Chapter 9 Design Guides – 9.4 COMMISSIONING A. GENERAL Building commissioning is a process to improve quality and functional reliability of active and passive systems. Although there are many ways to commission projects, it is best to start the process during the programming phase and continue it through the construction phase and initial occupancy. Commissioning provides building maintenance procedures, verifies systems operation for optimum performance, and sets the baseline for building commissioning. Commissioning is an option for clients on many projects. Commissioning is required on most mechanical and lighting systems projects. Commissioning is required if the client has requested that the building achieve LEED certification. The intent of commissioning is to improve indoor air quality, functional testing, increase equipment reliability, increase energy efficiency and ensure that the client agency’s approved design intent, building staff training and operational needs have been met. The commissioning process usually will involve a commissioning authority and/or agent, the Design Team, the Engineer-In-Charge and facility maintenance staff. The expectation is that all who take part will benefit from the operational expertise of the commissioning agent, especially if there are problems at initial start-up. Retro-commissioning may be required for State-owned buildings over 20,000 sq. ft. under Executive Order 88. B. REQUIRED COMMISSIONING 1. LEED Fundamental Commissioning. Defined as a LEED prerequisite, the mandates include: a. Engaging a commissioning team that does not include individuals directly responsible for project design or construction management. b. Developing and utilizing a commissioning plan. c. Reviewing the design intent and the Basis of Design (BoD) documentation. d. Incorporating commissioning requirements into the construction documents. e. Verifying installation, functional performance, training and operation and maintenance documentation. f. Completing a commissioning report. 2. LEED Enhanced Commissioning requires the following additional commissioning tasks:
Chapter 9 – Design Guides 9.4 COMMISSIONING A. GENERAL Building commissioning is a process to improve quality and functional reliability of active and passive systems. Although there are many ways to commission projects, it is best to start the process during the programming phase and continue it through the construction phase and initial occupancy. Commissioning provides building maintenance procedures, verifies systems operation for optimum performance, and sets the baseline for building Commissioning is an option for clients on many projects. Commissioning is required on most mechanical and lighting systems projects. Commissioning is required if the client has requested that the building achieve LEED certification. The intent of commissioning is to improve indoor air quality, functional testing, increase equipment reliability, increase energy efficiency and ensure that the client agency’s approved design intent, building staff training and operational needs have been met. The commissioning process usually will involve a commissioning authority and/or agent, the Design Team, the Engineer-In-Charge and facility maintenance staff. The expectation is that all who take part will benefit from the operational expertise of the commissioning agent, especially if there are problems at initial start-up. Retro-commissioning may be required for State-owned buildings over 20,000 sq. ft. under Executive Order 88. B. REQUIRED COMMISSIONING 1. LEED Fundamental Commissioning. Defined as a LEED prerequisite, the mandates include: a. Engaging a commissioning team that does not include individuals directly responsible for project design or construction management. b. Developing and utilizing a commissioning plan. c. Reviewing the design intent and the Basis of Design (BoD) documentation. d. Incorporating commissioning requirements into the construction documents. e. Verifying installation, functional performance, training and operation and maintenance documentation. f. Completing a commissioning report. 2. LEED Enhanced Commissioning requires the following additional commissioning tasks: commissioning.
09040CommissioningGuide.docx