The library was completed in 2013 and received a LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The building’s mechanical system included a Geothermal Heat Pump which was commissioned as part of the building construction process and deemed operational. However, upon occupancy of the building, and after the mechanical system was exposed to various load conditions throughout the course of a year, several mechanical issues arose. These issues increased the building’s maintenance costs, decreased occupant comfort, and increased utility costs.

Some of the operational issues included heat pump component failure, unstable air handler and heat pump operation, an inoperable geothermal well system, and problems switching between heating systems.

The problems experienced by the Salem State University Library are not uncommon among newly constructed buildings. This is because the commissioning process (Cx) for newly constructed buildings frequently focuses on individual pieces of equipment rather than a fully integrated system. While each vendor may confirm that the piece of equipment they installed operates according to its specifications, how it interacts with the many other pieces of equipment is often ignored.

EE&D’s Retro-Commissioning process employs a whole-building approach to identify system deficiencies throughout the building, and implement solutions that restore it to its intended functionality. It is important that during this process key staff members of equipment vendors are involved, as they have intimate technical knowledge of how the equipment on site was installed. It is also important that the facility staff is involved throughout this process because they work with the equipment on a daily basis and ultimately, they will be the ones who continue to keep the building operating properly after the project is completed.

The Retro-Commissioning of the Frederick E. Berry Library and Learning Commons has been successfully completed. All issues that were previously preventing the library from providing occupant comfort at LEED silver certified levels have been resolved. The Geothermal Heat Pump has been restored to its full functionality, the air handler units are consistently maintaining the discharge air temperatures set point.