Tuesday, April 30, 2019

LEED Commissioning Agent, Rules And Regulations

By Sandra Barnes


While there have always been building inspection processes for buildings and equipment, there is now new software which can help assure buildings and equipment run efficiently. For, some 15 years back, the U. S. Green Building Council (USGBC) created LEED commissioning software which provides standards to be used in the construction and building industry. Using a holistic approach, these standards work to create quality indoor air, resources and materials and water efficiency with these and other standards in mind.

Later, after recognizing the effectiveness, savings and other benefits of green building, the USGB included the commission of buildings and equipment as part of the certification process. In order to achieve this goal, a new position was developed known as a commissioning agent.

Agents must have the knowledge of green practices and procedures to assure projects adhere to LEED certification requirements. In the process, buildings and equipment can earn points toward a higher rating based on a number of factors. For example, commissioning and points are provided for green additions and renovations, implementation, analysis, enhanced and retro projects.

While the commissioning process is most often related to energy savings, there are other aspects which can also have benefits. For, example through the use of recycled resources and materials, a number of trees can be saved. Whereas, these materials are often much less expensive than those made from hardwoods and old growth redwoods.

Because designers have recognized the success in commissioning in building and construction is experiencing, there appears to be a new and growing market for such services. As a result, it is essential that agents have a clear understanding of the software and associated standards and requirements in order to better serve clients. Whereas, becoming knowledgeable with regards to the requirements and standards is also essential if individuals want to become successful agents and designers.

It should be noted that Version 4 of the software includes an update to technical aspects and an upgrade to system requirements along with other modifications. New construction and building commissioning applies to verification that building plans and systems meet the owner's requirements during installation. Whereas, all aspects of a building, equipment and systems must operate as expected by the design engineer and engineering staff before commissioning can taken place.

Individuals desiring to become certified as an agent or designer must go through several steps. These include going to GBCI.org and creating a new account, logging into the system and clicking on My Credentials and applying for the exam. Once accepted, individuals can then log onto the My Credentials section and register for the exam. After which, individuals will then go to Prometric's website, schedule the exam, study and pass the test.

When it comes to the exam, members often pay $200 and non-members $250. Whereas, students with an official student ID can now take the exam for a reduced price of $100. The reduction in price is largely based on student status. Although, with the growing field of certification and commissioning of green building, construction and other projects, the organization has also lowered the price in hopes of acquiring new agents whom can provide a long term commitment.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment