Gresham Smith is a member of the AABC Commissioning Group (ACG) and a Gold Sponsor of CxEnergy Conference and Expo on April 19-22, 2022 in Orlando, FL. This article is based on the upcoming presentation at CxEnergy by Robert Barfield.
Complex building projects require a team of architects, engineers and contractors in order to successfully design and construct the building. As building engineering systems, delivery methods, and materials have evolved over the past decades, a variety of specialized consultants have also become part of the project team. As a result of the team’s increased complexity, it has become more critical than ever that clear processes and procedures be established in order to create integrated project teams that understand how the goals and objectives of the project will be accomplished.
Since the adoption of energy codes and sustainability guidelines (LEED, etc.) in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, the building enclosure has become an even more critical aspect of the design and construction process. Issues related to water infiltration account for the majority of construction litigation cases. Concerns regarding moisture and weather damage to multi-million-dollar projects have created the need for a consultant that is solely focused on the building enclosure in order to mitigate risk and avoid potential issues that could arise during or even long after construction is complete.
This article further discusses the different measures to follow through, in detail:
- Establish the Process
- Define the Goals
- Plan the Work, Work the Plan
The long-term performance of the building enclosure is one of the most critical aspects of the project. When performed properly, building enclosure commissioning can help the design team avoid common mistakes that can have significant effects. However, building enclosure consultants and commissioning providers must understand how to provide proper and timely review that is commensurate with the development of the project.
