What is a required responsibility for the CxA to achieve the stated objective?

The design team and project owner decided not to pursue Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced

Commissioning, but would hire a Commissioning Authority (CxA) to oversee the requirements for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification.

What is a required responsibility for the CxA to achieve the stated objective?
A . Verify that training requirements are completed
B . Develop systems manual for the commissioned systems
C . Review contractor submittals for the commissioned systems
D . Verify installation and performance of the commissioned systems

View Answer

Answer: D

Explanation:

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification, requires the project to hire a Commissioning Authority (CxA) to oversee the commissioning process for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and renewable energy systems and assemblies. The CxA must have documented commissioning authority experience in at least two building projects, and must not be an employee of the design or construction firms, although they may be contracted through them. The CxA must report the results, findings, and recommendations directly to the owner1.

One of the required responsibilities for the CxA to achieve the prerequisite is to verify installation and performance of the commissioned systems. This includes conducting site observations and spot-checking of equipment installation, performing functional performance testing of the systems, verifying system performance by reviewing testing and balancing reports, and preparing a summary commissioning report of the activities and results1.

The other choices are not required responsibilities for the CxA to achieve the prerequisite, but they are additional responsibilities for the CxA to achieve the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning, which goes beyond the prerequisite by including more systems, more verification activities, and more documentation.

These additional responsibilities are2:

– Verify that training requirements are completed. This includes reviewing training plans, agendas, and materials, and verifying that the training delivery and documentation are completed and consistent with the owner’s project requirements (OPR).

– Develop systems manual for the commissioned systems. This includes compiling and reviewing the systems manual that provides the necessary information for operating and maintaining the commissioned systems.

– Review contractor submittals for the commissioned systems. This includes reviewing the design intent and basis of design documentation, and providing feedback on the contractor submittals related to the commissioned systems, such as shop drawings, product data, and samples.

References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification, Requirements1; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning, Requirements2