Wednesday, May 1, 2019

How To Become A LEED Commissioning Agent

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.

Having recognized the numerous benefits related to green building, the USGB included commissioning equipment and buildings as being part and parcel to certification. As such, a new position known as commissioning agent was established to assure all requirements and standards were met before a building or equipment could receive a commissioned status.

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 often related to energy savings, there are other aspects of projects which can also be commissioned. A new rule related to LEED requirements also requires all agents be involved in a project before the end of the development phase. For, new rules also require that the design team, builders and associated partners work together as early in the process as possible.

Because LEED designers have recognized the importance of commissioning in the building and construction industry, there is a growing market for these services. As such, it is important that all agents have a clear understanding of LEED, Version 4 and associated standards to better provide the service which clients are expecting. For, becoming knowledgeable with the software requirements and standards is essential for agents to become successful in this area.

Version 4 of LEED, includes updates to technological aspects and system requirements. For example, the term new building and construction now applies to confirmation that building plans and systems meet owners' requirements and standards during installation. Whereas, buildings, equipment and systems must operate as expected by the owner before becoming certified or commissioned.

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.

The exam currently runs $200 for members, $250 for non-members and can be discounted to $100 for current students. The reduced price for students is due to the fact that the organization knows students are often struggling financially. Whereas, it is also due to the fact that the organization needs to hire agents who are willing to provide services on a long term basis.




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