Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx)

While a certain level of Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) may be required by building code in some jurisdictions or necessary for a LEED certification program, it is critical to have the complete BECx services to meet your specific building performance needs. From Pre-Design Phase through the Occupancy and Operations Phase, we can provide the quality assurance and quality control processes customized for the simple building to the increasingly complex campus of multiple buildings. Today’s building designs and details use evolving construction materials and employ challenging installation techniques. Literally anywhere in the world, we can perform the full range of BECx services and activities with our design and construction professionals from across the United States that have the right credentials. Additionally, we can complement the entire BECx process with our unique testing capabilities for subsurface utilities, construction materials, acoustics, structural, whole building airtightness, blast resistance, and energy.

The following are some examples of the BECx services and activities we will customize and provide for your building project to be successful:

Pre-Design Phase

• Work with the Building Owner to develop the Owner's Project Requirements (OPR)
• Develop the Building Enclosure Commissioning Plan with input from the design team
• Evaluate design concepts related to the OPR and the Architect-of-Record's design intent
• Identify the online project management and determine the operable functions related to the BECx processes, including tracking the field issues and resolutions during construction

Design Phase

• Review and comment on the Basis of Design (BOD) prepared by the design team
• Identify and establish the commissioning team and responsibilities
• Develop the building enclosure commissioning specification section to include the BECx activities, commissioned systems, submittal review, mockups, field testing, training verification, and closeout documents
• Review and update the OPR based upon any changes
• Perform and submit the design review of the project drawings and specifications at one or more percentages of document completion and on the final bid documents
• Conduct hygrothermal analysis with computer modeling (WUFI) and thermal simulations (THERM)
• Backcheck responses to the design review, computer modeling, and simulations
• Conduct underground survey of existing utilities and piping
• Perform construction material testing of alternative materials and systems
• Develop construction checklists
• Update the Building Enclosure Commissioning Plan to align with the final bid documents
• Assist in the pre-bid meeting(s) and the construction management team briefing

Preconstruction Phase

• Review the construction schedule for inclusion of BECx activities and processes
• Evaluate the submittals and shop drawings
• Conduct the Building Enclosure Commissioning preconstruction meeting to review the schedule, critical details, and installation and field testing sequencing
• Review Requests for Information (RFIs) and Change Orders (COs)
• Observe mockup construction and field testing, making recommendations for the construction process
• Initiate the field issues and resolutions tracking

Construction Phase

• Finalize the Building Commissioning Plan based on the Preconstruction Phase activities
• Conduct Building Enclosure Commissioning progress meetings
• Continue to evaluate remaining submittals and shop drawings
• Continue to review RFIs and COs
• Perform periodic site visits of the building enclosure system installation using the construction checklists
• Review construction checklists submitted by the contractor
• Conduct pre-test meetings
• Coordinate and witness the field testing
• Maintain the issues and resolution log, following up and closing out items at the end of building enclosure construction
• Review closeout project documents for completeness and for inclusion in the Operations and Maintenance Manual (O & M)
• Prepare and submit the Building Enclosure Service Life Plan, BECx Commissioning Report, and O & M Manual

Occupancy and Operations Phase

• Deliver the O & M Manual and conduct O & M training of facility personnel engaged in building operations
• Perform a 10-month warranty review by interviewing facility personnel on the building enclosure operation and any outstanding performance issues
• Compile and deliver the Final BECx Commissioning Report