Let’s face it, buildings leak! Owners and contractors battle these leaks for months and even years after substantial completion. A properly implemented and executed Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) process mitigates risks resulting in sustainable efficient structures. The elements of the building enclosure have evolved and become complex systems. This has changed the design and construction of these “skins”. So why is commissioning a plausible solution to these challenges? Well, simply put it provides a proven and tried practice which offers guidance and structure to the complex industry of Building Enclosures.

This course will cover the BECx process intended to define the project expectations, focus on quality assurance, quality control, verification of system performance, owner training, and maintenance guidance. We will discuss building enclosure commissioning and how commissioning provides a successful trifecta scenario for the owner, design team and construction team.

Learning Objectives:

1.  Review the purpose and benefits of Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) and define the roles of the Owner, Architect, Commissioning Consultant, and Contractor.
2. Discuss the formal BECx processes as developed by the National Institute of Building Science, ASTM, ASHRAE, and ISO, and how these standards and guidelines are quickly being recognized and adopted by institutions and organizations.
3. Review why codes are recommending and requiring the implementation of exterior wall envelope detailing as part of design drawings and construction documents.
4. Discuss how to implement the BECx process throughout the life-cycle of the building including design review, constructability review, testing matrix, mockup construction and testing, preconstruction meeting, inspections, and a post construction maintenance matrix.

Melissa Payne, BECxP, CxA+BE, CDT

Melissa Payne, BECxP, CxA+BE, CDT is a subject matter expert for Midwest Enclosure Consulting, LLC. She specializes in assisting construction managers and general contractors with QA/QC practices and is focused on the construction of high-performance leak-free structures. Melissa provides building envelope commissioning and consulting services, and conducted forensic investigations as a building enclosure consultant. Prior to providing building enclosure consulting, she was an owner’s representative for a municipal utility company where she managed the maintenance, restoration and construction of over 150 structures.
Melissa possesses a strong foundation in industry standards related to building enclosure commissioning processes, building science, performance testing, and building envelope construction. As a Level II Building Science Thermographer she actively uses thermography in the study of building enclosure failures and performance testing. Her owner representative, consulting and commissioning experience, forensic work, and manufacturer internal consultant involvement gives her an encompassing perspective of the construction industry. Currently working with owners, architects, engineers, designers, construction manager/general contractors, and enclosure trades to promote the integrity and performance of building enclosures.