Commissioning the World’s Journey Toward Net Zero
Commissioning is a critical step in any successful construction project involving complex mechanical and electrical systems. The client’s definition of this success often differs across sectors, and this post explores some of these perspectives in the commercial and industrial sectors, while identifying one unifying definition of success: reducing carbon emissions.
Governments and large players in the market alike are making emissions reduction “good business” by rightfully putting their thumbs on the scale. More than 80 countries have adopted building energy codes as part of their attempts to meet the Paris Accord targets and Canada targets to makes its entire national building code Net-Zero by 2024. With the world’s transition to electric vehicles taking centre stage, the dominant players in this space are driving this as a key factor in all contracts at all levels of the supply chain. Look no further than innovator, Elon Musk, declaring that Tesla will provide preference to the most environmentally sensitively mined nickel for its batteries.
In the commercial sector, commissioning is generally associated with energy efficiency since it is an element required to obtain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Buildings that have undergone a structured commissioning process are on average 10-15% more energy efficient than those that are not, largely through tighter control of the energy consumed by HVAC, lighting, and water management systems. This is very significant on a global scale since according to a 2021 United Nations study, the construction and operation of buildings represent 37% of global energy-related CO2 emissions.
While the commissioning of buildings can represent a significant reduction in energy consumption, industrial production such as mining and manufacturing contains even more complex, energy intensive systems than those found in typical commercial buildings. In this sector however, the commissioning process is a prerequisite for starting production at such a facility and so the priority focuses more on ramping up production safely as opposed to energy efficiency. That said, a typical pump in a facility that has not been commissioned properly can generate several tonnes of excess carbon emissions on an annual basis.
In an effort to slash emissions by 45 per cent by 2030, the Canadian federal government has announced $9.1 billion in new investments that will boost incentives for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), sweeten tax breaks for companies in the fossil fuels sector that embrace carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology, and work to make Canada's electricity grid cleaner. One example of these new initiatives is the establishment of the ‘Low Carbon Economy Fund’ (LCEF), which will support projects that help to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, generate clean growth, build resilient communities, and create good jobs for Canadians. This grant program is designed to enable businesses, industry, municipalities, Indigenous organizations and public sector entities to undertake greenhouse gas reduction projects.
trajectorE’s mission is to help Operators reduce the world’s carbon footprint. We help owners minimize their carbon footprint by ensuring their assets start up & operate within design parameters, and by ensuring they have an asset management program that helps them stay that way. Find out how our Commissioning services can support your operation by contacting us to learn more.