Commissioning is a cornerstone of sustainable building practices and is essential for achieving third-party certifications like LEED, WELL, AEGB, and others. It provides the verification, documentation, and performance assurance needed to turn design intent into reality.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
- Fundamental Commissioning is required; Enhanced Commissioning is incentivized and commonly pursued.
- Verifies that energy-related systems are installed, tested, and calibrated to perform as designed.
- Ensures the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) are achieved, delivering a building that not only performs efficiently but also equips the owner with the tools to operate it effectively.
- Supports credits in Energy & Atmosphere and Indoor Environmental Quality, contributing to lower operational costs and improved occupant comfort.
University of Texas at Austin – Hogg Memorial Auditorium
EEA provided comprehensive MEP Commissioning services for the renovation of the historic Hogg Memorial Auditorium at The University of Texas at Austin. As the university’s first LEED Platinum-certified renovation, the project focused on upgrading HVAC, lighting controls, and plumbing systems to meet high-performance sustainability goals while preserving the building’s architectural character.
WELL Building Standard
- Centers on occupant health, comfort, and productivity.
- Commissioning validates performance in air quality, thermal comfort, water quality, and lighting—key WELL features.
- Essential to Performance Verification, where WELL requires that systems function exactly as designed to support human well-being.
AEGB (Austin Energy Green Building)
- AEGB emphasizes energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and water conservation in a regional context.
- Commissioning contributes to AEGB ratings by ensuring building systems meet local performance standards and support long-term sustainability.
- Plays a vital role in verifying high-efficiency systems and documenting compliance with AEGB prerequisites and credits—especially in multifamily, commercial, and civic buildings.
City of Austin – Permitting and Development Center
EEA provided comprehensive MEP and fire protection engineering services for the City of Austin’s Permitting and Development Center, a 250,000-square-foot facility designed to streamline municipal services. The project achieved both WELL Gold certification, making it the first in Austin, and a 4-star rating from Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB). Key sustainable features include advanced HVAC systems, a blackwater recycling system, and rainwater harvesting, all contributing to reduced potable water use and enhanced indoor environmental quality.
Why Does Commissioning Matter?
- Turns design intent into real-world performance.
- Catches issues early—avoiding delays, rework, and certification risks.
- Helps owners achieve their energy, environmental, and operational goals.
- Supports sustainable outcomes that last the full life of the building.
