I have a client who is asking what the value of pursuing enhanced commissioning versus fundamental. From what I can tell from reading is that the once the building is operating the owner will have more thorough resources like system manuals and operational plans to maintain the building. There is the review that occurs after the building has been operating, but overall, it looks like there is no additional commissioning of systems, but rather the level of support and documentation increases. Is this correct?
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Scott Bowman
LEED FellowIntegrated Design + Energy Advisors, LLC
LEEDuser Expert
519 thumbs up
December 2, 2016 - 1:19 pm
Hi Hannah! Under v4, now that the review has moved to Fundamental, you are correct with your assessment. There is more documentation of course but you can also pursue the monitoring based option, which is a great way to optimize and improve performance going into the future of the project. This is the v4 version of Measurement & Verification (Lite). Note that this change means that fundamental commissioning costs will be higher, but adding enhanced will be less. Scope moved from enhanced under v4.
The major change and opportunity with Enhanced, one that I strongly recommend for all projects, is envelope commissioning. As you specifically have heard me say, the envelope design sets the fixed operating costs for the life of the building. The investment in this service will have direct savings (just like systems commissioning) on one of the most expensive parts of the construction project.
Hannah Fleck
President & EngineerGaia Blueprint
1 thumbs up
December 13, 2016 - 8:57 am
Thank you Scott. I will pass the suggestion to do envelope commissioning on to the owner. Your insight is appreciated.