Eligibility for LEED V4 fundamental Cx

Ines,

The CxA requirements are outlined a bit more clearly in LEED v4 than in previous versions. Here are some things you'll need to verify with the firm:

1. Who from the firm lead the commissioning process during the 3 LEED projects? At what stage in the project did the CxA become involved and how long did he or she remain involved?

LEED v4 requires that a qualified CxA have experience on at least 2 projects where they were involved prior to the completion of design development and continued work on the project through at least 10 months of building occupancy and operation.

2. What types of projects were the 3 LEED projects that the CxA completed? What was the scope of work, the type and complexity of the systems commissioned, the size and use of the building?

Qualifying CxAs should have experience working on projects that are similar to the project you will be hiring them to commission. Hiring an individual experienced in commissioning relatively simple systems serving schools or small offices is likely not the right fit to commission critical systems in hospitals and data centers.

3. Is the firm involved in the design and construction of your project? Is the firm a subcontractor of the design and construction firms? Is the potential CxA on a team directly involved in the design and construction of your project?

For the fundamental scope, the CxA could be a qualified employee of the design or construction firms who is not directly involved in the design or construction process, or a disinterested subcontractor of the design or construction firms. The only exceptions to this are if the project is under 20,000 SF or the project is a space requiring specialized knowledge of the included systems. If you were to pursue the enhanced credit for your project, then the CxA must be completely independent of the design and construction firms. The purpose for all of this is to avoid conflicts of interest and provide objective leadership of the commissioning process.

Please let me know if you have additional questions regarding this and good luck in your search for a CxA.

Paul is mostly correct, but I would like to point out that the experience of the CxA does not have to be on a LEED project. Any project where the scope of the service is similar or aligned with that is required with LEED is appropriate. I am going to disagree with Paul a little, as the stated requirements have not changed significantly in v4, and currently the amount of scrutiny by reviewers of the qualifications of a CxA is unknown at best. In the case of Commissioning, look for qualifications for that service related to the type of project you are working on, and do check references. The actual performance and scope of work of a CxA varies widely in the industry, so look for someone with a proven track record.

This is very useful Paul and Scott.  Now as Paul mention an "individual"... I need to know if the CxA in general can be an "individual person" having the needed experience, or it should be a "firm"?