What does 'building commissioning' mean in CALGreen?

Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

• CALGreen § 203.2 High relevance — show source text

  SECTION A6.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH

  A6.203.2 Energy performance. It is the intent of this code to encourage green buildings to achieve exemplary performance in the area of energy efficiency.

  A6.203.2.1 CALGreen Tier 1. [OSHPD 1] To achieve CALGreen [Tier 1, buildings must comply with the latest edition of “Savings By](http://www.energysoft.com/ep/ 2007SBDHProcedures.pdf) Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” found online at http://www.energysoft.com/ep/ 2007SBDHProcedures.pdf.

  A6.203.2.2 CALGreen Tier 2. [OSHPD 1] To achieve CALGreen Tier 2, buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by a minimum of 15 percent.

  SECTION A6.204—PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH

  A6.204.1 ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances. All equipment and appliances provided by the builder shall be ENERGY STAR labeled if ENERGY STAR is applicable to that equipment or appliance.

  A6.204.4 Commissioning. [OSHPD 1 & 4] Building commissioning shall be included in the design and construction processes of the building project to verify that the building’s energy related systems are installed, calibrated and perform according to the owner’s project requirements, basis of design and construction documents.

  The owner and designer shall designate an individual as the Commissioning Authority (CxA) to lead, review and oversee the completion of the commissioning process activities. The owner shall document the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR). The design team shall develop the Basis of Design (BOD). The CxA shall review these documents for clarity and completeness. The owner and design team shall be responsible for updates to their respective documents, develop and incorporate commissioning requirements into the construction documents and develop and implement a commissioning plan. The CxA shall verify the installation and performance of the systems to be commissioned, verify that training and operation and maintenance documentation have been provided to the owner’s operations staff and complete a commissioning report.

  Commissioning process activities shall be completed for the following energy-related systems, at a minimum:

  1. Heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems (mechanical and passive) and associated controls.
  2. Lighting and daylighting controls.
  3. Domestic hot water systems.
  4. Renewable energy systems (wind, solar, etc.).
  5. Building envelope systems.

  A6.204.4.1 Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR). The expectations and requirements of the building shall be documented by the owner and the designer before the design phase of the project begins. This shall be reviewed by the CxA. At a minimum, this documentation shall include the following:

  1. Environmental and sustainability goals.
  2. Energy efficiency goals.
  3. Indoor environmental quality requirements.

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  APPENDIX A6.1 — VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FOR HEALTH FACILITIES [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4]

  4. Equipment and systems expectations.
  5. Building occupant and O&M personnel expectations.
• CALGreen § 8-10 High relevance — show source text

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  Title 23, Waters, California Code of Regulations

  MWELO and supporting documents, including a water budget calculator, are available at: https://www.water.ca.gov/.

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  Commissioning Referenced Standards for Non-Energy Systems

  The following CALGreen Referenced Standards are included herein as a convenience for the users of the California Green Building Standards Code, but they are not considered to be part of the code unless they are officially adopted by a local jurisdiction.

  Contents Page Part 1: Standards for Compliance with Building Commissioning 8-14 Part 2: Commissioning Sample Forms and Templates 8-23

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  COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL

  PART 1 STANDARDS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH BUILDING COMMISSIONING

  Reference: Section 5.410.2, Commissioning.

  Introduction:

  The purpose of this code is to improve public health, safety and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings through the use of concepts that reduce negative and increase positive environmental impacts. Commissioning is a vital element in this effort.

  Definitions used in the CALGreen Cx Reference standard:

  Acronyms

  BOD Basis of Design

  Cx Commissioning

  FPT Functional Performance Test

  HVAC Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning

  O&M Operations and Maintenance

  OPR Owner’s Project Requirements

  Glossary:

  Acceptance Criteria— The conditions that must be met for systems or equipment to meet defined and expected outcomes.

  Commissioning (Cx)— Building commissioning as required in this code involves a quality assurance process that begins during design and continues to occupancy. Commissioning verifies that the new building operates as the owner intended and that building staff are prepared to operate and maintain its systems and equipment. Exceptions are allowed for dry storage warehouses of any size and conditioned spaces under 10,000 square feet accessory to them; and for tenant improvements under 10,000 square feet within a larger space.

  Owner— The individual or entity holding title to the property on which the building is constructed.

  Commissioning Coordinator— The person who coordinates the commissioning process. This can be either a third-party commissioning provider or an experienced member of the design team or owner in-house staff member.

  Commissioning Team— The key members of each party involved with the project designated to provide insight and carry out tasks necessary for a successful commissioning project. Team members may include the commissioning coordinator, owner or owner’s representative, building staff, design professionals, contractors or manufacturer’s representatives and testing specialists.

• CALGreen § 5.410.2 High relevance — show source text

  Reference: Section 5.410.2, Commissioning.

  Introduction:

  The purpose of this code is to improve public health, safety and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings through the use of concepts that reduce negative and increase positive environmental impacts. Commissioning is a vital element in this effort.

  Definitions used in the CALGreen Cx Reference standard:

  Acronyms

  BOD Basis of Design

  Cx Commissioning

  FPT Functional Performance Test

  HVAC Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning

  O&M Operations and Maintenance

  OPR Owner’s Project Requirements

  Glossary:

  Acceptance Criteria— The conditions that must be met for systems or equipment to meet defined and expected outcomes.

  Commissioning (Cx)— Building commissioning as required in this code involves a quality assurance process that begins during design and continues to occupancy. Commissioning verifies that the new building operates as the owner intended and that building staff are prepared to operate and maintain its systems and equipment. Exceptions are allowed for dry storage warehouses of any size and conditioned spaces under 10,000 square feet accessory to them; and for tenant improvements under 10,000 square feet within a larger space.

  Owner— The individual or entity holding title to the property on which the building is constructed.

  Commissioning Coordinator— The person who coordinates the commissioning process. This can be either a third-party commissioning provider or an experienced member of the design team or owner in-house staff member.

  Commissioning Team— The key members of each party involved with the project designated to provide insight and carry out tasks necessary for a successful commissioning project. Team members may include the commissioning coordinator, owner or owner’s representative, building staff, design professionals, contractors or manufacturer’s representatives and testing specialists.

  Independent Third-Party Commissioning Professional— A commissioning consultant contracted directly by the owner who is not responsible to, or affiliated with, any other member of the design and construction team.

  Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Manuals— Documents that provide information necessary for operating and maintaining installed equipment and systems.

  Owner Representative— An individual or entity assigned by the owner to act and sign on the owner’s behalf.

  Process Equipment— Energy-using equipment and components that are not used for HVAC, electrical, plumbing and irrigation operations. Such devices would include but are not limited to heat transfer, water purifying, air cleaning, air vacuum and air compressing.

  Sequence of Operation— A written description of the intended performance and operation of each control element and feature of the equipment and systems.

  Selecting Trained Personnel (for Commissioning)

  This code requires that “Commissioning shall be performed in accordance with this section by trained personnel with experience on projects of comparable size and complexity.” The trained personnel manage and facilitate the commissioning process. The trained personnel develop and implement the commissioning tasks and documentation identified in Sections 5.410.2.1 through 5.410.2.6. Trained personnel may include appropriate members of owner staff, contractor and design team as well as independent commissioning professionals.

  It is essential that there is a single person designated to lead and manage the commissioning activities. In practice, this individual has been referenced by various identifiers such as commissioning authority, agent, provider, coordinator, lead, etc. In this guide the term “commissioning coordinator” is used.

• CALGreen § 2.3 High relevance — show source text

  Landscape Irrigation Systems a. Provide narrative description of system—type, performance, water usage b. Describe reason for system selection—why chosen system is better than alternatives, issues such as performance, efficiency, reliability, flexibility, expandability, cost, owner preference, simplicity c. Sequence of Operation—operating schedules, setpoints d. Describe how system meets the OPR

  3. Water Reuse Systems a. Provide narrative description of system—type, performance, capacity, reuse purpose b. Describe reason for system selection—why chosen system is better than alternatives, issues such as performance, efficiency, reliability, flexibility, expandability, cost, owner preference, simplicity c. Sequence of Operation—operating schedules, setpoints d. Describe how system meets the OPR

  2.3 Enforcement:

  At their discretion, the building official confirms demonstrated compliance at Plan Intake by: a) Receipt of a copy of the BOD document, or b) Receipt of a form signed by the architect, engineer or designer of record, attesting that the BOD has been completed and meets the requirements of the OPR.

  Reference: 3 Commissioning measures shown in the construction documents

  CALGreen Section 5.410.2, Commissioning.

  This section provides details for element 3: Commissioning measures shown in the construction documents.

  3.1 Intent:

  Include commissioning measures or requirements in the construction documents (plans and specifications). Commissioning measures or requirements should be clear, detailed and complete to clarify the commissioning process.

  3.2 Compliance Method:

  Compliance is achieved by including commissioning requirements in the project specifications. The commissioning specifications should include the following:

  1. Primary (and optionally all) commissioning requirements are included in the general specification division (typically Division 1) and clear cross references of all commissioning requirements to and from the general division are included to ensure all subcontractors are held to them.

  2. A list of the systems and assemblies covered by the commissioning requirements.

  3. Roles and responsibilities of all parties, including: i. General contractor and subcontractors, vendors, construction manager ii. Commissioning provider lead

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  iii. Owner, facility staff iv. Architect and design engineers v. Include the noncontractor parties in the construction specifications (information used only to provide the contractor with context for their work).

  vi. Include who writes checklists and tests, who reviews and approves test forms, who directs tests, who executes tests, who documents test results, and who approves completed tests. These roles may vary by system or assembly.

  4. Meeting requirements

  5. Commissioning schedule management procedures

  6. Issue and noncompliance management procedures

  7. Requirements for execution and documentation of installation, checkout and start up, including controls point-to-point checks and calibrations

  8. Specific testing requirements by system, including: i. Monitoring and trending ii. Opposite season or deferred testing requirements, functions and modes to be tested

  iii. Conditions of test

• CALGreen § 3.3 High relevance — show source text

  15. Definitions section.

  3.3 Enforcement:

  At their discretion, the inspector confirms demonstrated compliance at Plan Intake by: a) Receipt of a copy of the commissioning specifications, or b) Receipt of a form signed by the owner or owner’s representative or designer of record attesting that the owner-approved commissioning specifications are included in the construction documents.

  Reference: 4 Commissioning plan

  CALGreen Section 5.410.2.3, Commissioning plan.

  4.1 Intent:

  The Commissioning Plan (Cx Plan) establishes the commissioning process guideline for the project and commissioning team’s level of effort by identifying the required Cx activities to ensure that the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) and the Basis of Design (BOD) are met. The Cx Plan also includes a commissioning schedule from design to occupancy.

  4.2 Compliance Method:

  Compliance is demonstrated by preparation of a project-specific Cx Plan that includes the elements listed in the code section above. The following gives guidance for developing the components of the commissioning plan:

  1. General project information - Provide project-identifying information including but not limited to the following: i. Project name, owner, location. ii. Building type, building area. iii. Project schedule. iv. Contact information of individual/company providing the commissioning services.

  2. Commissioning goals – Document the commissioning goals, including but not limited to: i. Meeting CALGreen code requirements for commissioning. ii. Meeting OPR and BOD requirements. iii. Carrying out requirements for commissioning activities as specified in plans and specifications.

  3. Systems to be commissioned – See BOD a. An explanation of the original design intent - Document the performance objectives and design intent for each system listed to be commissioned in a written narrative

         - Refer to the OPR and BOD documents
     

  b. Equipment and systems to be tested, including the extent of tests i. Provide a list of equipment and systems to be tested

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  ii. Describe the range and extent of tests to be performed for each system component, and interface between systems c. Functions to be tested - Provide example functional test procedures to identify the level of testing detail required

         See (Section 5.410.2.4) FPT guidance for more information
  

  d. Conditions under which the test shall be performed - Identify the conditions under which the major operational system functions are to be tested, including: i. Normal operations and part-load operations. ii. Seasonal testing requirements. iii. Restart of equipment and systems after power loss. iv. System alarm confirmations. e. Measurable criteria for acceptable performance - Include measurable criteria for acceptable performance of each system to be tested 4. Commissioning team information - Provide a contact list for all commissioning team members, including but not limited to: i. Owner, owner’s representative. ii. Architect, engineers. iii. Designated commissioning representative. iv. General contractor, subcontractors and construction manager. 5. Commissioning process activities, schedules and responsibilities i. Establish prescribed commissioning process steps and activities to be accomplished by the Cx team throughout the design to occupancy. ii. For each phase of the work, define the roles and responsibilities for each member of the Cx team. iii.

• CALGreen § 6.2.3 High relevance — show source text

  Review record drawings on the systems/equipment a. Explain location or delivery contact of the record drawings b. Review record drawings, revisions and changes to original design drawings. c. Review equipment schedules and compare with actual installed systems

  6.2.3 Enforcement:

  At their discretion, the inspector confirms demonstrated compliance during on-site enforcement by:

  1. In the event appropriate maintenance staff is made available to receive training for each equipment type and/or system installed in the building. a. Receipt of a copy of the written training program and completed attendance forms, or b. Receipt of a form signed by the owner or owner’s representative attesting that the training program and delivery of training has been completed.
  2. In the event appropriate maintenance staff are unavailable to receive training for each equipment type and/or system installed in the building. a. Receipt of a copy of the training program provided to the owner or owner’s representative, or b. Receipt of a form signed by the owner or owner’s representative attesting that the written training program has been provided.

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  Reference: 7 Commissioning report

  CALGreen Section 5.410.2.6, Commissioning report.

  7.1 Intent:

  The commissioning report documents the commissioning process and test results. The report includes confirmation from the commissioning agent verifying that commissioned systems meet the conditions of the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR), Basis of Design (BOD) and contract documents.

  7.2 Compliance Method:

  The components of the commissioning report include the following and are defined as follows:

  1. Executive summary of process and results of commissioning program, including observations, conclusions and any outstanding items.
  2. History of any system deficiencies and how resolved a. Include outstanding deficiencies and plans for resolution b. Include plans for seasonal testing scheduled for a later date
  3. System performance test results and evaluations
  4. Summary of training process completed and scheduled
  5. Attach commissioning process documents a. Commissioning plan b. Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) c. Basis of Design (BOD)

  d. Executed installation checklists

  e. Executed Functional Performance Test (FPT) forms

  f. Recommendations for end-of-warranty review activities

  7.3 Enforcement:

  At their discretion, the inspector confirms demonstrated compliance during on-site enforcement by: a) Receipt of a copy of the commissioning report, or b) Receipt of a form signed by the owner or owner’s representative attesting that the Cx Report has been completed.

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  PART 2 SAMPLE FORMS AND TEMPLATES FOR COMMISSIONING

  Note: Following are examples of templates and/or forms that may be used or adopted for verification compliance with commissioning. Code users may provide their own documents as permitted by the enforcing agency. For each subsection of commissioning, samples are provided; in a few cases with narrative templates, and in most cases with compliance forms. Simplified forms or more detailed forms, but not both, may be selected to submit for each project.

  CALGreen COMPLIANCE FORM

  OWNER’S PROJECT REQUIREMENTS (OPR)

• CALGreen § 106.9 High relevance — show source text

  FEATURE OR MEASURE	COMPLIANCE LEVELS	Col3	Col4	NOTES
  FEATURE OR MEASURE	Mandatory CALGreen	VOLUNTARY CALGreen	VOLUNTARY CALGreen	VOLUNTARY CALGreen
  FEATURE OR MEASURE	Mandatory CALGreen	Tier 1	Tier 2	Tier 2
  DIVISION A6.1 – PLANNING AND DESIGN
  SECTION Site Development	SECTION Site Development	SECTION Site Development	SECTION Site Development	SECTION Site Development
  **A6.106.9 Building orientation.**Locate and orient the building as follows: 1. When site and location permit, orient the building with the long sides facing north and south. 2. Protect the building from thermal loss, drafts and degradation of the building envelope caused by wind and wind-driven materials such as dust.			
  DIVISION A6.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
  SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures	SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures	SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures	SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures	SECTION A6.203 Performance Measures
  A6.203.1 Energy performance. [OSHPD 1] **A6.203.1.1 CALGreen Tier 1. [OSHPD 1]**Buildings must comply with the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures.” A.5.203.1.2 CALGreen Tier 2. [OSHPD 1] Buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by 15 percent.			
  SECTION A6.204 Prescriptive Measures
  **A6.204.1 ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances.**All equipment and appliances provided by the builder shall be ENERGY STAR labeled if ENERGY STAR is applicable to that equipment or appliance.			
  A6.204.4 Commissioning. Building commissioning for all building systems covered by T24, Part 6, process systems and renewable energy systems shall be included in the design and construction processes of the building project. Commissioning requirements shall include as a minimum items listed in Section A6.204.4. **A6.204.4.1 Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).**Documented before the design phase of the project begins the OPR shall include items listed in Section A6.204.4. **A6.204.4.2 Basis of Design (BOD).**A written explanation of how the design of the building systems meets the OPR shall be completed at the design phase of the building project and updated periodically to cover the systems listed in Section A6.204.4.2. **A6.204.4.3 Commissioning plan.

• CALGreen § 8-15 High relevance — show source text

  Building Occupant and O&M Personnel Expectations—Describe the following: a. How building will be operated and by whom b. Level of training and orientation required to understand, operate and use the building systems for building operation and maintenance staff, as well as occupants c. Building operation and maintenance staff location and capabilities

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  1.3 Enforcement:

  At their discretion, the inspector confirms demonstrated compliance at Plan Intake by: a) Receipt of a copy of the OPR document, or b) Receipt of a form signed by the owner or owner representative attesting that the OPR has been completed and approved by the owner.

  Reference: 2 Basis of Design (BOD)

  CALGreen Section 5.410.2.2, Basis of Design (BOD).

  2.1 Intent:

  The Basis of Design (BOD) describes the building systems to be commissioned and outlines design assumptions not indicated in the design documents. The design team develops the BOD to describe how the building systems’ design meets the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR), and why the systems were selected. The BOD is most effective when developed early in the project design and updated as necessary throughout the design process.

  2.2 Compliance Method:

  Compliance requires the completion of the BOD document and should include the following where applicable:

  1. Renewable Energy Systems a. Provide narrative description of system—type, performance, control type, energy savings, payback period b. Describe reason for system selection—why chosen system is better than alternatives, issues such as performance, efficiency, reliability, flexibility, simplicity, expandability, cost, payback period, utility company incentives, owner preference c. Sequence of Operation—operating schedules, setpoints, storage capacity d. Describe how system meets the OPR

  2. Landscape Irrigation Systems a. Provide narrative description of system—type, performance, water usage b. Describe reason for system selection—why chosen system is better than alternatives, issues such as performance, efficiency, reliability, flexibility, expandability, cost, owner preference, simplicity c. Sequence of Operation—operating schedules, setpoints d. Describe how system meets the OPR

  3. Water Reuse Systems a. Provide narrative description of system—type, performance, capacity, reuse purpose b. Describe reason for system selection—why chosen system is better than alternatives, issues such as performance, efficiency, reliability, flexibility, expandability, cost, owner preference, simplicity c. Sequence of Operation—operating schedules, setpoints d. Describe how system meets the OPR

  2.3 Enforcement:

  At their discretion, the building official confirms demonstrated compliance at Plan Intake by: a) Receipt of a copy of the BOD document, or b) Receipt of a form signed by the architect, engineer or designer of record, attesting that the BOD has been completed and meets the requirements of the OPR.

  Reference: 3 Commissioning measures shown in the construction documents

  CALGreen Section 5.410.2, Commissioning.

  This section provides details for element 3: Commissioning measures shown in the construction documents.

  3.1 Intent:

  Include commissioning measures or requirements in the construction documents (plans and specifications). Commissioning measures or requirements should be clear, detailed and complete to clarify the commissioning process.

• CALGreen § 5.410.2.6 High relevance — show source text

  CALGreen Commissioning Requirement 5.410.2.6, Commissioning Report

  5.410.2.6 Commissioning Report. [N] A report of commissioning process activities undertaken through the design and construction phases of the building project shall be completed and provided to the owner or representative.

  The commissioning report should include the checked elements listed below and should be approved by the owner or owner’s representative.

  Col1	COMMISSIONING REPORT ELEMENTS	INCLUDED
  1.	Executive summary with conclusions and outstanding issues	
  2.	History of system deficiencies and resolution	
  3.	Summary of system functional test results	
  4.	Summary of training completion	
  5.	Attachments of commissioning plan, OPR, BOD, executed (filled in) installation checklists, executed func- tional tests, recommendations for end-of-warranty review	

  ---

  Owner/Owner’s Representative Signature Date

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  COMMISSIONING REPORT

  COMPLIANCE FORM

  THIS FORM IS TO BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO INSPECTION

  Project Address: ________________________________________________________

  Permit Number: _____________________________

  ITEM #	COMMISSIONING REPORT ELEMENTS	PAGE NUMBER IN COMMISSIONING REPORT DOCUMENT
  1	EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
  	Executive summary of process and results of commissioning program (include observations, conclusions and any outstanding items)
  2	HISTORY OF ANY SYSTEM DEFICIENCIES AND HOW RESOLVED
  	Outstanding deficiencies and plans for resolution
  	Plans for seasonal testing scheduled for a later date
  3	RESULTS
  	System performance test results and evaluations
  4	SUMMARY OF TRAINING
  	Summary of training process completed and scheduled
  5	ATTACH COMMISSIONING PROCESS DOCUMENTS
  	Commissioning plan
  	Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR)
  	Basis of Design (BOD)
  	Executed installation checklists
  	Executed Functional Performance Test (FPT) forms
  	Recommendations for end-of-warranty review activities

  Owner and Commissioning Agent Acknowledgment The commissioning report includes the items listed above and is approved by the owner/owner’s representative and commissioning agent below.

  1. Owner/Owner’s Representative The commissioning report includes the items listed above and have been approved by the owner or owner’s representative. Name: ______________________________________  Owner  Owner’s Representative

  Company Name (if applicable): _________________________________ Signature: _________________________________ Date: ___________

  2. Commissioning Agent Name: ______________________________________

  Company Name (if applicable): _________________________________

  Signature: _________________________________ Date: ___________

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  FOR REFERENCE ONLY: The following table has been reprinted from the IES TM-15-11 Reference standard, see Section 5.106.8.

• CALGreen § 5.410.2.1 High relevance — show source text

  Independent Third-Party Commissioning Professional— A commissioning consultant contracted directly by the owner who is not responsible to, or affiliated with, any other member of the design and construction team.

  Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Manuals— Documents that provide information necessary for operating and maintaining installed equipment and systems.

  Owner Representative— An individual or entity assigned by the owner to act and sign on the owner’s behalf.

  Process Equipment— Energy-using equipment and components that are not used for HVAC, electrical, plumbing and irrigation operations. Such devices would include but are not limited to heat transfer, water purifying, air cleaning, air vacuum and air compressing.

  Sequence of Operation— A written description of the intended performance and operation of each control element and feature of the equipment and systems.

  Selecting Trained Personnel (for Commissioning)

  This code requires that “Commissioning shall be performed in accordance with this section by trained personnel with experience on projects of comparable size and complexity.” The trained personnel manage and facilitate the commissioning process. The trained personnel develop and implement the commissioning tasks and documentation identified in Sections 5.410.2.1 through 5.410.2.6. Trained personnel may include appropriate members of owner staff, contractor and design team as well as independent commissioning professionals.

  It is essential that there is a single person designated to lead and manage the commissioning activities. In practice, this individual has been referenced by various identifiers such as commissioning authority, agent, provider, coordinator, lead, etc. In this guide the term “commissioning coordinator” is used.

  The designated commissioning coordinator may be an independent, third-party commissioning professional, a project design team member (e.g., engineer or architect), an owner’s engineer or facility staff, contractor or specialty subcontractor. Methods of evaluating the designated commissioning coordinator and trained personnel include review of the following:

  1. Technical knowledge;
  2. Relevant experience;
  3. Potential conflict of interest concerns;
  4. Professional certifications and training;
  5. Communication and organizational skills; and
  6. Reference and sample work products.

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  Selection of “trained,” qualified personnel is required by this code. In order to meet this requirement, the commissioning provider should be evaluated via the methods discussed above. In addition, various organizations have training and certification programs that may be a source for identification of qualified commissioning providers.

  For information about enforcement and compliance of each commissioning element see Sections 5.410.2.1 through 5.410.2.6.

  For compliance forms and templates see Part 2 following this standard.

  Reference: 1 Owner’s Project Requirements

  CALGreen Section 5.410.2.1, Owner’s or Owner representative’s Project Requirements (OPR).

  1.1 Intent:

  The Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) documents the functional requirements of a project and expectations of the building use and operation as it relates to systems being commissioned. The document describes the physical and functional building characteristics desired by the owner and establishes performance and acceptance criteria. The OPR is most effective when developed during predesign and used to develop the Basis of Design (BOD) during the design process. The level of detail and complexity of the OPR will vary according to building use, type and systems.

  1.2 Compliance Method:

• CALGreen § 3.2 High relevance — show source text

  3.2 Compliance Method:

  Compliance is achieved by including commissioning requirements in the project specifications. The commissioning specifications should include the following:

  1. Primary (and optionally all) commissioning requirements are included in the general specification division (typically Division 1) and clear cross references of all commissioning requirements to and from the general division are included to ensure all subcontractors are held to them.

  2. A list of the systems and assemblies covered by the commissioning requirements.

  3. Roles and responsibilities of all parties, including: i. General contractor and subcontractors, vendors, construction manager ii. Commissioning provider lead

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  iii. Owner, facility staff iv. Architect and design engineers v. Include the noncontractor parties in the construction specifications (information used only to provide the contractor with context for their work).

  vi. Include who writes checklists and tests, who reviews and approves test forms, who directs tests, who executes tests, who documents test results, and who approves completed tests. These roles may vary by system or assembly.

  4. Meeting requirements

  5. Commissioning schedule management procedures

  6. Issue and noncompliance management procedures

  7. Requirements for execution and documentation of installation, checkout and start up, including controls point-to-point checks and calibrations

  8. Specific testing requirements by system, including: i. Monitoring and trending ii. Opposite season or deferred testing requirements, functions and modes to be tested

  iii. Conditions of test

  iv. Acceptance criteria, and any allowed sampling v. Include details of the format and rigor of the test forms required to document test execution vi. Include example forms is recommended 9. Submittal review requirements and approval process. 10. Content, authority and approval process of the commissioning plan. 11. Commissioning documentation and reporting requirements. 12. Facility staff training requirements and verification procedures. 13. O&M manual review and approval procedures. 14. System’s manual development and approval requirements and procedures.

  15. Definitions section.

  3.3 Enforcement:

  At their discretion, the inspector confirms demonstrated compliance at Plan Intake by: a) Receipt of a copy of the commissioning specifications, or b) Receipt of a form signed by the owner or owner’s representative or designer of record attesting that the owner-approved commissioning specifications are included in the construction documents.

  Reference: 4 Commissioning plan

  CALGreen Section 5.410.2.3, Commissioning plan.

  4.1 Intent:

  The Commissioning Plan (Cx Plan) establishes the commissioning process guideline for the project and commissioning team’s level of effort by identifying the required Cx activities to ensure that the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) and the Basis of Design (BOD) are met. The Cx Plan also includes a commissioning schedule from design to occupancy.

  4.2 Compliance Method:

  Compliance is demonstrated by preparation of a project-specific Cx Plan that includes the elements listed in the code section above. The following gives guidance for developing the components of the commissioning plan:

  1. General project information - Provide project-identifying information including but not limited to the following: i. Project name, owner, location. ii. Building type, building area. iii. Project schedule. iv. Contact information of individual/company providing the commissioning services.
• CALGreen § 203.1.1 High relevance — show source text

  [OSHPD 1]**
  **A6.203.1.1 CALGreen Tier 1. [OSHPD 1]**Buildings must comply with the latest edition of
  “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures.”
  A.5.203.1.2 CALGreen Tier 2. [OSHPD 1] Buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings
  By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by 15 percent.||||| |SECTION A6.204 Prescriptive Measures||||| |**A6.204.1 ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances.**All equipment and appliances provided
  by the builder shall be ENERGY STAR labeled if ENERGY STAR is applicable to that equipment
  or appliance.||||| |A6.204.4 Commissioning. Building commissioning for all building systems covered by T24,
  Part 6, process systems and renewable energy systems shall be included in the design and
  construction processes of the building project. Commissioning requirements shall include as
  a minimum items listed in Section A6.204.4.
  **A6.204.4.1 Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).**Documented before the design phase of
  the project begins the OPR shall include items listed in Section A6.204.4.
  **A6.204.4.2 Basis of Design (BOD).**A written explanation of how the design of the building
  systems meets the OPR shall be completed at the design phase of the building project and
  updated periodically to cover the systems listed in Section A6.204.4.2.
  **A6.204.4.3 Commissioning plan.**A commissioning plan describing how the project will be
  commissioned shall be started during the design phase of the building project and shall
  include as a minimum items listed in Section A6.204.4.3.
  A6.204.4.4 Functional performance testingshall demonstrate the correct installation and
  operation of each component, system and system-to-system interface in accordance with
  the approved plans and specifications.
  **A6.204.4.5 Post construction documentation and training.**A systems manual and
  systems operations training are required.
  **A6.204.4.5.1 Systems manual.**The systems manual shall be delivered to the building
  owner and facilities operator and shall include the items listed in Section A6.204.4.5.1.
  A6.204.4.5.2 Systems operations training. The training of the appropriate maintenance
  staff for each equipment type and/or system shall include as a minimum items listed in
  Section A6.204.4.5.2.
  **A6.204.4.6 Commissioning report.**A complete report of commissioning process activities
  undertaken through the design, construction and postconstruction phases of the building
  project shall be completed and provided to the owner.||
  
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  
  
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  || |**A6.204.6 Building orientation and shading.

• CALGreen § 1-1 High relevance — show source text

  2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A6.1-1

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  APPENDIX A6.1-2 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

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  A6 VOLUNTARY STANDARDS FOR HEALTH FACILITIES [OSHPD 1, 2 & 4]

  DIVISION A6.1 – SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN

  SECTION A6.106—SITE DEVELOPMENT

  A6.106.9 Building orientation. Locate and orient the building as follows:

  1. When site and location permit, orient the building with the long sides facing north and south.
  2. Protect the building from thermal loss, drafts and degradation of the building envelope caused by wind and wind-driven materials such as dust, sand, snow and leaves, with building orientation and landscape features. Note: For information on sun angles and shading, visit: http://www2.aud.ucla.edu/energy-design-tools/.

  Calculations may be made using the Solar-2 tool.

  DIVISION A6.2 – ENERGY EFFICIENCY

  SECTION A6.202—DEFINITIONS

  A6.202.1 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein.

  ENERGY STAR. A joint program of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products and practices.

  SECTION A6.203—PERFORMANCE APPROACH

  A6.203.2 Energy performance. It is the intent of this code to encourage green buildings to achieve exemplary performance in the area of energy efficiency.

  A6.203.2.1 CALGreen Tier 1. [OSHPD 1] To achieve CALGreen [Tier 1, buildings must comply with the latest edition of “Savings By](http://www.energysoft.com/ep/ 2007SBDHProcedures.pdf) Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” found online at http://www.energysoft.com/ep/ 2007SBDHProcedures.pdf.

  A6.203.2.2 CALGreen Tier 2. [OSHPD 1] To achieve CALGreen Tier 2, buildings must exceed the latest edition of “Savings By Design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures” by a minimum of 15 percent.

  SECTION A6.204—PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH

  A6.204.1 ENERGY STAR equipment and appliances. All equipment and appliances provided by the builder shall be ENERGY STAR labeled if ENERGY STAR is applicable to that equipment or appliance.

  A6.204.4 Commissioning. [OSHPD 1 & 4] Building commissioning shall be included in the design and construction processes of the building project to verify that the building’s energy related systems are installed, calibrated and perform according to the owner’s project requirements, basis of design and construction documents.

  The owner and designer shall designate an individual as the Commissioning Authority (CxA) to lead, review and oversee the completion of the commissioning process activities. The owner shall document the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).

• CALGreen § 7.3 Medium relevance — show source text

  d. Executed installation checklists

  e. Executed Functional Performance Test (FPT) forms

  f. Recommendations for end-of-warranty review activities

  7.3 Enforcement:

  At their discretion, the inspector confirms demonstrated compliance during on-site enforcement by: a) Receipt of a copy of the commissioning report, or b) Receipt of a form signed by the owner or owner’s representative attesting that the Cx Report has been completed.

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  PART 2 SAMPLE FORMS AND TEMPLATES FOR COMMISSIONING

  Note: Following are examples of templates and/or forms that may be used or adopted for verification compliance with commissioning. Code users may provide their own documents as permitted by the enforcing agency. For each subsection of commissioning, samples are provided; in a few cases with narrative templates, and in most cases with compliance forms. Simplified forms or more detailed forms, but not both, may be selected to submit for each project.

  CALGreen COMPLIANCE FORM

  OWNER’S PROJECT REQUIREMENTS (OPR)

  The following form may be required to be printed on the permit set of construction drawings or submitted separately. Italicized text indicates direct or partial quotes from the CALGreen Code.

  CALGreen Commissioning Requirement 5.410.2.1, Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR)

  5.410.2.1 Owner’s or Owner representative’s Project Requirements (OPR). [N] The expectations and requirements of the building appropriate to its phase shall be documented before the design phase of the project begins. This documentation shall include the following: 1. Environmental and sustainability goals. 2. Building sustainable goals. 3. Indoor environmental quality requirements. 4. Project program, including facility functions and hours of operation, and need for after hours operation. 5. Equipment and systems expectations. 6. Building occupant and operation and maintenance (O&M) personnel expectations.

  Col1	OPR ELEMENTS	INCLUDED
  1.	Environmental and sustainability goals.	
  2.	Building sustainable goals.	
  3.	Indoor environmental quality requirements.	
  4.	Project program, including facility functions and hours of operation, and need for after-hours operation.	
  5.	Equipment and systems expectations.	
  6.	Building occupant and O&M personnel expectations.	

  ---

  Owner/Owner’s Representative Signature Date

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  OWNER’S PROJECT REQUIREMENTS (OPR)

  COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

  INCORPORATE THIS FORM IN THE PLANS

  Project Address: _________________________________________________________

  Permit Number: _____________________________

• CALGreen § 1-5 Medium relevance — show source text

  102 Construction Documents

  and Installation Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5

  103 Building Standards Commission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5 104 Department of Housing and Community Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6 105 Division of the State Architect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6

  106 Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6

  CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

  201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

  202 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

  CHAPTER 3 GREEN BUILDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

  301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

  302 Mixed Occupancy Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 303 Phased Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 304 Voluntary Tiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 305 CALGreen Tier 1 and CALGreen Tier 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

  306 Voluntary Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

  CHAPTER 4 RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . . . . . 4-3

  4.1 Planning and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3 4.2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7 4.3 Water Efficiency and Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9 4.4 Material Conservation and Resource Efficiency . . . . 4-11 4.5 Environmental Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

  CHAPTER 5 NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES . . 5-3