Commissioning Walk-in Freezers / Coolers

Yes, all energy using systems are to be part of the commissioning scope of work for LEED. The need for specialized testing is dependent on what kind of controls are being used for these coolers and equipment. For example, in newer grocery stores, the refrigerated cases have occupancy sensors on the lighting, and there are some other controls that may adjust parameters for the compressors, but it all depends on the sophistication of the controls, not so much the equipment. If you need special expertise, you could use a sub-consultant.

I do not think you can apply the distinction of the C&S versus the CI if you are not going to pursue those two products. There are cases where a section of a building is shelled for future use or development as a tenant space, and there are limits to how large that space can be. For example, we have don projects for one owner, where there was a small space that ultimately is intended to be a small food vendor or snack stand, but it would be a tenant arrangement. In that case, the area was small enough it could be excluded from consideration in the LEED certification. In your case, assuming this is a single building being built for the owners use, I do not think you can depend on separating this. The danger of being rejected for a prerequisite on what I would expect to be a fairly small scope of work (but I clearly do not know your project) would be too high in my opinion. If there is some other issue not expressed here, you should definitely ask for a CIR on your issue. Remember, state your intention and then justify why you feel that is the right way to go.