Envelope Commissioning for a Major Renovation

The questions should not be what amount of work qualifies for the credit. I do not think that is specified anywhere. You could do it on existing envelops that have not been touched at all.

The question should be does envelop commissioning provide value to the project? It will not be cheap to do all the necessary testing, so if you have little to nothing to really test then it becomes a waste of time and money.

Does it provide value to a stakeholder? You should ask this question first about all LEED credits.

Who a I to disagree with Marcus;) But, I do think there could be great value in doing envelope commissioning on an existing building, and if you explain the scope and the benefit, I think you would get credit for the work.

As to value, as with anything, the scope should be designed to bring the value, and in some other work I am doing related to sustainability action planning, the idea that knowing where you are is valuable. For example, doing a blower door test on the building can provide guidance to the HVAC design related to infiltration rates. Looking at individual window or opening testing to determine specifically where there might be problems can also be valuable in determining envelope upgrades. Perhaps this can inform the upgrades, or give hints to low cost repairs that might improve performance.

All this from someone that does not provide envelope commissioning! I have been involved in too many envelope failures, so am a huge fan of this service, and need to get some kick back from that community! Contact a reputable provider and work with them on a scope that provides value first, THEN formulate a submission strategy for gaining credit. Never do something just to get a point (in which both Marcus and I are in total agreement).

You are certainly entitled to disagree. However, I think we do agree. It comes down to a matter of value. I meant to say that if it does not add value then it is a waste of time and money. I did not mean to imply that envelop commissioning if you are not changing anything cannot provide value. I stand corrected, thanks Scott.