LEED v4 requires Fundamental commissioning and verification as a prerequisite, while offering extra points for Enhanced commissioning. According to USGBC the Commissioning Authority must complete the commissioning (Cx) process activities for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and renewable energy systems and assemblies, in accordance with ASHRAE Guideline 0-2005 and ASHRAE Guideline 1.1–2007 for HVAC&R Systems, as they relate to energy, water, indoor environmental quality, and durability.
Requirements for exterior enclosures are limited to inclusion in the owner’s project requirements (OPR) and basis of desin (BOD), as well as the review of the OPR, BOD and project design. NIBS Guideline 3-2012 for Exterior Enclosures provides additional guidance.
Fundamental commissioning and verification’s Intent is to support the design, construction, and eventual operation of a project that meets the owner’s project requirements for energy, water, indoor environmental quality, and durability. For these purposes the commissioning authority must:
- Review the OPR, BOD, and project design.
- Develop and implement a Cx plan.
- Confirm incorporation of Cx requirements into the construction documents.
- Develop construction checklists.
- Develop a system test procedure.
- Verify system test execution.
- Maintain an issues and benefits log throughout the Cx process.
- Prepare a final Cx process report.
- Document all findings and recommendations and report directly to the owner throughout the process.
Enhanced commissioning intent is to further support the design, construction, and eventual operation of a project that meets the owner’s project requirements for energy, water, indoor environmental quality, and durability. It offers 6 possible points. Available actions include:
A. Enhanced systems commissioning (3-4 points possible) for which the CxA must:
- Review contractor submittals.
- Verify inclusion of systems manual requirements in construction documents.
- Verify inclusion of operator and occupant training requirements in construction documents.
- Verify systems manual updates and delivery.
- Verify operator and occupant training delivery and effectiveness.
- Verify seasonal testing.
- Review building operations 10 months after substantial completion.
- Develop an on-going commissioning plan.
B. Monitoring-based commissioning (1 more point available), for which the CxA must develop monitoring-based procedures and identify points to be measured and evaluated to assess performance of energy and water consuming systems. Include the procedures and measurement points in the commissioning plan.
C. Envelope commissioning (2 points)
According to USGBC, the CxA must complete the commissioning process (CxP) activities for the building’s thermal envelope in accordance with ASHRAE Guideline 0–2005 and the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) Guideline 3–2012, Exterior Enclosure Technical Requirements for the Commissioning Process, as they relate to energy, water, indoor environmental quality, and durability, specifying the requirements of the process at an early stage and verifying execution by the contractor.
