Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx):
Practical Project Implementation
Objectives
Intro to BECx, importance and benefits
Similarities between BECx & typical Cx,
industry standards and code mandates
Implementation of BECx
Lessons Learned
Outline
Code & Standard Synergy
Regional Priorities
Why BECx
Cx Process
Design
Construction
Turnover
Lessons Learned
Q&A
Cx Process
Guideline / Standard –
Optional Implementation –
Code Mandate
LEED Mandates
Legislation, executive orders, resolutions,
ordinances, policies, and incentives.
442 Localities
(45 states)
34
State
*As of December 2011
14
Fed.
? Numerous public
school jurisdictions and
institutions of Higher
Education.
Code Adoption of MEP Cx
= CALGreen
= IGCC Statewide
= IGCC Local Governments
* As of February 2013
BECx Process
ASHRAE Guideline 0
NIBS Guideline 3 – 2012
ASTM E2813 – 12
LEEDv4.0
Guideline / Standard –
Optional Implementation –
Code Mandate
ASHRAE Guideline 0
“The Commissioning
Process is a qualityoriented process for
achieving, verifying, and
documenting that the
performance of facilities,
systems, and assemblies
meets defined objectives
and criteria.”
NIBS Guideline 3-2012
“Commissioning the enclosure
differs from commissioning other
building systems … The enclosure is
designed and field assembled from
numerous materials with varying
properties. These materials are
manufactured by different
companies… assembled …by many
different tradespeople, working for
different contractors … in all
possible weather conditions with
the intention of meeting well
defined performance criteria.”
ASTM E2813-12
Standard Practice for Building Enclosure Commissioning
“BECx is a process that begins with
the establishment of the (OPR) and
endeavors to ensure that the
exterior enclosure … meet or
exceed the expectations of the
Owner ... A fundamental
understanding of … ASHRAE
Guideline 0 and NIBS Guideline 3 is
recommended for optimal use and
application of this practice.”
USGBC LEEDv4.0
Energy & Atmosphere Credit 3
Option 1 (3-4 points)
– Enhanced Systems Cx
AND/OR
Option 2 (2 points)
- Envelope Cx
Certified Silver Gold Platinum Overall -
25%
43%
54%
84%
46%
Why?
“Commissioning of the building envelope can identify
areas of concern related to air infiltration and leakage,
moisture diffusion, surface condensation, and rain water
entry – all issues that can negatively impact the building's
energy performance and indoor environmental quality”
Why?
White = heat loss
Why?
ICE
Why?
Full of
Water
Courtesy of Atlas Roofing; www.greenzone.com
Cx Process
OPR/ BOD/ Cx Plan
• MEP items that are also specific to enclosure:
Interior and exterior temperature, humidity,
insulation, wall R-values, window U factor, SHGC,
warranties.
• Are the requirements concrete or abstract?
• Are the requirements enforceable?
• Glazing parameters (amount, views)
• Air leakage
• Annual Rainfall
• Architect plays bigger role
• Enclosure Testing
Specifications
01 91 13 General Cx Requirements
• Project Team Responsibilities
• Testing Requirements
Mockup Vs. In-Place
Air and Water infiltration
Thermal Performance
Material Performance Properties
Design Reviews
Review For:
• Integrity and Continuity of:
Air Barrier
Vapor Barrier
Thermal Resistance Plane
Moisture Resistance Plane
• Constructability
• Other OPR items
Design Review Design Reviews
Design Reviews
Submittal Reviews
Pre-Functional Checklists
Site Observations
Site Observations
Site Observations
Functional Performance
Testing
Functional Performance
Testing
Functional Performance
Testing
Functional Performance
Testing
Functional Performance
Testing
Functional Performance
Testing
Functional Performance
Testing
Functional Performance
Testing
Functional Performance
Testing
Functional Performance
Testing
Functional Performance
Testing
Turnover
• O&M Manual Review: Sealants, roofing,
glazing
• Re-Commissioning not as robust
• Maintenance of Enclosure Systems
• Training
• Warranty Review
Lessons Learned
•
•
•
•
•
•
Scheduling
Tracking
Coordination
Lack of Participation
Lack of Authority
Design team being tied to schedule
That’s All Folks…
Brian Davie, AIA LEED AP | Senior Sustainability Manager
Farnsworth Group, Inc.
200 West College Ave., Suite 301 | Normal, IL 61761
p 309.663.8436, ext. 207 | f 309.663.8862 | c 309.706.9508
www.f-w.com | www.greennavigation.com
Joshua Hickman, LEED AP BD+C, CxT | Sustainability Technical Manager
Farnsworth Group, Inc.
9431 Haven Ave., Suite 117 | Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
c 310.893.9787
www.f-w.com | www.greennavigation.com