environmentally responsible building design and construction. She provided commissioning services for a variety of projects with a strong emphasis on green and sustainable building principles. She also provided LEED assistance and green design opportunity analysis for clients seeking these specialized services in the commercial building market. As a certified home energy rater for the national Energy Star Homes® program, her work also encompassed the residential building market.

Dr. Altwies is an active member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), where she currently serves as Vice Chair and Research Chair for the Building Environmental Impacts and Sustainability technical committee (TC 2.8). She has also served on committees for the U.S. Green Building Council and is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance.

Joy earned a Doctorate in Environment and Resources through the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at UW-Madison. Her interdisciplinary research investigated the impact of building energy code policies on technology adoption in the commercial and residential building sectors. She also holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering.