The CxA has a distinct responsibility to whom?

• A. The Contractor
• B. The Facility Manager
• C. The Owner
• D. The Design Team

Answer: (C)

The Commissioning Authority is primarily responsible to the Owner. This means the CxA represents the Owner’s interests throughout the commissioning process, ensuring the project delivers what the Owner intends. The CxA helps translate the Owner’s Project Requirements into verifiable criteria, develops and oversees the commissioning plan, and coordinates testing, verification, and defect resolution so that systems meet performance, energy, and reliability goals. While the CxA works with the design team and contractors, their accountability is to the Owner, not to those groups. This independence protects the Owner and provides objective confirmation that the building will perform as intended when occupied.