Retro-commissioning

Retro-commissioning (RCx) is a structured process used to improve the performance of existing buildings by ensuring systems are operating, controlled and maintained as intended.

Over time, changes in occupancy, equipment settings, maintenance practices and control strategies can cause building systems to drift from optimal performance. Retro-commissioning identifies these issues and provides practical solutions to improve energy efficiency, occupant comfort and operational reliability.

Using site inspections, data analysis and system testing, RCx helps uncover hidden inefficiencies and verifies that heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and control systems are performing as designed.

How can TEA help?

TEA can provide a structured Building Energy Optimisation and Retro-Commissioning assessment to understand how your building is currently operating and identify opportunities for improvement.

Our approach can include:

Review of energy audits, consumption and available building data

Review of building use, occupancy and operating requirements

Development of appropriate current facility requirements and operating criteria.

Review of heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and other energy-consuming systems.

Inspection of equipment, controls and system components

Review of BMS trends, schedules, setpoints and control strategies

Functional performance testing of selected equipment and systems

Identification of maintenance, repair and optimisation opportunities

Assessment of out-of-hours operation and unnecessary energy consumption

Recommendations for corrective actions and further investment

Verification of improvements following implementation

Benefits of Retro-commissioing

Retro-commissioning helps improve building performance by optimising the operation of existing systems, reducing energy waste, cutting costs and enhancing occupant comfort.

Reduce Energy Consumption

Identify and eliminate unnecessary energy use through improved schedules, controls and system operation.

Lower Operating Costs

Reduce utility bills and avoid unnecessary maintenance and repair costs through more efficient operation.

Improve occupant comfort level

Deliver more consistent temperatures, ventilation and indoor environmental conditions.

Improve occupant comfort level

Improve the efficiency, reliability and lifespan of HVAC, lighting and other building systems.

Optimise Existing Assets

Maximise the value of existing building equipment without requiring major capital investment.

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Lower energy consumption and support organisational sustainability and decarbonisation goals.

Deliver Quick Wins

Implement low-cost operational improvements that can provide immediate energy and cost savings.

Identify Maintenance Priorities

Highlight faults, maintenance issues and operational deficiencies that affect building performance.

Support Future Retrofits

Provide valuable performance data to inform future upgrades, retrofit investments and capital planning.

Why choose Tipperary Energy Agency?

25+ Years Delivering Ireland's Energy Transition  

Tipperary Energy Agency is a not-for-profit social enterprise founded in 1998. We have been at the forefront of energy efficiency and retrofit in Ireland ever since, working with local authorities, communities, businesses, and the public sector across the country.  

Our experience across energy auditing, building performance, HVAC, heating, cooling, controls and retrofit allows us to look beyond individual pieces of equipment and understand how the building's systems operate together.

25+ Years of Experience

Over two decades supporting Ireland's transition to sustainable energy use.

25+ Years of Experience

Over two decades supporting Ireland's transition to sustainable energy use.

40+ European Projects

Successfully completed more than 40 national and EU research and demonstration projects

40+ European Projects

Successfully completed more than 40 national and EU research and demonstration projects

€1.4M Savings Delivered

Helped Tipperary County Council alone achieve over €1.4M in energy cost savings.

€1.4M Savings Delivered

Helped Tipperary County Council alone achieve over €1.4M in energy cost savings.

SEAI Registered Auditors

Our auditors are SEAI-registered Certified Energy Managers (CEMs), meeting all statutory requirements.

SEAI Registered Auditors

Our auditors are SEAI-registered Certified Energy Managers (CEMs), meeting all statutory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much energy can I save through retro-commissioning?

The potential savings vary significantly between buildings and depend on the condition and operation of the existing systems.

Savings can come from correcting inefficient schedules, reducing unnecessary out-of-hours operation, optimising temperatures and setpoints, improving controls, correcting equipment faults and improving system performance.

TEA will identify and prioritise opportunities based on their potential energy benefit, implementation cost and complexity.

Can retro-commissioning be carried out while the building is occupied?

Yes.

Most retro-commissioning activities can be planned around normal building operations. Where testing or adjustments could affect occupants or critical operations, these can be scheduled appropriately.

For operational buildings, TEA can work with facilities and maintenance teams to minimise disruption while still obtaining meaningful performance information.

What happens after the assessment?

TEA provides a structured list of identified opportunities and deficiencies, together with recommendations for corrective actions and further improvements.

Depending on the scope, recommendations can be categorised according to optimisation, maintenance, low-cost improvements and larger investment opportunities.

We can also support the development of a wider implementation plan so that immediate operational improvements can be progressed alongside longer-term retrofit measures.

Are there grants available for retro-commissioning and optimisation?

SEAI funding can support several retro-commissioning type activities, although these are generally offered under broader optimisation and technical assistance measures rather than as a dedicated retro-commissioning grant."

Eligibility, funding levels and programme availability depend on the building, organisation and proposed works. TEA can help assess your project and identify potential funding routes.

Are there any lower interest loans available to me?

There may be green finance and energy-efficiency funding options available through banks and other finance providers for organisations investing in energy efficiency and building improvements.

TEA can help develop the technical and financial case for your project and identify potential funding and financing options.

Speak to an expert

Looking for the right solution for your facility? Contact us today to discuss your needs and see how we can support your goals.