SCS Engineers
March 11, 2026
Discover Why Retro-Commissioning is the Key to Sustainable Facility Performance
What Is Retro-Commissioning (RCx)?
Retro-commissioning is a systematic process for evaluating and optimizing the performance of existing buildings and their systems. Unlike initial commissioning, which is performed during new building construction, RCx focuses on improving existing equipment and systems in facilities that have been in use for some time. The goal is to ensure that the building continues to meet the needs of its occupants and operates as efficiently as possible.
Why Is RCx Needed?
Over time, buildings often stray from their original design intent due to changes in usage, aging equipment, and evolving operational requirements. This can lead to inefficient energy consumption, increased utility costs, and discomfort for occupants.
RCx addresses these issues by identifying operational problems, optimizing control strategies, and restoring peak performance, often with a quick payback period, making it a cost-effective choice for facility managers and owners.
Why Is RCx Often Overlooked?
Despite its proven benefits, RCx is frequently neglected. Many facility managers and owners focus on new construction or renovations, overlooking the potential hidden within their current assets.
Limited awareness, budget constraints, and misconceptions about RCx’s complexity can prevent organizations from pursuing these projects. RCx is typically cost-effective, with minimal disruption and often pays for itself in less than two years, reassuring facility managers and owners of its practicality.
When RCx Is Right for You?
Energy Consumption Has Increased
When evaluating energy use, look for gradual drifts or sudden changes. Year-over-year increases of 10% or more suggest operational issues RCx can resolve.
On the other hand, acute changes are marked by a sharp spike in energy consumption, which may then level off or continue to rise. These abrupt increases are usually easier to notice because they stand out more than gradual trends. Acute changes typically indicate that a major piece of equipment, such as a chiller or air handling unit, has suddenly begun operating differently. The root cause may be straightforward or require detailed investigation. What’s clear from such a dramatic rise in energy costs is that immediate attention is needed.
Multiple Operator Overrides
For most buildings, a building automation system (BAS) has been installed to provide a control scheme for the many components of a mechanical system responsible for building climate control and, in some cases, lighting systems. When a facility is newly built and properly commissioned, these controls should be operating efficiently.
However, over time, equipment performance can decline: dampers may break, sensors can drift out of calibration, and complaints from occupants about uncomfortable temperatures or unpleasant odors can surface.
Operations and Maintenance teams, already stretched thin managing a variety of urgent issues, rarely have the capacity to investigate the underlying causes in depth. So when a tenant calls, frustrated that a conference room is sweltering during a crucial meeting, the likely response is to override the setpoint. This quick fix ensures the room cools down, keeps the tenant satisfied, and allows the staff to move on to the many other tasks demanding their attention. However, the additional energy consumed will become noticeable over time.
Equipment Has Useful Life
One of the goals of RCx is to optimize building system performance and lower energy use by fine-tuning control sequences, operational routines, and maintenance practices—without incurring major costs for equipment replacement. For RCx to be effective, the existing equipment must be operating near its original design specifications. However, all equipment ages, and even well-maintained systems will eventually degrade to less-than-ideal performance. If the equipment is so worn out that it can no longer fulfill its intended purpose, there’s little that RCx can do to restore its performance.
For example, an HVAC condensing unit that’s been in service for three decades, with corroded coils and a persistent inability to maintain proper refrigerant temperatures even at full capacity. In such cases, the unit has surpassed its expected useful life, and replacement is likely the only way to achieve the desired comfort and efficiency, followed by commissioning of the new equipment to ensure optimal operation.
Conversely, if your system is only five years old and physically sound but is struggling to meet cooling demands or is running inefficiently, an RCx specialist can help diagnose and resolve the underlying issues, restoring the system’s performance.
The Benefits of RCx
- Energy Savings: By optimizing systems, RCx can significantly reduce energy consumption and utility costs, with documented savings ranging from 5% to 20% or more, depending on building type and usage.
- Improved Comfort: Correcting operational issues enhances occupant comfort and productivity. According to facility surveys, occupant complaints decreased 50% after a successful RCx process.
- Extended Equipment Life: Regular assessment and adjustments prevent unnecessary wear and tear, prolonging the lifespan of building systems, which can reduce maintenance costs by up to 15% annually.
- Sustainability: RCx supports environmental goals by minimizing resource use and reducing carbon footprints. The EPA notes that RCx projects can lower greenhouse gas emissions through smarter energy management.
- Cost Effectiveness & Return on Investment: Most RCx measures yield quick paybacks, with ROI rates often exceeding 100% within the first year. For every dollar invested in RCx, studies show owners can expect an average of $4 in direct energy savings.
RCx is more than just a maintenance strategy—it’s a proactive approach to unlocking long-term value in existing buildings. The numbers show: substantial savings, improved comfort, and a rapid return on investment make RCx a smart, sustainable choice for any facility owner looking to unlock their building’s performance.
Who Provides RCx Services?
While HVAC maintenance companies can offer some RCx services, choosing specialized energy engineering firms, mechanical contractors, or controls companies ensures effective results and gives facility managers and owners confidence in the process.
Selecting an RCx Provider: Building owners should look for businesses with proven experience in similar facility types and a track record of successful RCx projects. It is wise to request references, review case studies, and ensure the firm follows industry standards such as those set by ASHRAE or the Building Commissioning Association. Owners may also consider issuing a request for proposals (RFP) to compare qualifications, methodologies, and pricing among several firms before making a selection.
Additional Resources:
About the Author. Tony Kriel is a Professional Engineer (PE) and LEED Accredited Professional (BD+C and O+M) with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He serves as SCS Engineers’ National Expert on Facility Energy Management, with decades of consulting experience specializing in commissioning (Cx), retro-commissioning (RCx), ASHRAE Level I-III energy audits, and greenhouse gas/carbon-reduction services. Tony manages multiple large-scale projects exceeding 1 million square feet and works with diverse clients across the industrial, commercial, military, federal, state, municipal, and solid waste sectors. He has implemented and managed commissioning processes for various buildings, providing both fundamental and enhanced commissioning services aligned with the US Green Building Council’s LEED program. Feel free to contact our Author, Tony Kriel, with any questions or use LinkedIn.
Posted by Diane Samuels at 6:00 am
March 5, 2026
What happened at the February 26, 2026, California Air Resources Board (CARB) public hearing and meeting?
On Thursday, February 26, CARB voted to approve regulations implementing California’s two climate disclosure requirements. To implement these laws, the board approved the draft regulation, which provides key definitions, establishes annual compliance fees, and sets deadlines for the first year of reporting.
What are the key elements of the new regulation?
- Definitions for “doing business in California,” “revenue,” “parent,” and “subsidiary” follow the approaches CARB described at its November 2025 public workshop.
- The deadline was set for August 10, 2026, for first-year Scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions reporting under SB 253. The regulation provides a cut-off for determining the applicable fiscal year for reporting. Overall, companies have 6-18 months to submit a GHG inventory report from the close of their fiscal year (FY). If their FY is a 12-month calendar year, FY 25 is to be reported in 2026. If a company’s FY ends Jan 31, 2026, data from FY 25-26 are to be reported in 2026. If a company’s FY ends Feb 2, 2026, data from FY 24-25 are to be reported.
- The fee structure and calculation formula for each of the two. CARB staff estimated fees at $2,000 to $7,000 per in-scope company, depending upon which law applied.
- Excluded are insurance companies, entities whose only business in California is employee compensation or payroll expenses, non-profits, and government entities, and a business entity whose only activity within California consists of wholesale electricity transactions.
Since these regulations were just issued, what enforcement is expected in 2026?
CARB emphasized that its enforcement guidance remains in effect, which provides accommodation for the first year of reporting. In its press release following the hearing, CARB noted that its priority is to support compliance through stakeholder engagement, and it will exercise enforcement discretion as long as good-faith efforts are made in first-year submissions.
When are climate risk disclosures under SB 261 due?
Enforcement of SB 261 is on a Ninth Circuit injunction, as acknowledged by CARB at the hearing. That injunction does not extend to SB 253. More than 120 climate-related financial risk reports have been voluntarily submitted and are publicly available at CARB’s SB 261 public docket.
What are the plans for future regulations under these laws?
CARB staff noted that additional topics are to be addressed in future guidance, with further SB 253 regulations to be proposed later this year. These are to address Scope 3 GHG emissions reporting, assurance, and reporting deadlines in 2027 and beyond.
CARB SB 253 and SB 261 Resources
See below for links to the notice of staff meeting presentation, the adopted regulatory text, and the press release, along with contact information for subject-matter experts should you require further assistance.
Posted by Diane Samuels at 8:22 am
March 4, 2026
Visit SCS Engineers’ speakers and exhibitors at the CRWA Education & Exhibitor Show, April 27th – 30th, 2026 at Harrah’s Convention Center! The CRWA annual conference is your opportunity to connect, learn, and showcase—all in one unforgettable alpine setting. Throughout the event, attendees can participate in educational sessions led by industry experts, network with peers, and engage with exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies and services supporting rural water systems.
SCS Engineers’ experts Chuck Houser and Jonathan Meronek will present:
Geology Rules: Case Studies in Geo-Sciences of Ground Water Assessment and Supply
Wednesday April 29, 2026 | 9AM – 12PM
Engage with exhibitors offering the latest in rural water technology and collaborate with peers to solve real-world challenges facing your systems. With networking breakfasts, themed receptions, and hands-on demonstrations built into the schedule, you’ll come away with both actionable knowledge and lasting relationships. Between conference hours, enjoy Caesars Republic South Lake Tahoe’s welcoming resort atmosphere and the natural beauty of South Lake Tahoe—a setting that makes connecting, learning, and recharging enjoyable. Register today to join us!
Posted by Brianna Morgan at 10:12 am
March 3, 2026
SCS Engineers will participate in the 19th annual International Biomass Conference & Expo, taking place March 31-April 2, 2026, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN. This conference brings together leaders in biobased power, renewable fuels, thermal energy, and biobased chemicals.
Hosted by BBI International and produced by Biomass Magazine, the event is expected to attract nearly 900 professionals. Specifically, attendees include bioenergy producers, waste generators, municipal leaders, utility executives, technology providers, project developers, investors, and policy makers.
This year’s program features more than 30 panels and over 100 speakers. In addition, sessions will cover anaerobic digestion, gasification, pyrolysis, and combined heat and power. Content is organized into focused tracks, allowing participants to tailor their experience based on technical and strategic interests.
During the conference, Erik Anderson, Senior Project Advisor, will speak on:
Data Driven Strategies for High Performance Biogas Systems
Wednesday, April 1 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Erik will present “Hybridized Reactor Design for Anaerobic Digestion of Waste Biomass” as part of a panel exploring data-driven decision-making, AI-enhanced digester operations, and chemistry-based process optimization. The session will highlight strategies to improve process stability, maximize productivity, and enhance overall biogas system performance.
SCS Engineers supports public and private clients with renewable energy development, waste-to-energy systems, air quality compliance, and environmental permitting. We provide practical solutions that help organizations meet regulatory requirements and improve operational performance.
We look forward to connecting with industry leaders in Nashville and continuing the conversation around advancing biomass and biogas technologies. Register now.
Posted by Brianna Morgan at 9:09 am
February 9, 2026
SCS Engineers will participate in the 119th Annual Conference & Exhibition (ACE), hosted by the Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA), June 21–24, 2026, in Austin, Texas. ACE brings together environmental professionals from industry, consulting, research, legal, and government sectors to advance solutions to today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
The conference highlights Texas’s leadership across traditional and renewable energy. ACE 2026 will feature more than 200 technical presentations, nearly 40 panels, and concurrent tracks on air, waste, clean energy, sustainability, and environmental management.
Armando Hurtado-Garcia and Eva Luu will present on behalf of SCS Engineers. They will be presenting on topics that reflect SCS’s commitment to practical, science-based solutions for complex environmental and infrastructure challenges.
We look forward to engaging with industry leaders, regulators, and researchers that shape the future of environmental management. Join us in Austin at A&WMA ACE 2026, for an impactful week of learning, collaboration, and innovation. Register now!
Posted by Brianna Morgan at 12:46 pm
February 2, 2026
SCS Engineers is pleased to welcome Christopher (Chris) Monahan as our new Vice President and General Counsel. With a Professional Engineering background, a Juris Doctor, and an LL.M. in Business Law, Chris brings a rare combination of technical, legal, and business expertise to our leadership team. He is based at our Long Beach, CA headquarters.
“Chris Monahan’s broad and multidisciplinary legal background spans construction, engineering, claims and litigation, M&A, renewable energy, labor and employment law, environmental compliance, real estate, international law, intellectual property, and technology, making him an ideal fit with our vision to be the leading provider of environmental solutions – delivering lasting outcomes for our clients and employee-owners,” says SCS President Curtis Jang.
Chris joins SCS with deep leadership experience across the renewable energy and engineering sectors. He has led legal departments and overseen enterprise risk management, compliance, contracts, litigation, IRA tax strategy, and SEC filings for organizations involved in solar and clean‑energy development. His background also includes managing large, multi-disciplinary legal teams and supporting complex projects across multiple jurisdictions.
When asked about joining SCS Engineers, Chris says, “It’s an honor to join SCS Engineers. I’m excited to contribute to an organization that protects our planet with integrity and purpose. The company’s vision, its focus on environmental solutions, its reputation for technical excellence and innovation, and its employee-owned culture position the company to do remarkable things.”
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Chris enjoys surfing, triathlons, and spending time with his family. He shared that his family is very enthusiastic about this new chapter and looks forward to becoming part of the SCS Engineers family—both personally and professionally.
Chris holds an LL.M in Business Law from the University of Sydney, a Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School, an MS in Civil Engineering from UCLA, Bachelor’s degrees in Engineering (Cal State Long Beach) and Accounting (Pepperdine), and graduate certificates in Enterprise Risk Management and Construction Management from UCLA. He is licensed as a California attorney, a U.S. Patent Attorney, a Solicitor in Australia (inactive), and a Professional Civil Engineer in California.
Please join us in welcoming Chris Monahan to SCS Engineers. We are enthusiastic about the depth of his experience, leadership, and strategic insight, and look forward to his contributions to our leadership team.
Posted by Diane Samuels at 6:00 am
January 29, 2026
Join SCS Engineers at the Environmental Industry Summit (EIS) XXIV, April 1–3, 2026, in Coronado, San Diego County. Environmental Business International (EBI) hosts the Summit each year, bringing the environmental industry together to strengthen its professional community.
This year’s event will convene 150+ executives for a multiple-day program focused on business strategy, market trends, and leadership. The Summit also features the annual EBJ & CCBJ Business Achievement Awards banquet, celebrating high performance and innovation across the industry.
SCS Engineers is proud to serve as a sponsor of Environmental Industry Summit (EIS) XXIV and to proudly have earned both the Climate Change Business Journal Achievement Award for Innovation and the Environmental Business Journal Project Award at EIS XXIV.
See you there!
A state-of-the-art covered aerated static pile (CASP) facility, designed by SCS Engineers and located next to Kern County’s Shafter-Wasco Landfill in California, can divert 100,000 tons of organic waste from landfills annually. This facility is far more than just another improvement to Kern County’s solid waste infrastructure—it is a cornerstone of its commitment to sustainability and response to landmark legislation driving the state’s organics diversion and zero-waste initiatives.
SCS Engineers, in collaboration with the U.S. EPA, developed a time-based Computational Pressure (CP) Model to improve Class VI well permitting for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). Unlike traditional methods that assume immediate hydrostatic equilibrium, this model calculates brine migration as a function of time and overpressure, providing a more realistic, site-specific approach to defining the Area of Review.
Posted by Brianna Morgan at 10:18 am
January 28, 2026
Join SCS Engineers at EEI National Accounts Spring Conference, taking place April 12–15, 2026, in Phoenix. EEI’s National Accounts Spring Conference brings together national corporate energy users and key industry stakeholders to build relationships, conduct business, and address today’s most pressing energy challenges.
The workshop offers opportunities to meet face-to-face with electric companies, corporate customers, technology providers, and industry suppliers to support customer energy management needs. Attendees will also share best practices and benchmarking insights with peers, explore the latest industry trends through keynote sessions and breakouts, and engage in interactive roundtable discussions focused on real-world solutions. Register now!
Posted by Brianna Morgan at 12:06 pm
January 28, 2026
Join SCS Engineers at the AEE World Energy Conference & Expo, taking place September 16–18, 2026, in Orlando, FL. The AEE World Energy Conference & Expo is the flagship global event for professionals advancing energy efficiency, decarbonization, and sustainable energy systems. Each year, leaders from industry, government, utilities, and organizations come together to share practical insights, examine real-world case studies, and explore technologies shaping the future of energy.
More than a traditional conference, AEE World serves as a working platform, designed to help professionals move from ideas to implementation while building trusted global connections that extend beyond the event. Focused on accelerating global energy solutions, the conference highlights proven approaches and emerging strategies across regions, sectors, and disciplines.
Posted by Brianna Morgan at 11:57 am
January 28, 2026
SCS Engineers will be attending the 2026 Baird Global Industrial Conference. This event is taking place November 10–12, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago in Chicago.
This premier, invitation-only conference brings together senior executives from more than 280 leading public and private companies representing mid- to large-cap organizations across the industrial sector. The event offers a unique forum for strategic conversations, market insights, and high-level networking with investors and industry leaders.
In addition to the in-person conference, Baird is hosting a virtual private company event (dates to be announced). Attendees will have access to webcasted company presentations and one-on-one meetings with investors and senior management. Participating companies span a wide range of sectors, including industrial equipment, aerospace and defense, chemicals, energy technology, manufacturing, transportation, and logistics.
Posted by Brianna Morgan at 11:42 am
