LEED AP with Operations and Maintenance (O+M ) Practice Exam

Which of the following elements does NOT need to be commissioned?

1. HVAC systems

2. Lighting systems

3. Passive solar design

4. Water systems

The correct answer is: Passive solar design

Passive solar design does not require commissioning in the same way that HVAC systems, lighting systems, and water systems do. Commissioning is a quality assurance process that ensures a building's systems are designed, installed, and functioning according to the owner's requirements and operational needs. It involves testing and documentation for complex mechanical and electrical systems to ensure they operate efficiently. HVAC systems, lighting systems, and water systems all involve active components that require ongoing performance monitoring and adjustment to meet energy efficiency and comfort standards. These systems benefit from thorough commissioning to verify that they are operating as intended, optimizing energy use and ensuring appropriate indoor environmental quality. In contrast, passive solar design relies on architectural elements such as building orientation, window placement, and thermal mass to naturally maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without the need for mechanical systems. This approach is inherently less complex and does not necessitate the same level of commissioning activities focused on monitoring and adjusting active systems. Thus, it is recognized as the option that does not require commissioning.