Systems Observed In Person

Devki Wright

Project Architect / Green Team Chair

LS3P

LEEDuser Premium Member

0 thumbs up

Project location :

United States

October 27, 2016

Our CxA wasn't able to observe lighting controls in person when he came to commission the other building systems. He's now relying on the lighting company's representative to tell him how the system is functioning. I know this isn't a best-case commissioning effort on behalf of the owner. True commissioning is based on real observation. However, is there any requirement that systems be observed in person for LEED? The lighting controls company is a partner company to the project owner, so there is a level of trust that doesn't always exist between product reps and owners.

Post a reply

Scott Bowman

LEED Fellow

Integrated Design + Energy Advisors, LLC

LEEDuser Expert

377 thumbs up

Thu, 10/27/2016 - 21:48

Often, people ask if "LEED requires" this or that. It is never that clear cut, even with referenced standards, such as ASHRAE Guideline 0, plus others. My answers are based on the standard of care; what is typically provided by a qualified provider (or engineer) in that location and at that time. Commissioning is based on witnessing. There are some providers that have others do the tests, then submit the forms as documentation. This is really not an acceptable practice, and in this case is a little too close to what it appears has happened on your project. I would recommend that the CxA take all the commissioning done on the lighting controls, review for rigor and completeness, then do a spot check of around 10% of the tests made. This reduces the work required at this point but fulfills the core of the commissioning process.