We have a project where the contractor is not able to comply with the Cx Specifications and Testing Procedures provided by the CxA. The client has requested that the T&C be performed in a way that doesn't add additional cost, but the CxA insists that the T&C follows their requirements. As you can imagine we have a number of problems for the LEED Cx on our project, but in order to know how to proceed I would like to ask the following:
1. For LEED does the CxA have the authority to require the contractor to follow their requirements? Or is their primary role advisory and guidance for the client?
2. How would a LEED Reviewer likely approach the assessment of a project where there was a mismatch between the CxA's Cx Plan testing procedures and the contractors test reports (eg the contractor did not use testing equipment as noted in the Cx Plan)?
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
495 thumbs up
April 6, 2022 - 10:01 pm
1. CxA is beholden to what the owner wants. I'd advise the owner get involved and instruct what they want the Cx to do.
2. A mismatch could be noted in the Issues & Benefits log. The LEED reviewer will accept this. It is then up to the owner to determine if they want the contractor to re-test with the equipment noted in the Cx Plan.
Key point, the owner who has the authority over the CxA.
Christopher Kinlen
April 7, 2022 - 12:26 am
Timothy,
If the CxA was brought on durin design and provided Commissioning Specifications, the contractor bought those specifications and therefore should perform the Commissioning as it is detailed in the specifications. If the specifications only call out that the contractor needs to provide support and "demonstrate" the functionality of the equipment, it is up to the CxA to determine how that will go. The CxA and contractors should be performing the Commissioning together so the reports should have the same information, though the contractors reports (start-up et.c) are not typically submitted as part of the LEED online submission.
Timothy Ian Middleton
Worklounge 03- Vietnam1 thumbs up
April 7, 2022 - 5:51 am
Thank you David, that helps clear things up for me.