Our client committed late in the process to using the LEED system. We were well into construction documents before they gave us the green light to pursue certification. However, we have up to a year before they actually begin construction, as they will be seeking funds and in-kind donations based on the CDs. The Additional Commissioning point for energy and Atmosphere requires a focused review prior to CDs and another near the end of CDs. Given that our process has been a bit out of your intended sequence, our question is: can we meet the intent of the review by having the CDs reviewed by a commissioning agent, since we have the time to make any modifications recommended by the review, and then to have it re-reviewed prior to permitting and construction. Obviously, there may be some inefficiency if major changes are proposed, but if the client is willing to take the risk of re-design, does this meet the credit intent? The question is especially important to the project because state incentive programs specifically require that a project capture this LEED point to qualify for funds.
The goal of the requirement for a "focused review of the design prior to construction documents phase" is to allow the commissioning agent to add their expertise to the design process, and help the design team steer clear of systems that may be difficult or impossible to commission. If there is time in your process for the commissioning agent to review and make recommendations to the project that can result in such design modifications, your project can meet the requirements of this credit. Because you are outside of the typical process described by this credit, you need to make it clear that the intent of the credit was met by providing documentation of the process you implemented to achieve this. Such documentation should include examples of the reviewer\'s recommendations, an indication that the recommendations were implemented, and evidence of the final review. Applicable internationally.