leed ea credit 3 enhanced commissioning
The intent of our question is to clarify who can serve as the Commissioning Agent for LEED NC 2.2 Enhanced Commissioning, EA Credit 3. Fundamental-commissioning requirements.The fundamental-commissioning requirements for the LEED-NC, LEED-CI, LEED-CS, LEED for Schools, LEED for Healthcare, LEED for Retail-New Construction, and LEED for Retail-Commercial Interiors are: 1. (ABP task) 4. Energy and Atmosphere 3 – Enhanced Commissioning. Yes, the responsible party for commissioning can be the Owner. Our question concerns whether separation is recognized between the Architectural and Engineering designers for projects where these responsibilities are being performed by separate firms under separate contracts with the Owner, and whether that separation creates the independence from the design team required for the CxA. The intended CxA is a qualified employee of the Owner; he is employed in a different division/department of the corporation and has as such no involvement in the design, the construction, or construction management. The second question is whether the indicated delineation of tasks is acceptable. LEED is changing all the time, and every project is unique. Who can perform enhanced commissioning services? However, the extent of the consulting services to the design team is not clearly stated. • Review building operation within 10 months after substantial completion. Per LEED-NC v2.1 CIR ruling dated 3/11/2003, it is not acceptable for an individual to serve as the independent commissioning authority for a project where design or construction management services are provided by a company that shares staff or management, up to and including the President or CEO. The numbers in brackets are the maximum points for each EA credit. The applicant is seeking an interpretation as to the acceptability of the delineation of commissioning tasks as outlined in the credit interpretation request. They will be involved with design document reviews prior to the mid-construction documents phase and have been involved in the review of the OPR and the BOD as well as providing assistance in the development of the commissioning specifications. As more projects look to v4 certification, FSE projects include the following: WE Credit 3.1 - Outdoor Water-Use Reduction; EA Prerequisite 1: - Fundamental Commissioning and Verification; EA Prerequisite 2: - Minimum Energy Performance These services are intended to begin prior to the commencement of the construction documents phase and include: Documentation of the focused design, construction & submittal reviews; Prior to construction documents phase designate an independent commissioning authority to oversee "all commissioning activities." The two companies do not share any staff. 4) Independent Cx Authority- Review completed systems manual to ensure it includes relevant sections and detail as defined by LEED NC 2.2 guidance 4) Other -Develop a systems manual for the project 5) Independent Cx Authority- Stay appraised with design team commissioning authority that training protocol review and building operator training has been completed. They operate autonomously. In addition to the three points awarded for the Enhanced Commissioning Credit, project teams can elect to pursue one or two additional points for Monitoring Based Commissioning and Envelope Commissioning. Can a consultant perform both LEED consulting and act as an independent commissioning agent for the enhanced commissioning credit (EAc3)? If ABP, as a firm, holds any responsibility for design or construction management, they may not serve as the independent Commissioning Authority. SECTION 01 92 00. All checklists organized by project phase. "Who Can be the Commissioning Authority" (Page 221) states that "independent consultants contracted by the owner" and "owner employees and staff" are allowed to be the commissioning authority when pursuing enhanced commissioning. Checklists covering all the key action steps you'll need to earn the credit. It should be adapted as needed to suit the project, remaining reflective of the LEED intent. Spreadsheets and forms to give to subs and other team members. We believe this meets the intent of the independent Commissioning Authority and are looking for your concurrence. In addition to this, the project would like to pursue points under EAc1.Following the "Treatment of District or Campus Thermal Energy in LEED V2 and LEED 2009-Design & Construction" guidelines, the project would not be able to pursue Enhanced Commissioning while earning EAc1 points without commissioning upstream equipment at the DES plant. Applicable Internationally. All involved being employed by the same corporation and ultimately working towards the best solution for the Owner should alleviate any doubts of mistaken loyalty. • Review contractor submittals applicable to systems being commissioned. Based on these facts, please confirm that the USGBC will consider the Jacobs Consultancy, Inc. as an independent, third party Commissioning Authority on projects designed by the Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. 2. Commissioning Authority Qualifications" are met. Project No. Per CIR ruling dated 1/8/2007, the independent CxA need not always formally review and approve each deliverable. B: EA Credit 3 Enhanced Commissioning C: EA Credit 2 On-Site Renewable Energy D: EA Credit 5 Measurement & Verification E: EA Credit 6 Green Power . In our case, the firm who is providing architectural design and is the Architect-of-Record is under contract with the Owner with no subconsultants. We recommend project teams use the Conceptual or Schematic Design sets to secure a CxA contract early in the design process. LEEDuser’s Documentation Toolkit, for premium members only, saves you time and helps you avoid mistakes with: © 2020 BuildingGreen, Inc. All rights reserved except where noted. This EA credit covers enhanced commissioning and is a requirement for all project types described under BD+C. Based on these circumstances, we ask the USGBC to confirm that we can designate a qualified employee of the Owner as the independent CxA for EAc3 as well as EAp1 even though the Owner also controls the design, construction, and construction management. There are no financial, social, personnel, or any other relationships between the two entities in any form whatsoever. GREYHAWK provides commissioning services to support owner’s seeking LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification of their projects. The Jacobs Consultancy, Inc. will, of course, comply with all LEED Fundamental Commissioning and LEED Enhanced Commissioning requirements on any assignment as the Commissioning Authority for a LEED registered project. Additional Commissioning. As the owner, tenant and end user for this commercial interior space, we will also be acting as the architect, engineer and construction manager as agent. Hot tips to give you shortcuts and avoid pitfalls. Following the guidelines, projects that meet certain criteria cannot obtain points for EAc3 or EAc5 if they earn points for EAc1 Optimize Energy Performance but are unable to commission or meter upstream DES equipment.The project consists of a manufacturing facility located in China. LEED-NC V4 EA Credit 6 John M. Rattenbury, P.E., LEED AP 1. The guidelines appear to apply only to owner-operated DESs rather than utility or government-operated DESs. Enhanced Commissioning • EA Credit 3 (2 Points) • Begin the commissioning process early in the design and execute additional activities after systems performance verification is completed. Credit Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies 2 3 2 Credit Low-Emitting Materials 3 3 3 Credit Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan 1 1 1 Credit Indoor Air Quality Assessment 2 2 2 Credit Thermal Comfort 1 1 1 Credit Interior Lighting 2 2 2 Credit Daylight 3 3 3 Much of this confusion arises from the use of the term "CxA" being used both in the 2.2 Reference Guide outline of EAp1 tasks as well as in the 2.2 Reference Guide\'s outline of the EAc3 tasks. – LEED EA credit 3 - Enhanced Commissioning We review the O&M manuals and add the necessary operating information to meet this requirement. LEEDuser gives step-by-step help. CxA to perform review of OPR, BOD and design documents prior to mid-construction documents phase and perform a back-check. Operational management of JCI and JEG are completely separate and autonomous. Option 1. For LEED certified buildings, the commissioning process must begin early during the design phase of the project. MONITORING BASED COMMISSIONING
Page . The Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing designs are being provided by other firms, each with a separate contract with the Owner. Four Seasons Environmental, Inc. is well versed in both LEED Version 3 and Version 4. Up to 6 points are available under the updated enhanced commissioning credit, spread across 3 different options: Option 1, Path 1: Enhanced Commissioning (3 points) Option 1, Path 2: Enhanced and Monitoring-Based Commissioning (4 points) Option 2: Envelope Commissioning (2 points) Enhanced Commissioning Scope Updates Energy and Atmosphere – EA Credit: Enhanced Commissioning . LEED EAc3 is no longer mandated per SDD Policy Update. 3. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)‐ New Construction version 3 (v3) and version 4 (v4): Energy and Atmosphere (EA) credits. Per the guidance given by the CIR ruling on 1/8/2007, it was affirmed that an independent third party commissioning authority (CxA) must provide commissioning process oversight and review of deliverables for the commissioning activities required for EAp1-Fundamental Commissioning and EAc3-Enhanced Commissioning. The same requirements also prevent the project from pursuing credit EAc5 Measurement and Verification without including the DES plant.Due to the strict and undisclosed nature of the government in China, obtaining information and specific numbers on the energy performance and maintenance of the DES equipment would not be possible, making the Enhanced Commissioning of all district energy system equipment unfeasible. However, for enhanced commissioning, the entity selected as the lead CxA must complete the following tasks at a minimum: Fundamental commissioning tasks to be performed by lead CxA: • Review owner’s project requirements and basis of design during the early design phase. 4) Independent Cx Authority- Review Cx Plan to ensure completeness per LEED NC 2.2 guidance. Intent: To begin commissioning process early during design process. The same problem applies to credit EAc5.Even if the DES plant was owned by a utility company, it is unlikely the utility would give the project team all of required the information and allow them to perform the activities outlined in the DES guidelines. They analyzed the sustainable design strategies associated with each LEED credit, but also to assign actual costs to those strategies. LEED EA credit 3 “Enhanced Commissioning” requires to implement, or have in place a contract to implement additional commissioning process activities to those required under EA Prerequisite Fundamental Commissioning and Verification. It includes the development of the owner’s project requirements (OPR), ensuring that the design professionals have developed a basis-of-design (BOD) for each system that reflects the OPR and review of design documents. Green Living, LLC provides both fundamental and enhanced building commissioning services for LEED NC EAp1 and EAc3, and for other green rating systems. As noted under EA Prerequisite 1, GSA has. Additional Commissioning requirements. Our firm is a member of the US Green Building Council and has worked on myriad Fundamental and Enhanced commissioning projects for the attainment of LEED™ status. The LEED-NC EA credit 3 for “Enhanced Commissioning” includes additional requirements that exceed the scope of this specification. Based on the description provided, it appears that top management is shared between the two companies so the approach as described is not acceptable. Learn the scope of LEED v4 as it pertains to building enclosure commissioning. Applicable Internationally. This strategy does not comply with the written requirements of EAc3 in LEED-NC and therefore would preclude the project from earning points for this credit. CxA to review contractor submittals. Among these 125 companies is the Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. (JEG) which provides a diverse list of design services to clients worldwide, and the Jacobs Consultancy, Inc. (JCI) which offers planning, facilities management, commissioning, and other building and property advisory services to mainly North American clients. Applicable internationally. As an example of their dissimilar corporate objectives, JEG is authorized to provide professional architecture and engineering design services in all 50 states; JCI is not authorized to provide professional design services, but is registered to do business in virtually all states, certainly all states in which we intend to provide commissioning services. This information is also available in a full PDF download in The Cost of LEED v4 report. The Wendel Duchscherer Commissioning Group is not part of the Public Transportation Group and is located in a different building. Our expert advice guides our LEEDuser Premium members and saves you valuable time. Projects that utilize most district energy systems are disadvantaged by not being able to earn a total of five Energy & Atmosphere points for these two credits. Notes: Annual electricity consumption (not cost) from the results of EA Credit 1 can be used for EA Credit 6 to determine baseline electricity use. The CIR seeks to clarify if this contracting arrangement will be allowed for the purposes of performing EAc3 tasks 4 & 5 by a separate commissioning agent, under contract with the project\'s Construction Manager. EAp1 + EAc3 RESPONSIBILITY MATRIX for Projects Seeking EAc3 Independent Cx Authority- Per LEED NC 2.2 Guidance - Qualified Independent 3rd Party-not a member of the design or construction team firms. EA Credit 4: Enhanced Refrigeration Management Option 2 Select refrigerants and heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment that minimize or eliminate the emission of compounds that contribute to ozone depletion and climate change. The indicated delineation of tasks will only be acceptable if ABP is eligible to serve as the independent Commissioning Authority, and if they provide leadership and oversight relating to the remaining tasks under this credit and under EA Prerequisite 1. EAp1 Tasks - Task numbers correspond to LEED NC v2.2 Reference Guide Requirements (page 151) 1) Independent Cx Authority- Lead, review and oversee the completion of all commissioning process activities 1) Other - Perform commissioning tasks under the leadership, review and oversight of the Independent CxA 2) Independent Cx Authority- Review OPR & BOD documentation completed by ownership and design teams for clarity and completeness per LEED NC 2.2 guidance. Credit Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies 2 3 2 Credit Low-Emitting Materials 3 3 3 Credit Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan 1 1 1 Credit Indoor Air Quality Assessment 2 2 2 Credit Thermal Comfort 1 1 1 Credit Interior Lighting 2 2 2 Credit Daylight 3 3 3 Though the commissioning firm is not contracted directly to the owner, the owner or an owner's representative must approve of the selection of the commissioning firm, and of the commissioning scope of work within the commissioning contract. xxxxxxx. We’ve been commissioning and testing buildings systems for over 15 years. Refer to ASHRAE Guideline 0 for additional guidance. Changes for LEED v4 include for the following: • Added options for monitoring base building and building envelope commissioning; They will review selected contractor submittals applicable to systems being commissioned, construction checklists and functional performance test forms. If any of the specific responsibilities within the individual tasks that are shown as assigned to the Independent 3rd party CxA below are insufficient to meet the leadership, process oversight and review responsibilities for this credit, please clearly define what changes should occur. The applicant is seeking clarification on two separate items. Yes, a consultant and/or consulting firm can perform both LEED consulting and independent commissioning (both Fundamental and Enhanced) as long as all requirements outlined in the Reference Guide Table 2." While this does allow for some limited division of the tasks required by this credit, there must be one independent Commissioning Authority leading and overseeing all LEED commissioning efforts. Can a Federal employee, serve as the CxA for enhanced commissioning for the project? Specifically, there is no overlap of personnel between design and commissioning teams, which have separate reporting structures. GREYHAWK will work with the project team, including the owner, the design professionals and the contractors to prepare a comprehensive Systems Manual that incorporates O&M manuals, preventative maintenance guidelines and schedules, as-built sequences of operation and control drawings and system operating instructions. Calculators to help assess credit compliance. In a design-build scenario, the A-E firm is hired by the contractor. LEEDuser Premium membership gives you access to all credit tips, checklists, documentation samples, and more. USGBC’s LEED Rating system, EA Credit 3), the CxG is considered the CxA. This request is in regards to LEED Version 2009, EA Credit 3, Enhanced Commissioning, credit requirements. Contact Us. With this in mind, can the CxA for enhanced commissioning (an independent 3rd party firm), be hired by the A-E firm who is in turn hired by the contractor? OF . Is it acceptable for an employee of the Owner, who will also be acting as the project\'s LEED AP and Team Administrator for LEED Online, to serve as the project\'s Commissioning Authority, provided that the individual has served as the CxA on at least two projects previously? The team configuration as described, appear to meet the credit requirements. If the project team does opt out of the DESv2 guidance, the district energy for EA Prerequisite 2 and EA Credit 1 would be modeled as indicated in the ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G requirements, which state that purchased heating should be modeled in both the Baseline and Proposed Case systems. The facility utilizes district steam for heating. The CxA must report directly to the owner’s representative- either the person or board that makes the final decisions for the project. The primary task that is not included in this section is design-phase commissioning, which would have to 12. LEEDuser’s checklists walk you through the key action steps you need to earn a credit, including how to avoid common pitfalls and save money. Additional Commissioning requirements. (FDE task) 6. This report demonstrates compliance of the University of Texas at Austin’s district energy system with Energy & Atmosphere Credit 3, Enhanced Commissioning, as defined by “approach 2” on page 8 of the supporting document Treatment of District or Campus Thermal Energy in LEED V2 and LEED … This request is in regards to LEED Version 2009, EA Credit 3, Enhanced Commissioning, credit requirements. (b) For the purpose of meeting USGBC’s LEED Rating system EA Credit 3, “enhanced” Cx requirements, the CxG is considered the CxA for Design-Bid-Build (DBB) and for Design-Build (DB) projects. Concerning whether the commissioning authority can be hired by the Architecture and Engineering (A/E) Firm, the document titled "Who Can be the Commissioning Authority" (http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=1262) outlines the acceptable parties to act as the commissioning authority for various project scenarios. On GSA. They have provided commissioning related design document reviews for the A/E throughout all design phases, they will review selected contractor submittals applicable to systems being commissioned, they will review construction related commissioning submittals, and they will witness selected commissioning functional performance tests. The commissioning contract will always be a direct and separate contract between the Jacobs Consultancy, Inc. and the Owner. Applicable Internationally. Get A Free Consultation. Use of this template is not required, nor are there any restrictions on editing of it. Per the USGBC document "Who Can Be the Commissioning Authority", and as clarified in LEED-NC v2.2 EAc3 CIR ruling dated 9/10/2007, one party (the independent Commissioning Authority) must lead and oversee all commissioning efforts relating to both fundamental and enhanced commissioning. Unlike CIR dated 11/08/2004 where an energy service company was performing commissioning and potentially supplying the controls and automation, neither Dome-Tech nor UTC Power is operating under a performance contract model. Got the gist of EAc3 but not sure how to actually achieve it? that is consistent with the LEED prerequisite and. Start a free trial », (If you're already a premium member, log in here.). Table 1. Is a qualified disinterested employee of the Architect eligible to act as the CxA for the project under EA Credit 3 if the Architectural firm is not providing design services for commissioned systems either directly or through a subcontract, and if the CxA\'s findings are reported directly to the Owner? The CSD, retained by the Architect/Engineer has been involved with development of the original commissioning plan and commissioning specifications with the A/E and the Owner. Equivalent to ASHRAE 90.1 may be used. 6. Develop a systems manual. The project team is requesting clarification if a qualified employee of the Owner can act as the independent CxA. The first question is whether or not two parties may split the commissioning tasks of a project. 4) Other -Develop a Cx Plan that defines the Cx process, participants, schedule, protocol, and deliverables per LEED NC 2.2 guidance. He has direct and unhindered communication with the Owner. They will witness selected commissioning functional performance tests develop a systems manual and review the building operations with O&M staff and occupants within 10 months after substantial completion. Our engineers work in the field, not the office. RUSHING • 1725 Westlake Ave N • Suite 300 • Seattle, WA 98109 • P. 206.285.7100 F. 206.285.7111 SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITY MATRIX ‐ II LEED NC 2009 Edition EA Credit 3, (Enhanced Commissioning) Given that DESs are typically employed because of the increased efficiencies realized through economies of scale and varied user demand schedules and are often more efficient than if the same facility were to operate with individual systems in isolation, we feel the current guidance places an inordinate onerous on government-owned/operated systems. While ABP, the independent third party commissioning agent will do EAc3 tasks 2,3 and 6, FDE has been assigned EAc3 tasks 4 and 5. Current policy requires meeting Total Building Commissioning requirements per ASHRAE 189.1-2011 as opposed to LEED EAc3 (Reference h and i). Understand how owner project requirements relate to design decisions affecting building system selection choices. Guidance documents on arcane LEED issues. LEED™ Enhanced Commissioning LEED™ EA Credit 3. Any building project seeking LEED certification must include “fundamental commissioning” of the following systems: Fundamental commissioning may be performed on new construction or large renovation or addition projects. In this same scenario, the design-build contractor is providing services contracted to the Federal Government, who is the owner. Utilizing real-world experience, we find low-cost, easy-to-implement solutions that deliver impressive results. Each company is treated financially as an individual profit center. Therefore, the project team may elect to opt out of the DESv2 guidance. In the design build scenario, a ˜disinterested independent third party firm may be hired by the design build contractor or a subcontractor to the design build contractor under the following constraints: 1. developed a total building commissioning process. In a design-build scenario, the A … If a project team is following the "District or Campus Thermal Energy in LEED V2 and LEED 2009-Design & Construction" (DESv2) guidelines, the project may not exclude the District Energy System from the requirements of EA Credit 3 and EA Credit 5.However, as indicated in Section 1.2 of the DESv2 guidelines, "LEED v2009 projects are not formally required to use this guidance". For our project, three separate commissioning authorities have been engaged to oversee the commissioning process; Contractor\'s Commissioning Specialist (CSC), Designer\'s Commissioning Specialist (CSD) and the Government\'s Commissioning Specialist (CSG). The organization is comprised of over 125 separate companies, collectively called "Jacobs". We are formatting our own office space that will be larger than 50K square feet in total. Credit 2: On-Site Renewable Energy: 1 to 7: 1% Renewable Energy: 1: 3% Renewable Energy: 2: 5% Renewable Energy: 3: 7% Renewable Energy: 4: 9% Renewable Energy: 5: 11% Renewable Energy: 6: 13% Renewable Energy: 7: EX PT: 15% for a total of 8 points: 2 C: Credit 3: Enhanced Commissioning: 2 2: d: Credit 4: Enhanced Refrigerant Management: 2 3: C: Credit 5: Measurement and Verification: 3 2: C: Credit … Projects seeking the State of Oregon\'s LEED tax credit must achieve EAc3. To ensure commissioning is disinterested, our Commissioning Authority personnel will not be involved in any manner with the architecture, engineering or construction management of the project. • Witness at least a portion of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and (if applicable) renewable system functional testing that verifies installation and performance of commissioned systems. To meet the additional LEED credit (EAc3) and cover commissioning of non-LEED scope. Complete Commissioning is the premier building systems commissioning and testing firm in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Our project includes high efficiency gas-fired micro-turbines combined with a double effect absorption chiller/heater to provide on-site power, heating and cooling. 1. On-the-fly suggestions of useful items from the Documentation Toolkit and Credit Language. **Update 07/01/2014: Ruling has been reversed and revised to allow the CxA to be contracted to the general contractor or a subcontractor of the general contractor in limited circumstances. LEED‐NC v3 and v4: EA View Our Work. Execute additional activities after systems performance verification is completed. 6) Other -Complete a summary commissioning report per LEED NC 2.2 guidance. Learn how building enclosure commissioning decisions affect energy efficiency, indoor air quality and other parameters. LEED Credit EA-3: Practical Applications. For LEED-NC, fundamental commissioning is a prerequisite, and an additional point can be obtained for enhanced commissioning. NC, CS, Schools, Retail, Data Centers, Warehouses & Distribution Centers, Hospitality, Healthcare An important enhanced commissioning deliverable is the Systems Manual. LEED Categories Home Sustainable Sites Water Conservation 4. Tracking spreadsheets for materials purchases. Financials: The Jacobs Consultancy, Inc. shares no financial relationship with JEG. ... LEED BD&C Reference Guide V3 (2009), EA P1, Table 1. They will be allowed unfettered communication directly with the owner. The relevance of this best practice in terms of project sustainability has led LEED to give it more and more space within the certification, indeed in LEED v4 the EA Enhanced Commissioning credit also includes OPZ. Enhanced Commissioning Tasks to be performed by lead CxA: Intent: This contract began back in 2001 during design phase. The commissioning firm may not be a subsidiary or partner of the general contractor or of any other firm that has been contracted to the general contractor to provide design and construction services for the project. Complete Commissioning is the premier building systems commissioning and testing firm in the Mid-Atlantic Region. • Develop or approve systems manual updates and delivery. The applicant is seeking clarification on the definition of "independent, third party" commissioning authority, where the commissioning authority\'s company shares corporate management with the design engineering company, even though each company is a separate and independent legal entity. Enhanced Commissioning is defined by LEED EA Credit 3 and includes all of the components of Fundamental Commissioning with added participation during the design development phase of the project and post-construction follow-up. As noted under EA Prerequisite 1, GSA has. We’ve been commissioning and testing buildings systems for over 15 years. Designate a commissioning authority (CxA) who is independent of the project's design and construction management to lead the commission… that is consistent with the LEED prerequisite and. Our team has read LEED NC 2.2 Reference Manual and the white paper "Who Can Be a Commissioning Authority" dated 1/30/06. Applicable Internationally. LEED Commissioning Basic steps: EA Prerequisite: Fundamental Building Commissioning; EA Credit 3: Enhanced Building Commissioning Fundamental: Owner selests a Commissioning Agent (CxA) CxA creates a Commissioning Plan; Owner prepares OPR (Owners Project Requirements) A/E prepares BOD (Basis of Design) CxA developes Commissioning Specs. Back check the review comments in subsequent design submissions. The project is requesting guidance on how EAc3 Enhanced Commissioning, as well as EAc5 Measurement and Verification, can be pursued for projects utilizing government-owned district energy systems that can\'t comply the requirements outlined in the LEED DES guidelines. MONITORING BASED COMMISSIONING Page . The intent of this credit is to utilize an independent CxA without any relationship to the Design or Construction work. V2009 only required a design review for Enhanced Cx. Cost tips to assess what a credit will actually cost, and how to make it affordable.