6.3 Enhanced Commissioning
Key Takeaways
- EA Credit: Enhanced Commissioning offers 2–6 points across three options that build on the Fundamental Cx prerequisite
- Option 1 (Enhanced Systems Commissioning) is worth 3 points and adds design review, contractor review, 10-month post-occupancy review, and systems manual
- Option 2 (Enhanced Envelope Commissioning) is worth 2 additional points and applies ASHRAE Guideline 0 and NIBS Guideline 3 to the building envelope
- Option 3 (Monitoring-Based Commissioning) is worth 1 additional point and requires an ongoing MBCx plan tied to permanent metering and analytics
- The CxA must be independent of the design and construction teams on projects 20,000 ft² and larger for the enhanced credit, a stricter requirement than the prerequisite
Beyond Fundamental Cx
Every BD+C project must satisfy Fundamental Commissioning as a prerequisite. EA Credit: Enhanced Commissioning is the optional credit that extends the CxA's scope and earns the project up to 6 points.
Quick Answer: Enhanced Commissioning offers three stackable options: Option 1 Enhanced Systems Cx (3 pts), Option 2 Enhanced Envelope Cx (+2 pts), and Option 3 Monitoring-Based Cx (+1 pt). A project pursuing all three earns the maximum 6 points.
CxA Independence Requirement
Unlike the prerequisite, the enhanced credit requires the CxA to be independent of the design team and the construction contractor on projects 20,000 ft² and larger. The CxA may be:
- An employee of the owner, OR
- An independent third-party consultant under contract to the owner, OR
- For projects under 20,000 ft², a disinterested employee of the design or construction firm not assigned to the project
Option 1: Enhanced Systems Commissioning (3 points)
In addition to the fundamental Cx scope, the CxA must:
- Review the contractor submittals for systems being commissioned.
- Develop systems manuals that provide future operating staff information needed to understand and optimally operate the commissioned systems.
- Verify that training requirements are completed.
- Conduct a post-occupancy review within 10 months of substantial completion. This is the single most-tested fact about enhanced Cx. The review compares actual operation to design intent, reviews trended data, addresses outstanding commissioning issues, and identifies opportunities for additional improvement.
- Develop an ongoing commissioning plan describing how the CxA scope continues after handover.
Option 2: Enhanced Envelope Commissioning (additional 2 points)
This option, sometimes called BECx, applies the commissioning process to the building thermal envelope (above- and below-grade walls, roof, fenestration, foundations). It follows ASHRAE Guideline 0 plus NIBS Guideline 3-2012: Building Enclosure Commissioning Process BECx, and adds these tasks to Option 1:
- Document the Owner's Project Requirements specifically for the envelope.
- Develop a BECx plan and incorporate envelope Cx requirements into the construction documents.
- Perform envelope-specific design and submittal reviews.
- Conduct field testing (air barrier mock-ups, ASTM E1186 air leakage tests, water penetration tests, thermography).
Option 3: Monitoring-Based Commissioning (additional 1 point)
Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBCx) uses the data streams from advanced metering and the building automation system (BAS) to keep the building optimized over time. To earn the point:
- Develop an MBCx plan that identifies points to monitor, analytics methods, fault detection rules, and reporting frequency.
- Train operations staff to use the analytics tools.
- Plan a commitment to continuous analysis through at least the first post-occupancy year, including the 10-month review.
MBCx is the most common entry point for combining EA Advanced Metering with predictive maintenance and analytics platforms.
Fundamental vs. Enhanced Cx — Memorize the Differences
| Element | Fundamental (Prereq) | Enhanced (Credit) |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement deadline | End of DD | End of DD |
| CxA independence (20k+ ft²) | Independent of construction team only | Independent of both design and construction teams |
| Submittal review | Not required | Required (Option 1) |
| Systems manual | Not required | Required (Option 1) |
| 10-month post-occupancy review | Not required | Required (Option 1) |
| Building envelope Cx | Not required | Required (Option 2) |
| Ongoing MBCx plan | Not required | Required (Option 3) |
What is the maximum number of points available under EA Credit: Enhanced Commissioning when a project pursues all available options?
Which task is required for EA Credit: Enhanced Commissioning Option 1 but NOT for the Fundamental Commissioning prerequisite?