New York Real Estate Journal

USGBC-LI commissioning seminar draws large audience - Feb. 12

March 20, 2009 - Long Island
USGBC-LI sponsored a presentation on February 12 of the benefits and the process for LEED building commissioning.   The program was given by Paul Meyer, P.E., LEED AP, the senior engineer at Horizon Engineering Associates in Smithtown, and a board of directors member for both the USGBC-LI and the Building Commissioning Association.  Approximately 100 people signed up for the presentation, which was held at the RexCorp Executive Park Conference Center. Meyer spoke in detail about how the commissioning process is a quality-oriented process for achieving, verifying, and documenting that the performance of buildings meet defined objectives and criteria. The process is performed specifically to ensure that the finished facility operates in accordance with the owner's documented project requirements and the construction documents.  Also discussed were the specific commissioning process requirements for LEED registered projects of both new construction and existing buildings.  Meyer explained how commissioning agents can be involved in the beginning of the design process, through construction, and into the first year of occupancy to enhance the operation of buildings, often saving more in life cycle costs than the actual cost for commissioning services.   Details on several LIPA incentives for LEED points and technical assistance provided commissioning services were presented, with a question and answer session following the presentation. Visit www.USGBC-LI.org for information about upcoming educational seminars and activities.