Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx): Practical Project Implementation.

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 SynergyRegional Priorities Why BECxCx Process

DesignConstructionTurnover

Lessons Learned Q&A

Cx Process

Guideline / Standard – Optional Implementation – Code Mandate

LEED Mandates

*As of December 2011

Legislation, executive orders, resolutions, ordinances, policies, and incentives.

442 Localities (45 states)

34State 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

NIBS Guideline 3 – 2012

ASTM E2813 – 12

LEEDv4.0

ASHRAE Guideline 0

Guideline / Standard – Optional Implementation – Code Mandate

ASHRAE Guideline 0

“The Commissioning Process is a quality-oriented 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 E2813-12Standard 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

Certified - 25%Silver - 43%Gold - 54%Platinum - 84%Overall - 46%

Energy & Atmosphere Credit 3

Option 1 (3-4 points) – Enhanced Systems Cx

AND/OR

Option 2 (2 points) - Envelope Cx

“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?

Why?

ICE

Full of Water

Why?

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-PlaceAir and Water infiltrationThermal PerformanceMaterial Performance Properties

Design Reviews

Review For:• Integrity and Continuity of:

Air BarrierVapor BarrierThermal Resistance PlaneMoisture 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 ManagerFarnsworth Group, Inc.200 West College Ave., Suite 301 | Normal, IL 61761p 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 ManagerFarnsworth Group, Inc.9431 Haven Ave., Suite 117 | Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730c 310.893.9787 www.f-w.com | www.greennavigation.com