International Commissioning Engineers Day
Yes, we absolutely made this one up. But why not? Commissioning engineer is a professional more than 100 years old, let's find a day in calendar to celebrate this purposeful profession.
Did you know the origins of commissioning stretch back over a century? It first emerged in the early 1900s in the United States, as a quality assurance process for naval ships and submarines, ensuring they were fit for purpose before deployment. [1]
This meticulous approach soon expanded across the Atlantic, with the British Royal Navy adopting similar commissioning practices in the 1920s. [2] Some might argued that commissioning engineers came before electrical engineers. As buildings grew more complex in the pre-air conditioning and pre-electricity era, the concept of commissioning migrated to other sectors - from steam-powered factories to the first skyscrapers. Commissioning became the critical link between design, construction, and seamless long-term operation.
Today, building service commissioning is essential for maintaining high-performance assets. It verifies systems function as intended, from HVAC to fire safety. Without it, costly malfunctions and energy waste are inevitable.
This is especially true for mission-critical infrastructure like data centers, hospitals, and transportation hubs. Rigorous commissioning is the backbone of keeping these vital assets reliable and resilient.
In fact, standards like ASHRAE Guideline 0, CIBSE Commissioning Codes, ISO 19650, and NEBB's Commissioning Standards have codified best practices globally. Commissioning is now a cornerstone of sustainable, high-performing built environments. [3]
As our world grows ever more dependent on complex, technology-driven systems, the role of commissioning has never been more important. It's the unsung hero that transforms buildings from design to delivery - and beyond.
How has commissioning played a part in your projects? How so? Share your insights below! 💬
[1] "The History of Commissioning", ASHRAE Journal, 2004.
[2] "Commissioning in the UK: A Historical Perspective", CIBSE Journal, 2012.
[3] "The Role of Commissioning in Sustainable Buildings", NEBB, 2018.
[4] Photo Source: The Seaport Museum - The Ira S. Bushey & Sons Shipyard Collection - Ca. 1940s South Street Seaport Museum Photo Archive H33-0041A
