Page 165 - The Engineering Guide to LEED-New Construction Sustainable Construction for Engineers

LEED Ener gy and Atmospher e 143

Intent
Verify that the building’s energy related systems are installed, calibrated, and perform
according to the owner’s project requirements, basis of design, and construction documents.
Benefits of Commissioning
Benefits of commissioning include reduced energy use, lower operating costs, reduced
contractor callbacks, better building documentation, improved occupant productivity, and
verification that the systems perform in accordance with the owner’s project requirements.
Requirements
The following commissioning process activities shall be completed by the commissioning
team.
1) Designate an individual as the Commissioning Authority (CxA) to lead, review and
oversee the completion of the commissioning process activities.
a) The CxA shall have documented commissioning authority experience in at least
two building projects.
b) The individual serving as the CxA shall be independent of the project’s design and
construction management, though they may be employees of the firms providing
those services. The CxA may be a qualified employee or consultant of the Owner.
c) The CxA shall report results, findings and recommendations directly to the Owner.
d) For projects smaller than 50,000 gross square feet, the CxA may include qualified
persons on the design or construction teams who have the required experience.
2) The owner shall document the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR). The design
team shall develop the Basis of Design (BOD). The CxA shall review these documents
for clarity and completeness. The Owner and design team shall be responsible for
updates to their respective documents.
3) Develop and incorporate commissioning requirements into the construction
documents.
4) Develop and implement a commissioning plan.
5) Verify the installation and performance of the systems to be commissioned.
6) Complete a summary commissioning report.
Commissioned Systems
Commissioning process activities shall be completed for the following energy related
systems, at a minimum:
• Heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems (mechanical
and passive) and associated controls
• Lighting and daylighting controls
• Domestic hot water systems
• Renewable energy systems (wind, solar etc.)

Potential Technologies and Strategies
Owners are encouraged to seek out qualified individuals to lead the commissioning process.
Qualified individuals are identified as those who possess a high level of experience in the
following areas:
• Energy systems design, installation and operation
• Commissioning planning and process management
• Hands-on field experience with energy systems performance, interaction, start up,
balancing, testing, troubleshooting, operation, and maintenance procedures
• Energy systems automation control knowledge