Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction, LEED BD+C: New Construction, LEED BD+C: New Construction

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.0, v2 - LEED 2.2, v2 - LEED 2.2

Inquiry

Village Green Companies was committed to opening one of the first "Green" apartment buildings in Chicago but failed to meet all the LEED requirements for Commissioning. Village Green then retained Sebesta Blomberg, as a 3rd party commissioning firm to achieve LEED compliance. The project has submitted for LEED NC v2.1 certification and has been awarded 26 points. In reviewing the project documentation we find that there was serious effort to comply with the LEED intent but a lack of understanding regarding documentation rigor. The following summarizes our review based on the requirements of the prerequisite: -Commissioning Agent: Shawn Zimny; original CxA and was not responsible for design or construction. -Review the design intent and basis of design documents: the design intent was sparsely documented quantifying only high level goals. -Incorporate commissioning requirements into the construction documents: the construction bid documents did not include a separate section for commissioning but did incorporate commissioning requirements and deliverables throughout the division specific specification sections. -Develop and utilize a commissioning plan: a commissioning plan was developed and contains the process, activities and responsibilities. -Verify installation: the installation verification took place at a high level for conformity and was documented on a systems level log outlining 2 inspections with yes/no compliance. Individual component level was not sub-documented. -Verify functional performance: functional performance results were documented on a systems level log outlining pass/fail per system for 2 trial runs. Step-by-step procedures were not documented. -Verify training: a check-off log for equipment training and education was documented logging training was delivered from each system for controls, operations, adjustments and maintenance. -Verify operations & maintenance documentation: operations & maintenance documentation was delivered to the O&M staff. Completeness of documentation has not been reviewed by us at this time. The following is our proposed course of action to finalize/fulfill the intent of the prerequisite. -Commissioning Agent transition to us, a 3rd party commissioning firm. -Develop an Owner\'s Project Requirements document strengthening the original Design Intent and Basis of Design Documents with a higher level of rigor and application. -Develop and document Installation Verification Checklists for each commissioned system including overall component verification. -Develop and execute prescriptive, step-by-step, Functional Performance Test procedures documenting performance compliance based on the strengthened Owner\'s Project Requirements. -Develop an O&M document checklist and evaluate adequacy of documentation for each system. We will further work with the project team to fill any voids in the manuals and document completion. -Develop a training evaluation matrix and document the O&M staff has received all the training specified. We will further work with the project team to coordinate any outstanding training, if so exists. -Develop and Issue a Commissioning Report including: -Introduction, summary and conclusions -Original Cx Plan -Description of project specification regarding inclusion of commissioning requirements -Executed Installation Verification Checklists -Executed Functional Performance Test Procedures -Executed O&M documentation checklists -Documented training program evaluation matrix with O&M completion sign-off -Commissioning Issues Log (issue, resolution, outstanding items) It is apparent to us based on the number of points awarded, original effort towards commissioning, and retaining a professional commissioning firm that Village Green Companies is committed to sustainability and LEED compliance. The intent of the interpretation request is to validate that the above course of action will demonstrate sufficient compliance with the prerequisite.