It's a requirement for EAp1 that the CxA verify the installation and performance of systems to be commissioned. What happens when that verification occurs, but turns up items that weren't installed as specified. I have two examples of this from a small library project.
1) Two outside lights, each for a different exit, were supposed to be on different circuits but are on the same circuit.
2) An occupancy sensor which was supposed to only affect two lamps in each fixture (for mid-level lighting) was wired to affect all three lamps.
I am particularly concerned about the latter item relative to energy use, but relative to earning EAp1 (and EAc3), is there a requirement that items like this be fixed?
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Scott Bowman
LEED FellowIntegrated Design + Energy Advisors, LLC
LEEDuser Expert
519 thumbs up
July 20, 2011 - 6:09 pm
Tristan;
It is very normal for things to change during construction. I do not think the CxA can force changes to be made, but they clearly need to make the owner and design team aware of any changes like you found for their review and action. One action might be to have the work corrected to match the construction documents, another might be to accept the modification with the owner’s consent. There might be a middle solution too. But clearly the issues should be noted as action items and then the resolution determined and documented.
From your description, the first item would typically not be an energy issue if both circuits are controlled as intended. The second would probably save more energy if all lamps are controlled from the fixture, but may not meet the needs of the owner/user.
Susann Geithner
PrincipalEmerald Built Environments
1297 thumbs up
July 22, 2011 - 5:53 pm
We had a projects were the ventilation system was set to comply with the required outdoor air for ASHREA 62.1 but when the occupants moved in, they complained it being to cold. The HVAC system couldn't heat the air enough to still have enough heat when it arrive on the 1st floor coming from the 5th floor. OA couldn't be reduce, a reheat system costs a lot. So in collaboration with the CA our engineer decided to install additional CO2 sensor for the space. We already had them for conference rooms. This reduced the OA introduced to the space and resolved the issue with occupants discomfort and is compliant with ASHREA.
As a design team we see the CA as a reviewer. The CA finds design and construction flaws, which need to be fixed if they impact code compliance, LEED credit compliance, energy savings or occupant comfort.