Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction, LEED BD+C: New Construction, LEED BD+C: Schools, LEED BD+C: Schools, LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors, LEED BD+C: Core and Shell

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.2, v3 - LEED 2009, v2 - Schools 2007, v3 - LEED 2009, v3 - LEED 2009, v3 - LEED 2009

Inquiry

The intent of our question is to clarify who can serve as the Commissioning Agent for LEED NC 2.2 Enhanced Commissioning, EA Credit 3. Our team has read LEED NC 2.2 Reference Manual and the white paper "Who Can Be a Commissioning Authority" dated 1/30/06. Our question concerns whether separation is recognized between the Architectural and Engineering designers for projects where these responsibilities are being performed by separate firms under separate contracts with the Owner, and whether that separation creates the independence from the design team required for the CxA. In our case, the firm who is providing architectural design and is the Architect-of-Record is under contract with the Owner with no subconsultants. The Architect is not responsible for the design of any of the systems to be commissioned under EA Credit 3. The Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing designs are being provided by other firms, each with a separate contract with the Owner. The Architect employs several persons who are Commissioning Authorities with the required documented experience. Is a qualified disinterested employee of the Architect eligible to act as the CxA for the project under EA Credit 3 if the Architectural firm is not providing design services for commissioned systems either directly or through a subcontract, and if the CxA\'s findings are reported directly to the Owner?