1. Engage a Commissioning Authority early. Early alignment of the project's Basis of Design with the Owner's Project Requirements provides clarity for the designers to more effectively begin the design process.

2. Engage a Commissioning Authority that has experience with building enclosures and understands fundamental building science concepts.

3. Lead a Commissioning Meeting with the designers during the design process.

4. Conduct a Design Review during the development of construction documents. This stage review typically identifies concept and detail problems that are "designed in” to the building's systems and components.

5. Include testing requirements of assemblies in the Project Manual. Also, include references to the Commissioning Specification in each relevant specification section.

6. Manage the Commissioning Process in a collaborative manner, seeking the input from the entire Commissioning Team.

7. Installation is key. Closely observe the installation of systems and components during construction.

Building Enclosure Commissioning is a pro-active, systematic process that facilitates communication between owners, designers, and contractors. Building Enclosure Commissioning utilizes the Commissioning Process to verify that the design meets the owner’s requirements and that the systems and components are installed and perform according to the construction documents. Enclosure Commissioning should include foundations and basement construction, vertical enclosure assemblies (walls, windows, doors, connections to existing buildings, sunscreens), and roofing systems.

To help ensure that the Owner receives the project that they are paying for, Apollo BBC recommends that the Commissioning Authority be engaged early in the design development phase of the project. The Owner's Project Requirements must be clearly articulated early in the design process; early alignment of the project's Basis of Design with the Owner's Project Requirements provides clarity for the designers to more effectively begin the design process, resulting in fewer design changes and greatly improves the project's chances of meeting expectations. Further, in our experience, the success of the building enclosure is highly dependent on appropriate selection and design of building enclosure systems and component.

Listed below are a number of tasks are recommended to satisfy the requirement for commissioning and to maximize the impact of Building Enclosure Commissioning on the project outcome.

Owner's Project Requirements: Document the Owner’s Requirements for the building's enclosure, including budget, expected service life, and warranty requirements

Scope of Commissioning: Develop the scope of commissioning required for the project; Determine testing methods for assemblies

Schematic Design: Review the design concept for functionality and adherence to the Owner's Project Requirements; Document the appropriateness of the assemblies with respect to fundamental building science precepts, including drainage plane considerations, air barrier, and climate appropriate vapor control.

Commissioning Plan: Create a plan that details the requirements for Enclosure Commissioning, including Commissioning Team Member responsibilities; Organize the Commissioning Team; Identify in schematic fashion the steps required to conduct commissioning activities

Construction Document Review: Verify that the design considers the project OPR and Basis of Design (BOD) and reflects the decisions made during design development; Verify that the construction documents include requirements for the Contractor to implement Commissioning Activities, including demonstration of performance

Installation: Verify correct material and component installation; Verify that the installation meets construction details and manufacturer’s installation instructions; Verify the proper systems installation; Review assembly mock-ups

Performance Testing: Direct and witness performance testing as specified in the construction documents; Identify any issues observed during the testing; Assist the designers in resolving any performance related issues

Limited to the Construction Phase, The Commissioning Process provides value to the project and may improve the quality of systems installation, but is typically not able affect the overall design strategy of the systems – this means that some issues that could have been identified during the design phase will be “built in” to the building.

For more information about Enclosure Commissioning or ways we can assist you, Contact Us .