The inventory can be performed in tandem with similar space-by-space audits required by other LEED credits, such as an energy walk-through audit (EAp1), an
Perform an inventory assessing the number, type, and location of current lighting controls. See the Documentation Toolkit for a spreadsheet you can use, along with an example inventory.
Projects that have earned the credit related to lighting control under LEED for New Construction or LEED for Schools can follow the D+C Streamlined Path for documenting this credit. You must submit a copy of the official LEED scorecard and confirm that the design and construction elements that contributed to the previously earned credit are either still in place or explain that minor changes do not put into question the potential achievement of this credit. If no major changes have occurred, no further action is necessary to achieve this credit.
Operational documentation may be created entirely by in-house staff to minimize overall costs. You can also hire commissioning agents or energy auditors to develop these documents if doing the work in-house is not possible.
Develop and maintain an annual review procedure to update these operational documents. Specify the personnel who should be involved, and define the types of events that should trigger updates outside the review cycle. These events may include, but are not limited to:
Changes in space uses
Changes in occupancy levels
Installation of new systems
Commissioning activities or changes to mechanical equipment that occur after occupant feedback or monitoring system alarm.
Consider creating other forms of documentation that could aid operations staff in doing their jobs effectively. For example, videotape the start-up procedures of mechanical equipment to use as a training tool for new personnel.
If your building does not use in-house staff to maintain mechanical equipment, make contracted vendors aware of your current plans and allow them to have input into changes. Building staff who deal with vendor relationships should be responsible for distributing operational plans and communicating changes.
You may have documentation of existing operating procedures, but there’s no guarantee that the existing documentation reflects actual practice. Gather feedback and input from all relevant personnel to capture information that may better codify or improve proper building operations as well as informing the submittal documents. You may find unwritten rules—“that’s just how we’ve always done things”—that have a big impact (good or bad) on building performance.
Closely follow the LEED Reference Guide’s requirements for these documents. The Reference Guide does a good job of explaining the requirements and providing format examples.
You’ll need to organize the following documents for this prerequisite, before the performance period. Start by collecting information on standard procedures used to operate and maintain building HVAC, lighting, and control systems.
