We have a project that is about 125,000 sf and are working with a consultant that is developing the OPR with the client and also writing the BOD for the project. The client is considering enhanced commissioning for this project.
My question is whether this same consultant can do the fundamental commissioning as well as the enhanced commissioning? We always thought that the enhanced commissioner has to be an independent 3rd party but the consultant insists that they've served as both the fundamental and enhanced commissioner for a single project with no problems. Is hiring one consultant to do both our fundamental AND enhanced commissioning permitted and/or wise?
Susan Walter
HDRLEEDuser Expert
1296 thumbs up
June 6, 2013 - 2:45 pm
It is very, very common for the fundamental and enhanced commissioning agents to be one firm. In fact, if you split this up you will have to proof to the reviewers satisfaction that the ECxA 'lead, oversaw and reviewed' the work of the Fund. CxA. As long as the consultant meets the definition of 3rd party then you're set.
Scott Bowman
LEED FellowIntegrated Design + Energy Advisors, LLC
LEEDuser Expert
519 thumbs up
June 6, 2013 - 3:01 pm
Susan is right, and while there are occasions where they are not the same firm, that is very much the unusual case, and as she says requires some justification on the relationship of the two firms.