Oct

CalGreen & Title 24 Commissioning for LA – VIDEO

The Green Building commissioning for Los Angeles is different than any other jurisdiction in the state. In this video, we detail the requirements and variations specific to the City of Angels.

The terminology and code requirements for commissioning in this area can be confusing. To clarify, there are three terms that are used but they all refer to the same thing. They are also a single process, not three separate processes. The terms are:

Green Building Commissioning (unique to the City of LA)
CalGreen Commissioning
Title 24 Commissioning

For all intents and purposes, the above names are interchangeable. You can thank the LADBS for the first name and the California Energy Commission for the last two. For projects outside the city, the “Green Building Commissioning” is not typically used.

An often misunderstood aspect of Green Building commissioning is that, by code, it needs to start at the schematic or design development phase of the project.

Many architects, engineers, and developers are under the mistaken impression that it starts at the construction document phase. In fact, commissioning begins at the Design Development phase of the project as required by section 120.8 (d) of the California Energy Code. The process continues through the Construction Document phase. The code requires a number of commissioning documents to be submitted with the building permit application.

The LADBS commissioning permit documents are not limited to the OPR, BOD, and Commissioning Plan. There is a series of GRN forms that need to be submitted with the original permit application.

Our in-depth video on the LA building commissioning requirements explains the process thoroughly.

For projects outside the city but in the Greater Los Angeles area, the process is identical, except for the GRN forms. In most cases, the satellite cities and counties do not require the GRN form process. This simplifies and reduces the cost of the permit process.

What We Do For You

Commissioning is all about communication. The communication needs to begin early in the CalGreen Process design stage and continue throughout the construction and beneficial occupancy stages of your project. It is poor communications on the commissioning scope and responsibilities that frequently turn the end phase of a project into a quagmire.

Commissioning is also about engaging all parties to work together. A good commissioning agent can improve the efficiency of the process. This is accomplished by avoiding duplication of procedures by working your subcontractors to streamline the process.

CalGreen Energy Services knows how to ensure all parties on your project understand their roles and responsibilities. This understanding can eliminate confusion and ensure the building owner ends up with a fully commissioned building that will serve them well for years to come.

At CalGreen Energy Services we are specialists in the California Energy Code and the CalGreen Code commissioning requirements.

If you have a CalGreen question, please feel free to give us a call. We are happy to share our knowledge.

Call us today and let us show you how we can help with your project.

Gary Welch

Email: gary@calgreenenergyservices.com

Phone: 707-328-5299

Gary Welch

Gary Welch has over 35 years experience in the field of sustainable building design. He is the CEO of CalGreen Energy Services. Gary is an ICC Certified CalGreen Special Inspector and Plans Examiner.