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Interested in presenting? Send the proposed presentation title, short abstract, and four learning objectives to ACG Headquarters: info@commissioning.org.

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Every month from July 2025 – December 2025, join ACG for a new presentation covering different facets of the commissioning process. Each presentation is worth 1 AIA LU.

Pre-Functional Checklists: Then, Now, & in the Future

Steve Leight, PE, CxA, EMP, Commissioning Excellence, LLC

Abstract: The introduction of commissioning software and advancements in technology have drastically reduced the time CxAs spend developing pre-functional checklists for use by contractors.  Despite advancements that also make it easier for contractors, contractor compliance with specs and requirements for pre-functional checklists is still below expectations, anticipated reductions in installation deficiencies have not occurred, and the pre-functional checklists continue to be sources of frustration in our industry.  As commissioning providers, it is our job to document and verify success, yet we still rely on a pre-functional processes that fail to meet their intent.  Are we, as an industry, doing enough in the “continuous improvement” portion of the (commissioning) quality process to drive improvement in the construction industry?

This webinar will explain the fundamentals of all quality processes, share insight into the intent of pre-functional checklists, and explore the history of how PFCs were integrated into the standard commissioning process.  Through a case study begun in late 2023, the results of an alternative approach to CxA-generated/contractor-completed pre-functional checklists will be presented, along with lessons-learned from that approach and some proposed changes to the PFC process to improve the quality of installation.

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LEED v5: Ushering in a New Era of Sustainable Building

Al LaPera, CxA, EMP, LEED AP, Kimley-Horn

Dennis Berlien, PE, LEED AP, Kimley-Horn

Abstract: US Green Building Council has approved LEED v5, the latest version of LEED certifications. We will provide a brief overview of their comprehensive framework for sustainable and efficient building practices. It will discuss both the Building Design and Construction (BD+C) and Operations and Maintenance (O+M), LEED certifications. It will address that while both are part of the same sustainability framework, each serves a different purpose in a building’s lifecycle.
LEED v5 for Operations and Maintenance (O+M) rating system for existing buildings has been changed radically with the newest version of LEED. It marks a transformative milestone in the built environment’s alignment with a low-carbon future and addresses critical imperatives such as equity, health, ecosystems and resilience. This lecture will start to unravel this new onion, one layer at a time. This version of LEED makes addressing decarbonization a focal point showing how decarbonization planning and why it is so important to educate the market on elements of a good, long-term decarbonization plan.

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Don’t Trust But Verify – TAB Lessons Learned from a Commissioning Provider’s Perspective

Mark Gelfo, P.E., CxA, EMP, LEED Fellow, TLC Engineering Solutions

Gary Haydu, CxA, TLC Engineering Solutions

Bad Test and Balance (TAB) contractors can severely compromise HVAC performance—causing discomfort, skyrocketing energy costs, and premature equipment failure. Most notably, they trigger the dreaded hot/cold calls from building owners post-occupancy.

This session explores the telltale signs of poor TAB work, including lack of certification, inaccurate reports, failure to verify design intent, and limited scope. We’ll also examine the real-world consequences: uncomfortable spaces, inflated utility bills, and long-term system damage. Learn how to spot and avoid bad TAB practices before they impact your projects.

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Can you FPT before TAB and BAS Graphics are Completed?

Jonathan Noordzy, P.E., CxA, EMP, Hanson Professional Services
Wade H. Conlan, P.E., CxA, LEED AP, Hanson Professional Services
Marcus Ruecker, CxA, Hanson Professional Services

Abstract: In practice, some projects have extenuating circumstances, or pressures, be they financial, schedule or political factors, which compel an Owner to ask how functional performance testing could be accomplished by a hard date. What if is become obvious that TAB will still in progress by that date? What if the BAS graphics have not yet been installed in the operator’s workstation? The CxP knows the conditions are not ideal for testing. The Owner understands the reasons why, but due to the extenuating circumstances needs to know not “if”, but “how” it can be done. This presentation will guide you through some unconventional approaches that can be applied when the Cx process must move forward with one of its most important tasks not in the customary order, without short-circuiting the Cx process. We will examine ways to stay proactive while being flexible and opportunistic. When faced with a TAB report that is preliminary or incomplete or has multiple deficiencies, we will examine ways to work between identify test procedures that can be executed. When BAS graphics are still in development we will look at ways to verify setpoints, alarms and sequences of operation before the final BAS graphics package is completed and installed. It can be done! – even when conditions are less than ideal.

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Essential Cx Series

Interested in presenting?

Send the proposed presentation title, short abstract, and four learning objectives to ACG Headquarters: info@commissioning.org.

Abstract: A LEED Platinum middle school that cost $25 million and opened in 2017 has experienced over $350k in expenses related to maintaining the VRF condensing units. We were brought in to identify issues and assist the client in correcting the installation and restoring the community’s faith that their decision to be Net Zero was the right call.

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Writing Effective Issues Logs

Vince Sage, P.E., CxA, EMP, Northwest Engineering Service, Inc

Abstract: The way issues are worded is one of the biggest factors within your control that determines how much time and effort it takes to get them resolved. Even experienced commissioning providers could benefit from improving their writing of issues. This presentation reviews best practices of how to create a bias for resolution.

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Charles Jackson III ACG Member presenting at the Essential Cx Webinar Series for ACG 2024

Cx University: Taking An Active Role in Training

Charles Jackson III, P.E., PMP, CxA, LEED AP, CMTA, Inc.

Abstract: Commissioning Professionals often take a passive role in training, Whether reviewing the agenda, confirming the sign-in sheet has been completed, or attending the training. Oftentimes, operations staff and owners are either overwhelmed with the abundance of knowledge from the subject matter experts or disinterested in boilerplate training that does not dive deep into their systems. As Commissioning Professionals, we should use this as an opportunity to show our expertise and include training from a Commissioning Perspective detailing how we tested the systems, going through documentation and trends that are set up, and providing a more hands-on approach to help the operations staff ease their transition on Day 1.

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