For fundamental Cx, LEED requires that the following systems be commissioned: HVAC and associated controls, Domestic Water Heating, Lighting Controls and any Renewable Energy Systems. We are working on a project under the LEED for Schools rating system. The project includes a rainwater harvesting system that will provide non-potable water to bathroom groups for flushing toilets and urinals. Do we have to commission this system to meet the requirements of EAp1?
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Scott Bowman
LEED FellowIntegrated Design + Energy Advisors, LLC
LEEDuser Expert
519 thumbs up
June 17, 2013 - 12:43 pm
We have always included these kinds of systems in our scope of commissioning. I have also heard of reviewers asking if the sensor faucets were commissioned, which we have also normally included in our scope of work. This seems to be one of the grey areas that exists in LEED, and we tend to be conservative.
As I have indicated in other posts though, why wouldn’t you want to commission a rainwater system. They are complex and typically require integration to different control systems. It is important to the overall goals of the project, and does consume energy.
So, my recommendation would be to include the system in the scope. There is value to the school district.
John Glaeser
June 20, 2013 - 11:18 pm
Thank you for the reply, Scott. I do agree with you that there is value to the school district and we intend to functionally test this system. However I am still interested to know if we are REQUIRED to do so. I anticipate running into similar systems in the future and I feel that the language in the LEED reference guide is unclear with regards to these types of systems.
Has anyone experienced a project where a LEED reviewer actually directed the CxA to include systems that reduce water consumption (rainwater harvesting, grey water systems, etc) in the Cx scope?