The intent of this credit is to begin the commissioning process early during the design process and execute additional activities after systems performance verification is completed.

Requirements for Certification:

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 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.

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.

Develop a systems manual that provides future operating staff the information needed to understand and optimally operate the commissioned systems. Verify that the requirements for training operating personnel and building occupants are completed.

Assure 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.

Successful Strategies:

• Commissioning agent should coordinate and organize regularly scheduled meetings with the contractors and subcontractors on-site.
• Incorporate the commissioning agent's milestones into the project schedule.

Helpful Hints:

1. The commissioning MUST be contracted prior to 50% CDs.
2. Some requirements for this credit occur just prior to substantial completion. Note that LEED requires that documentation is "readily available" prior to submittal.
3. When a Commissioning Authority reviews key submittals for compliance with the specifications and design intent, the whole project team benefits by getting an extra set of eyes to look at the details of equipment and control integration at a very early phase of the project. These reviews can help to integrate the equipment suppliers and control vendors prior to equipment being ordered, which facilitates on-site integration and keeps "head-scratching" to a minimum.
4. Project teams should be aware of the credit synergies with EAp1 when scoping and bidding this credit.
5. Check for more favorable terms of professional liability insurance.
6. Consider including an ongoing training component to strengthen the training beyond the commissioning prerequisite. This should be integrated in the IAQ Management Plan.
7. Include an IAQ Management Plan as part of the Facility Maintenance and Commissioning Plans.

Historical Data (updated June 2006):

• 52% of all California LEED Certified projects achieved this credit under LEED v2.1.

Additional EDR Resources

Online Tools: Commissioning Assistant

Case Studies: Building Case Study - A Biotech Lab and Office

Case Studies: High Quality Learning Environment Yields 38 Percent Energy Savings

Design Briefs: Building Commissioning

Design Briefs: Design Review

Design Guidelines: Commissioning Guidelines