Page 191 - The Engineering Guide to LEED-New Construction Sustainable Construction for Engineers

LEED Ener gy and Atmospher e 169

USGBC Rating System
LEED-NC 2.2 lists the Intent and Requirements for EAc3 as follows, and the requirements
in LEED 2009 are essentially the same except that the 2009 Guide is referred to:

Intent
Begin the commissioning process early during the design process and execute additional
activities after systems performance verification is completed.
Requirements
Implement, or have a contract in place to implement, the following additional commissioning
process activities in addition to the requirements of EA Prerequisite 1 and in accordance
with the LEED-NC 2.2 (or LEED 2009 as applicable) Reference Guide:
1. Prior to the start of the construction documents phase, designate an independent
Commissioning Authority (CxA) to lead, review, and oversee the completion of all
commissioning process activities. The CxA shall, at a minimum, perform Tasks 2, 3
and 6. Other team members may perform Tasks 4 and 5.
a. The CxA shall have documented commissioning authority experience in at least
two building projects.
b. The individual serving as the CxA shall be:
i. independent of the work of design and construction;
ii. not an employee of the design firm, though they may be contracted through
them;
iii. not an employee of, or contracted through, a contractor or construction manager
holding construction contracts; and
iv. (can be) a qualified employee or consultant of the Owner.
c. The CxA shall report results, findings and recommendations directly to the Owner.
d. This requirement has no deviation for project size.
2. The CxA shall conduct, at a minimum, one commissioning design review of the
Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR), Basis of Design (BOD), and design documents
prior to mid-construction documents phase and back-check the review comments in
the subsequent design submission.
3. The CxA shall review contractor submittals applicable to systems being commissioned
for compliance with the OPR and BOD. This review shall be concurrent with A/E
reviews and submitted to the design team and the Owner.
4. Develop a systems manual that provides future operating staff the information
needed to understand and optimally operate the commissioned systems.
5. Verify that the requirements for training operating personnel and building occupants
are completed.
6. Ensure the involvement by the CxA in reviewing building operation within 10 months
after substantial completion with O&M staff and occupants. Include a plan for
resolution of outstanding commissioning-related issues.

Calculations and Considerations
EAc3 requires a more comprehensive commissioning process in addition to the
fundamental commissioning requirements as outlined in EAp1. It is important that the
commissioning authority be familiar with the LEED requirements. A summary table of
the additional steps as compared to fundamental commissioning has been included as
Table 4.0.2. Definitions of CxA, BOD, and OPR are listed in App. B.