Basics of Building Enclosure Commissioning:
An overview of the successful BE Cx process
This presentation will review the increasing role of building enclosure commissioning in the context of today’s design and construction environment. Beginning with the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Commissioning (Cx) of the Building Enclosure (BE), each of the presenters will review the roles of the various members of the design, construction, and commissioning team. From design concept through substantial completion and post-occupancy evaluation, there are critical milestones that mark a comprehensive and successful commissioning process. For the Owner, perhaps the most critical step is the development of a carefully crafted and well-conceived RFP. If the RFP clearly defines the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) and performance objectives for the project, and clearly outlines both the scope of work and baseline qualifications of the BE Cx Agent, it can be an essential tool to “jump start” the project in the right direction.
Through a discussion of a sample BE Cx specification, we will examine the key components necessary to achieve a successful BE Cx process. The presentation will briefly address commonly specified facade and roof components and the industry standard test methods associated with each of these assemblies. This will be followed by an overview of the importance of third-party construction observation programs and the successful integration of field check lists, sketches, and in-situ performance testing.
In summary, the presentation shall reveal how individual performance requirements unique to each building subsequently influence the building enclosure commissioning process, from RFP to validation of performance and post-occupancy. Attendees will gain an understanding as to what should be considered in the development of a concise RFP, and the building enclosure commissioning process that evolves
The Importance of Building Enclosure Commissioning
for Performance-Critical Buildings:
The interdependency of the building enclosure and the HVAC system
Many performance-critical buildings such as museums, galleries, libraries, hospitals, laboratories, natatoriums, and/or buildings with specialized HVAC systems have unique air handling requirements. These strictly controlled interior environments, which are important for the overall building’s function, require that the building enclosure, the dividing element between the performance-critical interior and the uncontrolled exterior environment, continuously operate in accordance with the specified requirements.
This presentation will review the impact of air and water infiltration through the building enclosure, including the below grade waterproofing, facade and roof assemblies. We shall discuss optimum performance requirements recommended for performance-critical buildings, and explore issues associated with building enclosure failure and the impact upon the HVAC, and conversely how the HVAC can impact the building enclosure.
Through the review of case studies involving performance-critical buildings, the presentation shall explore in-depth and specific to a sampling of building enclosure systems, the various industry testing standards which can validate the performance of the building enclosure and whole building testing to ensure the HVAC has the opportunity to operate within its designed parameters. The case studies shall include successful and unsuccessful designs, appropriate and inappropriate testing methods, and building enclosure commissioning best practices to facilitate the proper operation of the HVAC systems.
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