Log in

Go beyond fundamental commissioning

This credit goes beyond the commissioning work required for the prerequisite. Any project can pursue this credit, but teams sometimes choose not to pursue it due to the increased cost and uncertainty around its benefits. 

However, with the increase in scope of fundamental commissioning in LEED v4, the cost difference between the two has narrowed. This change may make enhanced commissioning more attractive for your project.

Teams should remember that there are rules around who can act as the commissioning agent (CxA) on a project, and these rules change depending on whether you’re pursuing fundamental or enhanced commissioning. The intent is to hire a CxA with no conflicts of interest so they can provide clear, objective leadership in executing the commissioning process and ensuring that both the owner’s goals and the design intent are achieved. See the table in the LEED Reference Guide for details on who can be the CxA for your building.

No matter who fills the role of CxA on your project, or how they are contracted, they should note all conditions that are not aligned with the owner’s requirements and design intent, and report these findings and any recommendations directly to the owner.

Building enclosure commissioning (BECx) is now a part of enhanced commissioning for BD+C projects. The benefits of envelope commissioning are significant, but the scope and industry is still maturing and developing. The cost for envelope commissioning is very dependent on so many factors, that it is difficult to put even a cost range on the service at this point. We recommend seeking proposals, including recommended scope, from at least two qualified firms, then evaluate the benefits of the proposals. 

What’s New in LEED v4