Hi! In general, the guidelines for this credit are...very general and vague. For example "Verify Seasonal Testing" -- Are there specific guidelines or requirements under Seasonal Testing that LEED is looking for? NIBS 3-2012 covers everything under the sun, but not all projects will need all of the testing, follow-up testing, etc. outlined as potential scope under the NIBS Guidelines. Are there specific tests that LEED is requiring, or are these tests, and the frequency and seasonality of these tests, at the discretion of the Owner or BCx?
Also, do these verifications all have to be conducted with the BCx or can they be carried out by someone else, with a guiding document or process that is developed by the BCx and included in the O&M documents?
Finally, when does it all end? Are these services until the 10 month review, 2 years following occupancy, into perpetuity? How does one price something like this?
Asking for a friend...
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
494 thumbs up
August 15, 2017 - 8:46 pm
Hi Brian,
You are correct, the guidelines for BCx are a little vague and in some instances might be misleading. As you noted, NIBS 3-2012 is a very comprehensive reference and in my opinion goes beyond what would be approved by LEED.
Similar to Cx of the mechanical systems, the specific test(s) performed on the envelope, as well as the frequency/timing of tests, are guided by the discretion of the owner and BCxA.
Testing can be carried out by someone other than the BCx however in this situation I'd expect the GBCI to require that the entity conducting the tests are not employees or subcontracted to the design or construction team, report directly to the owner, and has the experience necessary to conduct envelope testing.
As written by LEED, services end after delivery of:
Summary Commissioning Report,
Current Facilities Requirement,
O&M Plan,
Owner Training verification,
Systems Manual,
Ongoing Commissioning Plan
& a post occupancy visit 10 months after substantial completion.
Also, the LEED v4 O+M reference guide provides excellent guidance when preparing an Ongoing Commissioning Plan. (EAc Ongoing Commissioning)
Best of luck to your friend.