Significance and Use
This practice is intended to serve as a concise, authoritative, and technically sound practice for Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) that is based upon:
The Owner Project Requirements;
Clearly defined and enforceable levels of BECx; and
Minimum core competencies required of the BECxA and associated service-providers (see 4.2) to qualify as Fundamental or Enhanced BECx under this practice.
This practice is suitable for use as an independently applied standard for new buildings and structures, or as part of a more broadly based Total (or “Whole”) Building Commissioning Program.
Scope
1.1 This practice is intended to serve as a concise, authoritative, and technically sound practice for Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) that establishes two levels of BECx: Fundamental and Enhanced (refer also to Section 4).
1.2 The BECx process as defined in this practice includes the following phases and sub-phases:
1.2.1 Pre-design,
1.2.2 Design,
1.2.2.1 Schematic Design,
1.2.2.2 Design Development,
1.2.2.3 Construction Documentation,
1.2.3 Pre-Construction,
1.2.4 Construction, and
1.2.5 Occupancy and Operations.
1.3 This practice includes a mandatory OPR Development Guideline (Annex A1) and requires the development of an OPR for both Fundamental and Enhanced BECx that addresses, at a minimum, the performance attributes and metrics included in Annex A1 of this practice.
1.4 This practice includes mandatory BECx Performance Testing Requirements (Annex A2) approved for use with this practice to evaluate the performance and durability of enclosure materials, components, systems, and assemblies.
1.5 This practice mandates independent, third-party design peer review during the Design Phase of both Fundamental and Enhanced BECx.
1.6 This practice recognizes that the OPR for exterior enclosure performance and environmental separation may exceed the baseline requirements of applicable building codes and standards and provides guidance for the development of an OPR based on the following attributes as defined in Annex A1 of this practice:
1.6.1 Energy,
1.6.2 Environment,
1.6.3 Safety,
1.6.4 Security,
1.6.5 Durability,
1.6.6 Sustainability, and
1.6.7 Operation.
1.7 The terms “building enclosure” and “enclosure” as they appear in this practice refer collectively to all materials, components, systems, and assemblies intended to provide shelter and environmental separation between interior and exterior, or between two or more environmentally distinct interior spaces in a building or structure.
1.8 This practice establishes that the Building Enclosure Commissioning “Agent” or “Authority” (BECxA) refers specifically to the individual or firm retained by the Owner to develop, manage, and be in responsible charge of the BECx process, including individual members and technical specialists that may comprise the BECx team (see 4.2).
1.9 The role and responsibilities of the BECxA as defined by this practice are not intended to supersede or otherwise replace the contractual obligations reserved specifically for the parties responsible for the design and construction of a building or structure, nor the duties that may otherwise be assigned to those parties by applicable regulatory or statutory law.
1.10 This practice is not intended to warrant or otherwise guarantee the as-built or in-service durability, or both, and performance of enclosure materials, components, systems, and assemblies.
1.11 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.12 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
