Building Enclosure Consulting and Commissioning

We strive to be industry leaders in the sustainable building construction space. With Building Enclosure Consulting (BEC) and Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx), we have had great success in our methodology for enclosure trade coordination and functional performance testing. Helping the general contractor or construction manager to unify trade contractors and assisting them with interpreting design intent is key to successful coordination and building construction. Implementing tools like interface coordination detail tracking is one way that SBP pushes innovation in the BEC/BECx industry.  Interface coordination detail tracking can be very effective for both typical and atypical details on the project. Trade coordination can identify scope gaps, construction sequencing issues, and most importantly, potential building performance issues. Building performance issues often occur at the transition of enclosure components, which is why we focus on helping the construction team get it right the first time. Supplementing the coordination effort with a methodical functional performance testing plan is critical element to a successful project as well. SBP works with the contractors to schedule testing with construction sequencing, while maintaining comprehensive testing objectives. This approach limits impact to the project schedule while effectively verifying performance.

SBP offers a comprehensive composition of Building Enclosure Consulting (BEC) and Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) services to support new construction or existing building retrofit projects. We provide professional enclosure expertise in all project phases. Some projects can be accommodated with an isolated task like a design review or periodic construction site observations, where others may require a more comprehensive BECx approach and/or functional performance testing (FPT). We strive to be a trusted partner and guide to determine the appropriate level of support that is needed for your project. Also see our Whole Building Airtightness Testing and Forensic Investigation service offerings.

In modern construction, the need for high performance buildings has never been greater. Due to environmental concerns, the need for long-term durability and efficiency, and growing regulation, both new construction and existing structures require a high-performance building approach to achieve sustainable building goals.

SBP staff have performed BEC and BECx services on hundreds of new construction and existing building retrofit projects. We have had the opportunity to work with owners, architects, and contractors. Working with each stakeholder has provided invaluable experience that has allowed the SBP enclosure team members to develop a well-rounded approach to enclosure consulting and commissioning, as each have a perspective that is uniquely important.  Our goal is to foster teamwork and to guide while considering each perspective. Project success is hard to achieve without a collaborative and trusting environment.

———-

Value Proposition

• Risk Management: Establish a quality assurance process to manage risks including design concerns, embodied carbon, value engineering, scope gaps/creep, design/construction team proficiency/efficiency or performance issues like water penetration, condensation and mold growth, air leakage, thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and more.
• Improved Building Performance: Improve the overall performance of a building in terms of energy efficiency, moisture control, and indoor environmental quality, by verifying that the building enclosure systems are installed and functioning properly.
• Enhanced Durability: Identify isolated and/or systemic issues before they are major problems, which can extend the life of the building and reduce maintenance costs.
• Reduced Energy Costs: Properly designed and functioning building enclosure systems will lower operational costs by reducing the amount of energy needed to heat, cool, and ventilate the building.
• Increased Occupant Comfort: Improve indoor air quality, temperature control, and other factors that contribute to occupant comfort.

———-

Industry Standards:

• LEED Energy and Atmosphere Credit – Building Enclosure Commissioning
• NIBS Guideline 3-2012 Building Enclosure Commissioning Process BECx
• ASTM E2813-18, Standard Practice for Building Enclosure Commissioning
• ASTM E2947-16, Standard Guide for Building Enclosure Commissioning
• ASHRAE Guideline 0-2019, The Commissioning Process
• ASHRAE/IES Standard 202-2018, Commissioning Process for Buildings and Systems