Building Commissioning is associated with the USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating systems because it is considered a Best Practice in the industry and has been show to improve the efficiency and overall completeness of construction projects.  Commissioning was being performed well before the LEED rating system existed, but because of the tremendous exposure that LEED has received over the past several years, many associated Building Commissioning with LEED buildings.

The USGBC’s LEED rating system requires Building Commissioning because it is considered an industry Best Practice and because Commissioning has demonstrated a measurable savings in energy efficiency and compression in construction schedules.

LEED currently requires commissioning of energy consuming systems such as Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems and lighting controls - not Enclosure Commissioning. The LEED Pre-Requisite for Fundamental Commissioning is best described by Commissioning during the Construction Phase of the project.  The scope of the Commissioning Authority does not include input into the design of the systems being commissioned.

The LEED Credit for Enhanced Commissioning includes services for the Commissioning Authority to perform during the Design Phase and during the Occupancy Phase.  Design Phase services include providing a third party design review of systems included in the Commissioning Scope.  During the Occupancy Phase, the Commissioning Authority is responsible for developing a Systems Manual that provides guidance on the operations and maintenance of building systems.  The Commissioning Authority also ensures that the building maintenance personnel are adequately trained.

The Commissioning Agent performs a review of the design to provide insight and advice to the owner with respect to the systems being commissioned.  Commissioning Agents often have more of a maintenance and operation perspective than traditional designers and often identify ways to improve the overall functionality of the facility prior to construction.  The Commissioning Agent reviews the design for Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) compliance and reviews with a focus on future maintenance considerations.

For more information about Building Commissioning or ways that Apollo BBC may be of service to you, please call us at 800.370.5456 or email us at: info@apollobbc.com