BUILDING ENCLOSURE COMMISSIONING
TRUST BUT VERIFY
What is Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx)?
The objective of Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) is to achieve an enclosure that meets the owner’s project requirements. FCG’s services help you achieve a high-performance and constructible building enclosure by working collaboratively with the owner, architect, and contractors. This verifies that established objectives for long-term durability, serviceability, and performance are maintained from the predesign through the construction phases.
Why BECx?
Building Enclosure Commissioning allows for the owner to have peace of mind that their building operates and functions at its most optimal level as well as avoid unforeseen costs.
- Reduce Energy Use: The Building Sector consumes approximately 41% of all energy produced in the United States. Almost 39% of that energy consumed is accounted for by space heating and cooling for which the building enclosure is responsible for 25% of that usage.
- Uncontrolled rainwater penetration and condensation leading to moisture related deterioration are two of the most common threats to the structural integrity and performance of the modern building envelope.
- Limit Liability: 80% of all construction-related claims in the United States are related to moisture issues. 90% of water intrusion problems occur within 1% of the total building area - building enclosure assembly interfaces!
Building Enclosure Commissioning typically costs approximately 1 to 3% of the total construction cost depending on the complexity of the building, construction schedule, and owner's performance requirements. While this is an upfront cost to a new construction project, it is negligible in comparison to the costs for repair and litigation if the building enclosure prematurely fails. For example, the project pictured below has water infiltration issues immediately upon occupancy. The original construction cost was $12 million. The claim for the water infiltration cost $6 million or half the cost. Had BECx been performed this could have been avoided at a cost of $120,000 to $360,000.
FCG's Approach - the How!
Building owners, architects, and contractors engage FCG when they need a consultant that fully appreciates the functional and aesthetic performance requirements for their building enclosures. The complexity of current construction projects often requires an objective and experienced expert devoted to helping you achieve the desired integration of the building enclosure control layers between different components and systems. Clients seeking to create resilient and energy efficient enclosures rely on FCG to verify the performance standards, durability, and functionality of their enclosure assemblies. The vision FCG provides is influenced by our previous investigations of enclosure problems and failures as well as numerous design peer reviews and practical experience.
FCG provides technical oversight during all phases of the commissioning process to verify that the design intent and owner’s expectations are achieved in the field. Quantifiable metrics for performance testing are implemented throughout design and construction to establish accountability. By turning to FCG, you receive a valuable partner in the multifaceted design and construction process, who will fulfill your building enclosure needs and expectations.
