Blog
The environmental impact of recommissioning (RCx)
According to Natural Resources Canada, recommissioning (RCx) can be understood as a “tune-up” of existing equipment and systems, aimed at improving their performance without requiring major investments. This process is based on optimizing existing equipment by identifying improvements at low or no direct cost (often referred to as the “low-cost/no-cost” approach).
An immediate reduction in the carbon footprint
Recommissioning projects generally reduce a building’s energy consumption by 5 to 20%, directly resulting in a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This reduction is explained by two main factors:
- Less production and transportation of new equipment
By focusing on optimizing existing systems rather than replacing them, RCx avoids the manufacture, transportation and installation of new equipment, which reduces the GHG emissions associated with these stages of the product life cycle. - Extending the lifespan of equipment
Better management of existing equipment (for example, adjusting operating hours or optimizing control sequences) reduces excessive strain on the equipment and, consequently, wear and tear. This means fewer premature replacements and therefore a reduction in material waste and the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new equipment.
A sustainable and effective approach
An RCx project not only reduces energy consumption but also improves the overall performance of the installations. It is not just a matter of adjusting a few parameters, but of reviewing all the interactions between the systems to ensure that they are working to their full potential.
Some optimizations can be simple, such as programming equipment to operate at a lower speed during periods of vacancy. Others can be more complex, such as correcting incorrectly parameterized control sequences that impair overall performance. In all cases, specialized support makes it possible to identify and implement these solutions effectively.
A change in mentality that benefits the environment
Beyond energy savings and the reduction of GHG emissions, recommissioning encourages a fundamental change of perspective: instead of systematically thinking about replacement, we learn to maximize the efficiency of what we already have.
In the field of building mechanics, recommissioning can be compared to using a reusable straw or a reusable shopping bag. Instead of consuming and throwing away, we adjust and optimize. It is a concrete step towards a more responsible and sustainable management of our infrastructures.
Far from being a simple one-off fix, recommissioning is a sustainable approach that combines cost reduction, performance improvement and reduced environmental impact. In the context of energy transition and the fight against climate change, it represents a pragmatic and effective solution for reducing the carbon footprint of buildings while maximizing their value.
Why replace when you can optimize?