LEED AP + Independent CxA

Yes our company has served both roles on many projects. Same company but not the same person.

Yes, this was settled a long time ago. Just to be clear however, by LEED AP, you mean the person that is managing the LEED project and then will be submitted for the ID credit. Often the person getting the ID credit is on the architects staff. So if you are the LEED Consultant and CxA with a separate contract with the architect or owner, with no design responsibility at all, then you are good to go!

Is it possible for the same person (independent organization) to be LEED Consultant and Cx Authority/Cx Agent even if the project is larger than 20.000 sqft (CxA not part of design team) and considering that the innovation credit of LEED AP wants LEED AP to be a "principal participiant of the project team"?
Thank you very much

I see no reason why the same individual couldn't be both the LEED process consultant and the Cx Authority on a project.

The project may be over 20,000 square feet so long as this individual is independent of the design and construction teams, as defined in the EAp1 credit.

Finally, I think I understand your specific concern about the LEEP AP being a "principal participant of the project team". What that stipulation ideally requires is that the individual be closely involved with the project throughout its duration, providing guidance to the design and construction teams in order for the project to meet the owner's requirements and achieve its sustainability goals. But the individual would never assume "design responsibility" during the process; that would remain with the architect and design engineer. Independence of the CxA is preserved.

Paul is correct, the LEED Consultant (if they have the required experience) can certainly be the CxA. They would still have to be independent from the design or construction firm.

Please comment on this situation:  Multiple independent companies are hired by an Owner to perform open end contract services and there is one contract between the Owner with the multiple companies.  Company A is tasked with performing design services on a building and Company B is tasked with LEED consultancy for the building.  Company B does not have any design responsibility.   Can an employee with Company B be the CxA for the fundamental Cx and the enhanced Cx credit?

Yes we have done so many times.