Role of the LEED Consultant
The LEED Consultant is not the Commissioning Authority, although the same entity may serve as both roles on the same project.

LEED Consultants, while not required for LEED Certification, are often tasked with managing the certification process. This includes assisting the design team with sustainable strategies that may be incorporated, clarifying specific issues relating to the technical requirements for certification during the design and construction, and submitting the documentation required for certification. 

The scopes of LEED consulting services range widely, but are always intended to assist the project team – not to guarantee that the project will achieve LEED certification.  Ultimately, the design and construction team’s expertise and support will be required for adequately documenting credit opportunities, meeting the prerequisite requirements, and delivering the information in a timely manner. 

 

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national rating system for developing sustainable high-performance buildings. LEED addresses all building types and emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies in five areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality.  The LEED Rating System includes several prerequisites and optional credit opportunities and is based on the accumulation of points earned for each credit.

The LEED Rating System recognizes varying levels of sustainability (from basic Certification Platinum) and utilizes a growing number of rating tool types, including LEED for Core and Shell, LEED for Commercial Interiors, LEED for New Construction (a combination of the previous two), and LEED for Existing Buildings, which accommodate the diverse considerations of distinct building endeavors. HVAC Commissioning is required for all of the LEED rating protocols.

Within the context of LEED, Commissioning includes two scopes: Fundamental, which is a prerequisite; and Enhanced, which offers a credit point towards certification. Fundamental Commissioning, generally considered HVAC Commissioning during the construction phase, includes the verification of systems’ installation and performance. Enhanced Commissioning adds value to the project through a design review, submittals review, and post-occupancy follow-up. These commissioning activities are required before Construction and after Substantial Completion.

LEED’s focus on energy conservation and indoor environmental quality constitutes its biggest sources of return on investment.  Mechanical and electrical lighting systems are optimized, reducing the total utility cost of operation. Employee productivity is increased due to the enhanced indoor environmental quality.  Commissioning, which evaluates a project’s energy consuming systems, contributes directly to sustainable cost savings by ensuring these systems operate as designed, performing efficiently and providing occupant comfort.

 

For more information on the LEED Rating System and Sustainable Development and Operations of Buildings, please see the USGBC's Web Site.

Apollo BBC provides professional services including LEED Consulting, Building Commissioning, and Energy Modeling for projects pursuing LEED Certification. For information about how we can assist with your LEED project, please Contact Us.