“Composition in red, yellow, blue and black” (1921) / Piet Mondrian
Status check on open source consensus products — and practical applications — evolving around distributed ledger technologies for financing, planning, design, operation & maintenance of the #WiseCampus.
Today we explain our collaboration with other education settlements in the US and other nations. We conform to participation requirements set by ANSI US Technical Advisory Groups to the International Organization for Standardization but we also have liaison with other universities in the European Union who conform to the participation requirements of their own national standards bodies.
Below is a concise glossary of terms of art commonly used in the new-building commissioning (Cx), inspection, and certification process. These are drawn from standards such as ASHRAE Guideline 0, ASHRAE Standard 202, LEED v4/BD+C, IECC, IBC, and industry bodies (USGBC, ACG, BCA, NIBS, etc.).
A. Commissioning Phases & Processes
Term
Definition
Commissioning (Cx)
A quality-oriented process for verifying that building systems are planned, designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained to meet the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).
Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR)
Document defining the owner’s functional, performance, and sustainability goals for the project.
Basis of Design (BOD)
Designer’s narrative explaining how the OPR will be met through selected systems and strategies.
Pre-Functional Testing (PFT)
Checklist-based verification that equipment is installed correctly and ready for functional testing (e.g., duct leakage, insulation continuity).
Functional Performance Testing (FPT)
Scripted testing of systems under load to confirm they meet OPR/BOD (e.g., chiller at 100% capacity, VAV reheat modulation).
Integrated Systems Testing (IST)
End-to-end testing of multiple interacting systems (e.g., fire alarm + HVAC shutdown + emergency power).
Retro-Commissioning (RCx)
Cx applied to existing buildings (not new construction).
Re-Commissioning
Periodic Cx of previously commissioned systems.
B. Commissioning Roles
Term
Definition
Commissioning Authority (CxA)
Independent third-party (or in-house) responsible for managing the Cx process.
Commissioning Provider (CxP)
Synonym for CxA; often used in LEED.
Commissioning Team
Includes CxA, owner, designers, contractors, TAB firm, controls contractor, etc.
C. Inspection & Acceptance Terms
Term
Definition
Substantial Completion
Stage when the building is sufficiently complete for occupancy (per AIA A201). Cx FPT usually occurs after this.
Certificate of Occupancy (CO or C of O)
Issued by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) after life-safety and code inspections pass.
Punch List
List of minor defects to be corrected before final acceptance.
Beneficial Occupancy
Owner begins using the building before full completion (triggers warranty clock).
Final Acceptance
Formal sign-off after all punch list items, FPT, and training are complete.
D. Certification & Verification Programs
Term
Definition
LEED Certification
USGBC third-party verification of sustainability performance; includes Enhanced Commissioning (Option 1 or 2).
Enhanced Commissioning (EAc2)
LEED credit requiring CxA review of OPR/BOD, systems manual, and 10-month post-occupancy review.
WELL Certification
Focuses on occupant health; includes Fundamental Commissioning of air/water systems.
Energy Star Portfolio Manager
EPA benchmarking; often requires TAB report and Cx verification.
IECC Compliance Path
International Energy Conservation Code; allows Performance Path with Cx or Prescriptive Path with inspections.
Title 24 (California)
Requires Acceptance Testing by certified ATT (Acceptance Test Technician) for lighting, HVAC, envelope.
E. Testing, Adjusting, Balancing (TAB)
Term
Definition
Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB)
Process to ensure HVAC airflow, water flow, and temperatures match design (AABC, NEBB, TABB standards).
TAB Report
Certified document required for Cx, LEED, and code compliance.
Certified TAB Technician
Credential from AABC, NEBB, or TABB.
F. Documentation Deliverables
Term
Definition
Commissioning Plan
Roadmap of Cx scope, schedule, and responsibilities.
Commissioning Report
Final summary of all tests, issues, and resolutions.
Systems Manual
O&M manuals + BOD + as-built sequences + recommissioning plan (required by LEED, ASHRAE 202).
Training Plan & Record
Documentation that owner staff were trained on systems operation.
G. Code & Authority Terms
Term
Definition
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Local building official, fire marshal, health department, etc.
Congratulations to @MaumeeHS band members Bridget Braithwaite and Henry Herman for being invited to perform in this year’s BGSU Honor Band. They performed in a concert on Saturday, November 22, at BGSU’s Kobacker Hall. pic.twitter.com/qYjPE1KwCs
Today we update our understanding of the regulations, codes, standards and ethical considerations in the care of animals in education communities. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
In partnership with @Yeatssocietyirl, we are hosting a special virtual event to mark the 100th anniversary of the #poem ‘The Second Coming’ by WB #Yeats. Join us on Friday, 13 Nov at 7pm for an evening of discussion and #poetry readings.
Today we update our understanding of the regulations, codes, standards and ethical considerations in the care of animals in education communities. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
In partnership with @Yeatssocietyirl, we are hosting a special virtual event to mark the 100th anniversary of the #poem ‘The Second Coming’ by WB #Yeats. Join us on Friday, 13 Nov at 7pm for an evening of discussion and #poetry readings.
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwBpic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
