What primary purpose does the Owner's Project Requirements (OPR) serve in commissioning?

The primary purpose of the Owner's Project Requirements (OPR) is to document the owner's expectations and performance criteria for a project. The OPR serves as a foundational document that articulates what the owner needs from the building systems, including functional requirements, sustainability goals, and performance benchmarks. By clearly defining these expectations, the OPR guides the design, construction, and commissioning processes, ensuring that decisions made throughout the project align with the owner's vision and operational needs.

This document is crucial for the commissioning process, as it allows all stakeholders—designers, contractors, and commissioning agents—to understand and meet the owner's requirements effectively. When followed, the OPR helps ensure that the completed project fulfills its intended purpose, thus enhancing functionality, performance, and satisfaction for the owner.