Interested in presenting? Send the proposed presentation title, short abstract, and four learning objectives to ACG Headquarters: info@commissioning.org.
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Every month from July 2026 – December 2026, join ACG for a new presentation covering different facets of the commissioning process. Each presentation is worth 1 AIA LU.
July 9, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m ET
Building Enclosure Commissioning vs. Enclosure Testing
Mike Lackey, P.E., CxA, LCCx
The Building Enclosure plays a critical role in a structure’s energy performance and occupant comfort. Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) means a variety of things to many people. As professional practice, it is in a nascent stage in an ever-evolving level of understanding. This presentation will clarify the differences between BECx and BET, while giving you the practicing professionally a common language and tools applicable to the Owners’ Project Requirements.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn the differences between BE Commissioning and BE Testing.
- Understand how Owner Project Requirements relate to design decisions affecting function performance testing of the Enclosure
- Develop a common basis for discussing Building Enclosure testing methods with the AEC Team.
- Understand how the Building Enclosure Commissioning process incorporate Enclosure Testing as the final Functional Performance Test of the various Enclosure Systems.
August 13, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m ET
Codes of the Lost Ark: Digging Up the Codes & Standards Buried in Your Commissioning Scope
Mark Gelfo, P.E., CxA, EMP, LEED Fellow
TLC Engineering Solutions
John Foyt
TLC Engineering Solutions
When commissioning professionals hear “new code cycle,” they may not fully realize the full impact – and opportunity. The reality is that historically building codes have not been a major drivers of commissioning scopes – and the 2026 edition doesn’t necessarily change that. What most Cx professionals may not realize is just how many NFPA standards and codes include commissioning, acceptance testing, and inspection-testing-maintenance requirements for the systems we touch every day.
From NFPA 3 and NFPA 4 to NFPA 110 and more than 20 additional NFPA standards covering everything from sprinklers to clean agent suppression to commercial kitchen exhaust, the NFPA library is deeply woven into the commissioning process whether we recognize it or not.
Beyond NFPA Standards, the Facility Guidelines Institute has formally transitioned its long-standing Guidelines for Design and Construction into the 2026 FGI Facility Code, now published in code language. Companion standards on synchronized update cycles such as ASHRAE 90.1-2022 add further layers to the ever evolving Cx landscape.
This webinar will help cut through the noise of code requirements and opportunities, help Cx professionals understand which codes and standards actually shape their work, highlight what’s changing, and provide a practical framework for preparing clients and commissioning plans ahead of adoption.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the NFPA standards that directly require commissioning, acceptance testing and explain how each one intersects with the commissioning professional's scope of work.
- Describe the significance of the FGI transition from "Guidelines" to "Facility Code" and explain how commissioning professionals interpret and apply healthcare commissioning and testing requirements.
- Leverage new code requirements to strengthen commissioning proposals, using the expanded 2026 FGI Facility Code provisions and NFPA testing mandates as objective, code-backed rationale when scoping services and communicating value to owners and construction managers.
- Develop a practical strategy for monitoring jurisdictional adoption timelines and proactively updating commissioning plans, scopes, specifications, and client communications ahead of enforcement — so your practice is ready before the codes hit your projects, not after.
September 10, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m ET
Insights from the Field - Using Diagnostic Tools to Assess Existing Enclosures
Jamie McKay, P.E., Glumac
Learning Objectives:
- Determine strategies, tools and methods to assess existing building enclosure systems.
- Understand the top energy - enclosure concerns with existing buildings.
- Detect the gaps in their MEP focused designs that could be impacting the enclosure.
- Commission the building enclosure as part of a MEP retrofit project.
November 12, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m ET
Commissioning the Code-Compliant Envelope
Stephen Shanks, CxA, Assoc. AIA, Salas O’Brien
Abstract: Energy codes have moved commercial building enclosure requirements from specified intent toward verified performance. This session explains how IECC 2021, IECC 2024, ASHRAE 90.1-2019, and ASHRAE 90.1-2022 affect commissioning providers, particularly where MEP Cx and BECx scopes overlap. Participants will review the evolution of envelope code requirements, practical compliance strategies, and field verification methods for air leakage, thermal continuity, fenestration, vestibules, loading dock seals, and enclosure commissioning. Case studies will show how early planning, air barrier continuity reviews, MEP/envelope coordination, and targeted testing reduce late-stage risk and improve energy, durability, comfort, and owner outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe Code Evolution: Explain how commercial building envelope requirements have evolved in IECC 2021/2024 and ASHRAE 90.1-2019/2022, with emphasis on air leakage, thermal performance, verification, and commissioning.
- Identify Envelope Provisions: Identify envelope code requirements affecting commissioning scopes, including whole-building airtightness, continuous air barriers, fenestration performance, vestibules, loading dock seals, insulation continuity, and thermal bridging.
- Apply Commissioning Strategies: Apply commissioning strategies to help projects meet code requirements through OPR/BOD alignment, design review, specifications, submittals, mockups, checklists, field observations, and readiness reviews.
- Evaluate and Select Verification Methods: Select appropriate field verification and diagnostic methods, including ASTM E3158, E779, E1827, E1186, E783, E1105, AAMA 501.2, and AAMA 502/503.
November 12, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m ET
Changing a Corporate Culture - Instituting a Commissioning Program for a Processing Facility
John Hitsos, P.E., CxA, Jacobs
Learning Objectives:
- Identify how to develop a Cx Program for any industry
- Adopt a flexible approach to meet the Client's needs
- Show that Cx can become a value-added tool to be used on all projects
- Change corporate culture by proving results in a timely fashion
Dec 3, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m ET
Reality vs. Design: Navigating BAS Commissioning in Complex Data Center Environments
Tony DiLeonardo, CxA, LEED AP, Wick Fisher White
Andrew O’Pella, PE, Wick Fisher White
Abstract: Commissioning Building Automation System (BAS) upgrades in existing data centers involves unique challenges, from legacy systems and outdated documentation to evolving technologies and field operation mismatches. This session will present a real-world example of the commissioning process, highlighting strategies to resolve these issues, improve communication among project teams, and verify system performance. Attendees will gain practical insights into ensuring functionality, interoperability, and long-term reliability in complex data center environments.
Learning Objectives:
- How to communicate with construction team to mitigate these challenges
- How to engage in early coordination with design engineers, contractors, and facility operators
- How commissioning agent involvement during design of the project will avoid delays
- How to verify the control strategy against actual system conditions and operational needs
