Building Envelope Commissioning Services

The Essential Role of Building Envelope Commissioning

Building Envelope Commissioning (BECx) is a process of first identifying expectations for the building envelope and then planning methods of evaluation to ensure the project meets or exceeds the documented expectations throughout the project lifecycle, including pre-design, design, procurement, construction, and occupancy. BECx is a service driven by project teams invested in long-term performance of their assets. BECx works to mitigate risks associated with heat, air, and moisture transfer and meet or exceed expectations regarding durability, serviceability, and resiliency to achieve high performance to avoid costly repairs or disputes. Please contact us with any questions you may have on BECx.

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The Essential Role of Building Envelope Commissioning

Building Envelope Commissioning (BECx) is a process of first identifying expectations for the building envelope and then planning methods of evaluation to ensure the project meets or exceeds the documented expectations throughout the project lifecycle, including pre-design, design, procurement, construction, and occupancy. BECx is a service driven by project teams invested in long-term performance of their assets. BECx works to mitigate risks associated with heat, air, and moisture transfer and meet or exceed expectations regarding durability, serviceability, and resiliency to achieve high performance to avoid costly repairs or disputes. Please contact us with any questions you may have on BECx.

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Roof IR Survey Add to BECX Page

The Critical Importance of Building Envelope Commissioning

As a multistep process, building envelope commissioning is integral to construction project success in various ways.

Evading Design Errors with Building Envelope Commissioning

During the initial design phases, having an engineer analyze construction plans can help avoid errors that could be challenging to resolve later. Addressing issues at the outset can reduce the likelihood of costly changes or construction delays down the line.

BECx services also help verify adequate construction materials and confirm they meet the project requirements. A preconstruction evaluation can reveal opportunities for greater design efficiencies and cost savings.

Compliance with Regulations through Building Envelope Commissioning

Some locations have specific requirements for managing heat, moisture and air infiltration in new construction. Undergoing building envelope testing as part of the BECx process may demonstrate compliance. 

In Washington, D.C., for example, testing occurs after rough-in and following utility installations penetrating the building’s exterior. Adequate results on these surveys fulfill the regulation and help avoid costly fines.

The Critical Importance of Building Envelope Commissioning

As a multistep process, building envelope commissioning is integral to construction project success in various ways.

Evading Design Errors with Building Envelope Commissioning

During the initial design phases, having an engineer analyze construction plans can help avoid errors that could be challenging to resolve later. Addressing issues at the outset can reduce the likelihood of costly changes or construction delays down the line.

BECx services also help verify adequate construction materials and confirm they meet the project requirements. A preconstruction evaluation can reveal opportunities for greater design efficiencies and cost savings.

Compliance with Regulations through Building Envelope Commissioning

Some locations have specific requirements for managing heat, moisture and air infiltration in new construction. Undergoing building envelope testing as part of the BECx process may demonstrate compliance. 

In Washington, D.C., for example, testing occurs after rough-in and following utility installations penetrating the building’s exterior. Adequate results on these surveys fulfill the regulation and help avoid costly fines.

Roof IR Survey Add to BECX Page

A Detailed Look at the Building Envelope Commissioning Process

Building enclosure consultants generally follow five steps in providing conception-to-completion BECx services.

Step One: Extensive Review of Design

The first step in the building envelope commissioning plan is a design review. The engineer assesses the building enclosures in the construction plans in an effort to verify that they can live up to their purpose and requirements. As part of this process, the engineer may recommend changes to the existing design if necessary.

Step Two: Thorough Review of Submittals

During this stage, consultants meet with the design team to review proposed construction materials. The primary purpose of this collaboration is to reduce the likelihood of inadequate materials that do not meet project specifications.

Step Three: Observation and Monitoring of Construction

A BECx professional visits the site periodically to evaluate the installation of envelope systems. Taking the time to verify crews are following the design specifications, codes and best practices generally leads to more confidence in the results.

Step Four: Testing the Envelope Systems

At the prescribed times, the BECx consultant tests to verify envelope systems deliver their intended performance levels.

Step Five: Post-Construction and Occupancy Reviews

Finally, the BECx consultant collaborates with the project team and the structure’s occupants to identify outstanding issues. This step helps resolve challenges and increases the likelihood of the building fulfilling the owner’s project requirements.

Spray Testing BECx Page

Our Extensive Building Enclosure Commissioning Services

The most critical task in the BECx process is to fully understand the risk tolerances and document the specific measurable goals of the owner and project team in the owner’s project requirements (OPR) which becomes the yardstick by which the rest of the process is evaluated. The BECx plan defines how the project team will use the OPR at various milestones throughout the project lifecycle to ensure the building envelope is meeting or exceeding expectations.

Critical Tasks in the BECx Process

Building enclosure commissioning (BECx) services may include:

  • BECx RFP/RFQ development
  • OPR development or review
  • Basis of design review
  • BECx plan development
  • Design peer review
  • Design review meeting and issue resolution
  • Design specification review
  • BECx specification development
  • Bid/Value engineering evaluation
  • Envelope kickoff and coordination meetings
  • Submittal reviews
  • RFI and issue resolution
  • In-shop fabrication observations
  • Performance mockup review (lab and field)
  • Quality assurance observations
  • Field performance testing
  • Enclosure operation and maintenance training
  • 10-month warranty on-site review

Our Extensive Building Enclosure Commissioning Services

The most critical task in the BECx process is to fully understand the risk tolerances and document the specific measurable goals of the owner and project team in the owner’s project requirements (OPR) which becomes the yardstick by which the rest of the process is evaluated. The BECx plan defines how the project team will use the OPR at various milestones throughout the project lifecycle to ensure the building envelope is meeting or exceeding expectations.

Critical Tasks in the BECx Process

Building enclosure commissioning (BECx) services may include:

  • BECx RFP/RFQ development
  • OPR development or review
  • Basis of design review
  • BECx plan development
  • Design peer review
  • Design review meeting and issue resolution
  • Design specification review
  • BECx specification development
  • Bid/Value engineering evaluation
  • Envelope kickoff and coordination meetings
  • Submittal reviews
  • RFI and issue resolution
  • In-shop fabrication observations
  • Performance mockup review (lab and field)
  • Quality assurance observations
  • Field performance testing
  • Enclosure operation and maintenance training
  • 10-month warranty on-site review

Why Choose ECS as Your Building Envelope Commissioning Partner?

Companies countrywide trust ECS as their building envelope commissioning consultants for numerous reasons.

Industry Expertise and Consistent Communication

ECS is a team of professionals with the skills and experience to bring your project to fruition. We take a team approach, drawing from the knowledge base of each member. We are innovative problem-solvers dedicated to finding practical and cost-effective solutions to your most complex construction challenges. We look for answers beyond the norm to identify suitable and affordable alternatives.

ECS strives to communicate with our clients consistently and meaningfully to help move their projects forward. We understand the impact of delays, so we remain committed to providing timely information. When you work with us, you receive detailed reports and proposals to support informed decision-making.

Our Professional Reputation and Exceptional Service

At ECS, we are proud of the network we have built. Our contacts, resources, financial stability and focus on sustainability have helped us earn numerous awards and recognition from industry organizations. We have a history of safety excellence and a track record of community service to demonstrate our priorities. Additionally, we embrace diversity to encourage different viewpoints and perspectives that enrich our team as a whole.

Memorable and enjoyable client experiences do not happen by accident — they take dedication and hard work to create. At ECS, we prioritize service to keep you on schedule and within budget from beginning to end. We also offer individualized attention through our national accounts program, aligning you with a dedicated manager and single point of contact.

 

Testing BECx

Contact ECS for Result-Driven Building Envelope Commissioning

ECS provides building envelope designconstruction quality assurance observations, and roofing design services to support the building envelope commissioning process.

Please contact us with any questions you may have on building envelope commissioning.

ECS provides building envelope designconstruction quality assurance observations, and roofing design services to support the building envelope commissioning process.

Please contact us with any questions you may have on building envelope commissioning.

two engineers talking over structural changes

two engineers talking over structural changes

Noteworthy Building Envelope Commissioning Projects by ECS

  • National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DC
  • Port Charlotte Resort and Hotel, Port Charlotte, FL
  • Overture Yorktown, Lombard, IL
  • Flats at Mixson, Cary, NC
  • The Wharf – Pier 4, Washington, DC

Noteworthy Building Envelope Commissioning Projects by ECS

  • National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DC
  • Port Charlotte Resort and Hotel, Port Charlotte, FL
  • Overture Yorktown, Lombard, IL
  • Flats at Mixson, Cary, NC
  • The Wharf – Pier 4, Washington, DC
two engineers talking over structural changes