Air Force sheild Sustainability Toolkit
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LEED Guidance

 

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LEED section image
  LEED Guidance
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EA Credit 3
EA Credit 3: Enhanced Commissioning
1 Point

Intent
Begin the commissioning process early during the design process and execute additional activities after systems
performance verification is completed.

Requirements
Implement, or have a contract in place to implement, the following additional commissioning process activities
in addition to the requirements of EA Prerequisite 1 and in accordance with the LEED for New Construction
2.2 Reference Guide:
    1. 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, at
    a minimum, perform Tasks 2, 3 and 6. Other team members may perform Tasks 4 and 5.
      a. The CxA shall have documented commissioning authority experience in at least two building projects.
      b. The individual serving as the CxA shall be—
        i. independent of the work of design and construction;
        ii. not an employee of the design firm, though they may be contracted through them;
        iii. not an employee of, or contracted through, a contractor or construction manager holding construction
        contracts; and
        iv. (can be) a qualified employee or consultant of the Owner.
      c. The CxA shall report results, findings and recommendations directly to the Owner.
      d. This requirement has no deviation for project size.

    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. Develop a systems manual that provides future operating staff the information needed to understand and
    optimally operate the commissioned systems.
    5. Verify that the requirements for training operating personnel and building occupants are completed.
    6. 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 commissioningrelated
    issues.
Potential Technologies & Strategies
Although it is preferable that the CxA be contracted by the Owner, for the enhanced commissioning credit, the
CxA may also be contracted through the design firms or construction management firms not holding construction
contracts.

The LEED for New Construction 2.2 Reference Guide provides detailed guidance on the rigor expected for
following process activities:
  • Commissioning design review
  • Commissioning submittal review
  • Systems manual