LEED Fundamental and Enhanced Commissioning

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) developed its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification program to guide building design, construction, operation, and maintenance toward sustainability. A project must meet prerequisites and earn points based on various environmental performance criteria to achieve one of four LEED certification levels (Certified™, Silver®, Gold®, or Platinum®).

Commissioning is a prerequisite for LEED certification. The USGBC recognizes commissioning as a Best Practice “to support the design, construction, and eventual operation of a project that meets the owner’s project requirements for energy, water, indoor environmental quality, and durability.”

LEED divides the commissioning process into two parts:

• Fundamental Commissioning
  • Required for LEED certification
  • Focuses on installation and verification of mechanical and electrical systems during construction

• Enhanced Commissioning
  • Offers optional credits that contribute to achieving the desired LEED certification level
  • Extends beyond the fundamental process to cover a broader scope of commissioning services
  • Requires commissioning from early design review through 10 months post-occupancy

LEED Version 4

LEED Version 4 is the current certification rating system for registering your project (new projects can still be registered under Version 3 until 10/31/2016). Version 4 takes a bolder approach to certifying resource-efficient facilities by adding:

• An increased level of commissioning rigor
• Monitoring of MEP system performance through the first year of operation to ensure automation systems are properly tuned and maintained in optimal condition
• Two new categories for earning more optional points through commissioning (increases from two to six):
  • Electrical Service and Distribution (added to lighting and controls, and daylighting controls)
  • Building Envelope

HP&D – LEEDing the Way

HP&D provides comprehensive support to clients pursuing LEED certification. Our multi-disciplinary team comprises LEED Accredited Professionals and LEED Green Associates who specialize in LEED-compliant commissioning of integrated facility systems.

We work in partnership with the project team, applying a hands-on approach to the Fundamental and Enhanced commissioning processes, and to investigating and presenting solutions to any problems encountered. Our controls experts have extensive experience testing and verifying reliable performance of all types of DDC- and PLC-based automation systems. Specialists in building envelope commissioning, power distribution, and MEP automation are also available to help you leverage every optional point that applies to your project.

Contact us today to discuss your project with an HP&D LEED commissioning expert.