Discuss US Green Building Council LEED-AP-ID+C Exam Topic 3 Question 30

A Client is fitting out a building with area 20,500 ft2 (1 904.5 m2) and wishes to pursue the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning. Who may be appointed as the Commissioning Authority (CxA) for the project?

AAn employee of the architecture or engineering firm but not a member of the design team

BA sub-consultant to the architecture or engineering firm but not a member of the design team

CA subcontractor of the general contractor or construction manager but not a member of the construction team

DAn employee or subcontractor of the general contractor or construction manager and a member of the construction team

Suggested Answer: B

For the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning, the Commissioning Authority (CxA) plays a crucial role in overseeing the commissioning process. The CxA must be independent of the project's design and construction team to maintain objectivity. An employee of the architecture or engineering firm involved in the project could potentially have a conflict of interest. Similarly, a member of the construction team could also have biases that might affect the commissioning process's integrity. Therefore, a sub-consultant to the architecture or engineering firm, who is not part of the project's design team, is an appropriate choice for the CxA role, ensuring independence and impartiality in the commissioning process. Reference:

LEED v4 for Interior Design and Construction Reference Guide, particularly the section on Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning

Get Premium LEED-AP-ID+C Questions as Interactive Web-Based Practice Test or PDF Real Exam Format Detailed Explanations Instant Access Get Your Practice Test

15 comments · newest first

Kimbery 25 days ago

I feel option B balances expertise and independence nicely.

Laura 1 month ago

But option C could work too. They know the project well.

Shaun 1 month ago

I agree with Patrick. Independence is key for CxA.

Terrilyn 1 month ago

Option D seems risky. Too close to the construction team.

Cordell 2 months ago

I prefer option B. A sub-consultant can provide fresh insights.

Patrick 2 months ago

I think option A is the best choice. Keeps it unbiased.

Annice 2 months ago

A sub-consultant makes the most sense for this role.

Niesha 2 months ago

Wait, can a general contractor's employee really be the CxA? Sounds off.

Shelba 2 months ago

I disagree, I believe a subcontractor can be the CxA.

Nelida 2 months ago

Definitely not an employee from the design team!

James 3 months ago

I think it has to be a sub-consultant, right?

Karon 3 months ago

I think it’s definitely not D, since they would be too involved in the construction process. A or B seems more likely based on what I studied.

Galen 3 months ago

I’m a bit confused about the role of subcontractors. Can a subcontractor from the general contractor be the CxA? I feel like that might be a conflict.

Kimberlie 3 months ago

I remember a practice question where it said the CxA shouldn't be part of the design team, so I feel like A or B could be right.

Francesco 3 months ago

I think the CxA has to be independent, so options A and B might be okay, but I’m not sure about the specifics.

US Green Building Council LEED-AP-ID+C Exam - Topic 3 Question 30 Discussion