Is it acceptable to utilize a sampling strategy in fulfilling the requirements of EAp1 Commissioning under LEED Existing Buildings Version 2.0? The project in question is a hotel, with individual fan coil units for each room. The language from NC 2.1 stated " Similar units that are numerous (e.g., many smaller rooftop packaged units, air terminal units and exhaust fans) may require a specific sampling strategy." The sampling strategy utilized would be conducted as follows: The fan coils will be randomly tested at 10% of total units (The 1st sample). If 10% of the units in the first sample fail the functional performance tests, another 10% of the group will be tested (The 2nd sample). If 10% or the units in the 2nd sample fail all remaining units in the whole group will be tested.
LEED-EB v2.0 EAp1 Reference Guide 2nd Edition language (page 172) asserts that for Building Commissioning Space Temperature Inspection, a representative sample of space temperature setpoints must be inspected for comparison with intended setpoints. The minimum sample size must be 10 percent or five space temperature devices or locations, whichever is greater. Relating to this specific project, if all of the individual fan coil units in each hotel room are of similar manufacturer, model and age and were installed by the same company, it would be acceptable to consider each individual unit as a space temperature device or location and conduct the specific sampling strategy as specified above. If there are variations in unit manufacturer, model or installation parties, then 10 percent or five space temperature devices or locations, whichever is greater of each subset must be inspected. If there are variations in unit ages it would be preferable to use a modified random sampling that is weighted towards inclusion of a greater percentage of the older units. Applicable Internationally.