How can I use building performance service firms to integrate retrofit work with existing building controls?

You can use a building performance service firm as the “glue” between retrofit design, controls programming, commissioning, and ongoing optimization. The key is to hire for outcomes, not just isolated scope items.

What these firms can do for you

A good building performance firm can help you:

• Assess existing controls and identify what’s already in place
• Develop a retrofit strategy that works with current sequences of operation
• Map measures to controls changes so equipment upgrades don’t conflict with current automation
• Coordinate contractors so mechanical, electrical, and controls work align
• Commission and tune the building after retrofit
• Monitor performance and verify savings over time

How to use them effectively

1. Start with a controls and systems assessment

Ask the firm to review:

• BAS/DDC architecture
• Existing sequences of operation
• Sensor/actuator condition and calibration
• Trend logs and alarms
• Equipment interdependencies
• Any known overrides or workarounds

This helps avoid retrofit measures that look good on paper but fail in the real system.

2. Use them in early planning

Bring them in before final retrofit design. They can help answer:

• Can the existing BAS support new equipment?
• Are there point shortages or controller limitations?
• Will new HVAC equipment require reprogramming?
• What metering is needed to verify performance?
• What can be done with software changes versus hardware upgrades?

This often saves money by avoiding unnecessary replacement.

3. Tie retrofit measures to controls deliverables

For each retrofit item, define the controls work required. Example:

• Replace VAV boxes → update control points, re-balance, revise sequences
• Install high-efficiency boilers → add staging logic, reset strategies, safeties
• Add heat recovery → coordinate economizer logic and interlocks
• Lighting retrofit → integrate occupancy/daylight controls and schedules

A performance firm can create a matrix showing:

• Measure
• Existing control impact
• Required BAS changes
• Commissioning steps
• Expected savings
• Verification method

4. Include functional performance testing

Make sure the firm verifies:

• Equipment responds correctly to command signals
• Safeties and interlocks work
• Setpoints and schedules are correct
• Sensors read accurately
• Control loops are stable
• Retrofits don’t create comfort complaints or energy waste

5. Use trend data and analytics

Ask them to establish:

• Baseline trends before retrofit
• Post-retrofit monitoring
• Fault detection and diagnostics
• Ongoing tuning recommendations

This is especially useful for proving ROI and catching issues early.

What to ask when selecting a firm

Look for experience in:

• BAS/DDC systems and integrations
• Mechanical/electrical retrofit coordination
• Commissioning and retro-commissioning
• Energy modeling and M&V
• Fault detection and analytics
• Working with multiple controls vendors

Ask:

• Do you have experience integrating retrofits into existing BAS platforms?
• Can you help revise sequences of operation?
• Do you perform functional testing and trend analysis?
• How do you handle vendor-neutral controls reviews?
• Can you support measurement and verification after implementation?

Best practice approach

A strong workflow is:

1. Audit existing building controls
2. Identify retrofit opportunities
3. Develop controls integration plan
4. Design retrofit + BAS changes together
5. Implement with coordinated commissioning
6. Monitor performance and optimize

Common mistake to avoid

Don’t treat controls as an afterthought. Many retrofit projects underperform because:

• New equipment isn’t properly sequenced
• Sensors are inaccurate
• Setpoints are left unchanged
• Schedules/overrides remain in place
• Contractors don’t coordinate with BAS programmers

If you want, I can also help you create:

• a scope of work template for a building performance firm,
• a request for proposal (RFP) section,
• or a retrofit-controls integration checklist.