The Value of enclosure commissioning
Enclosure Commissioning with McCownGordon
Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) focuses on confirming that exterior building systems like roofing and glazing are designed and installed correctly to function as intended, promoting longevity and energy savings. It plays a critical role in reducing air and water penetration, improving thermal performance, and increasing comfort for occupants. The process is most beneficial when started early in the design phase, with a designated BECx Authority (BECxA) who develops performance standards, reviews plans, conducts inspections, and offers maintenance training. Typically, BECx costs range from 0.5% to 1.5% of construction expenses, but the return on investment is often substantial. For existing buildings, BECx can be applied through evaluations and testing to verify that the building envelope supports overall system efficiency in coordination with standard commissioning.
Why is enclosure commissioning necessary?
The building envelope serves as the first defense against environmental exposure. BECx ensures:
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Reduced infiltration of air and water, preventing costly damage.
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Better thermal regulation, cutting down energy consumption.
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Enhanced comfort and indoor environmental quality.
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Increased durability of building components.
Enclosure Commissioning Key Benefits
- Energy Efficiency: Up to 30% reduction in heating and cooling costs.
- Moisture Management: Prevents water infiltration, reducing mold and structural damage.
- Extended Building Life: Reduces long-term maintenance and premature system failures.
- Improved Comfort: Eliminates drafts, temperature fluctuations, and condensation issues.
- Lower Operational Costs: Identifies construction defects early, reducing warranty claims.
SERVICES WE PROVIDEÂ
- Pre-Design & Design Reviews: Assess materials, detailing, and constructability.Â
- Construction Phase Inspections: Verify installation quality.Â
- Performance Testing: Conduct air barrier, infrared thermography, and water infiltration tests.Â
- Operational Support: Train facility staff on long-term maintenance best practices.Â
Jereme Nollett, PE, CCP, EMP
Commissioning Executive
BECx IMPACT IN NUMBERSÂ
- Air leakage testing identifies savings opportunities up to $0.20 – $0.40 per SF per year.Â
- Building enclosure failures account for 70% of construction defect claims—BECx mitigates risk.Â
- ROI of BECx typically ranges from 2 to 6 years, depending on project scale.Â
