ASTM E2947-21a

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2947 − 21a
Standard Guide for
Building Enclosure Commissioning
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2947; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 Purpose—This guide provides procedures, methods and 2.1 ASTM Standards:
documentation techniques that may be used in the application E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
of the building enclosure commissioning (BECx) process.This E2813 Practice for Building Enclosure Commissioning
guide is complementary to Practice E2813 and is aligned with
2.2 ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Guidelines and Standards:
ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 202 andASHRAE Guideline 0.
ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 202 Commissioning Process
for Buildings and Systems
1.2 Extent—The process outlined in this standard guide
ASHRAE Guideline 0 The Commissioning Process
applies to each building delivery phase from pre-design
2.3 Other Publications:
through occupancy and operation. The specific application of
The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice
this guide may vary to suit the Owner, the project delivery
The Project Resource Manual (PRM): CSI Manual of Prac-
method and the building project as described in the Owner’s
tice
Project Requirements (OPR), and as defined by the contract
documents.
3. Terminology
1.3 Primary Focus—The primary focus of this process
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general terms related to
includes, but may not be limited to, new construction of
building construction used in this guide, refer to Terminology
building enclosures, existing building enclosures undergoing
E631.
substantial renovation or alteration, and continuous commis-
3.1.1 building enclosure, n—the terms “building enclosure”
sioning of enclosure systems.
and “enclosure” refer collectively to materials, components,
1.4 Contractual and Regulatory Obligations—The methods
systems, and assemblies intended to provide shelter and
described in this guide are not intended to supersede or
environmental separation between interior and exterior or
otherwise replace the contractual obligations reserved specifi-
between two or more environmentally distinct interior spaces
cally for the parties responsible for the design and construction
in a building or structure.
of a building or structure, nor to alter the roles, responsibilities
3.1.1.1 Discussion—The building enclosure may include,
and duties that may otherwise be assigned to those parties by
but is not limited to, walls, fenestration, roofs, ceilings, and
applicable regulatory or statutory law.
floors (and the intentional openings and penetrations through
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
them).
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.2 Refer to the most current edition of the following:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
the ASTM website.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Available from American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA
30329, http://www.ashrae.org.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Available fromTheAmerican Institute ofArchitects, 1735 NewYorkAve, NW,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Washington, DC 20006-5292, https://www.aia.org.
Available from Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), 123 North Pitt St.,
Ste 450, Alexandria, VA 22314, https://www.csiresources.org/.
1 6
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance Selection, interpretation, application, and use of the terminology contained in
of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.55 on Perfor- these documents shall be at the sole discretion of the building enclosure commis-
mance of Building Enclosures. sioning provider (BECxP). Reconciliation of conflicts in terminology or the
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 2021. Published December 2021. Originally definition of terms that may exist among or between these documents shall be the
approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as E2947 – 21. DOI: sole responsibility of the BECxP, subject to review and final approval by the
10.1520/E2947-21A. architect of record (AOR) and Owner.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2947 − 21a
3.1.2.1 AIAArchitect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, of the BECx process, BECx roles and responsibilities of the
3.1.2.2 ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 202, Section 3, BECxP, individual members of the BECx team, and the
Definitions, methodology established to verify and documents compliance
3.1.2.3 ASHRAE Guideline 0, Section 4, Definitions, of the as-built construction with the requirements of the
3.1.2.4 Project Resource Manual (PRM): CSI Manual of approved construction documents. The BECx plan shall be
Practice. developed to align with the requirements of the BECx section
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: of the project specification.
3.2.1 The following definitions, abbreviations, and acro- 3.2.6.1 Discussion—The BECx plan may be a portion of the
nyms are specific to the implementation of the commissioning whole building Cx plan.
process for building enclosure systems. These definitions are
3.2.7 building enclosure commissioning provider, BECxP,
applicablethroughoutthisguideline.Termsthatarenotdefined
n—a duly authorized person or firm in the jurisdiction of the
have their ordinarily accepted meanings within the context in
project retained by the Owner to develop, manage, and be in
which they are used.
responsible charge of the BECx process.
3.2.2 basis of design, BOD, n—a document developed by
3.2.7.1 Discussion—The BECxP should be trained,
the design team that records the technical concepts,
experienced, and knowledgeable in the BECx process, and
assumptions, calculations, decisions, and product selections
possess and be able to demonstrate proficiency in the core
used to meet the building enclosure OPR and to satisfy
competencies listed in 4.2.1 of Practice E2813. The person or
applicable regulatory requirements, standards, and guidelines.
firm performing the role of BECxP should be identified by the
3.2.2.1 Discussion—The BOD document includes both nar-
Owner. The role of the BECxP may be performed by the
rative descriptions and lists of individual items that supports
building enclosure commissioning specialist (BECxS), the
the design process.
overall building commissioning provider (CxP), or another
3.2.3 bidding and negotiation phase, n—preparatory phase qualified member to the commissioning group (CxG). Deter-
of the construction process delivery that assists in the solicita- mination of the qualification of the BECxPand BECxG will be
tion and selection of prospective bidders, including evaluation at the discretion of the Owner.
of requests for information, substitutions, development of
3.2.8 building enclosure commissioning specialist, BECxS,
Addenda, review of bids and qualifications and the award of
n—a registered design professional (Professional Engineer or
trade contracts.
Registered Architect) or duly authorized firm, or both, in the
3.2.3.1 Discussion—This phase is followed by the pre-
jurisdiction of the project who is retained by the Owner with
construction sub-phase.
the applicable experience and technical knowledge of the
3.2.4 building enclosure commissioning, BECx, performance of building enclosure systems, and who is able to
n—architecture or engineering-related technical services, or demonstrate and maintain throughout the project independence
both, performed on behalf of the Owner that implements a in order to avoid conflicts of interest. Refer to 1.4 for
quality-focused process for enhancing the delivery of a project additional information.
by focusing on validating during the design phase and verify- 3.2.8.1 Discussion—The BECxS possesses the experience
ing during the construction phase that the performance of and technical skills needed to assess, critique, validate, verify,
building enclosure materials, components, assemblies, and and support the BECx team during the design and construction
systems are designed and installed to meet or exceed the phases.
expectations of the Owner as described in the building enclo-
3.2.9 building enclosure commissioning team, BECx team,
sure OPR, and as defined by the contract documents.
n—the individuals and agencies who, through coordinated
3.2.5 building enclosure commissioning group, BECxG, actions, are responsible for implementing the Building Enclo-
n—the group of individuals, working under direct supervision sure Commissioning Process.
of the BECxP. 3.2.9.1 Discussion—This group may be comprised of the
3.2.5.1 Discussion—This group may be comprised of a Owner, Architect, Engineer, BECxP, BECxS, BECxT, design
singlepersonormayincludemultiplesubjectmatterspecialists sub-consultants, construction manager (CM), general
andadministrativestaff.ItistheresponsibilityoftheBECxPto contractor, sub-contractors, manufacturers, and the whole-
perform each required task or to delegate the appropriate task building CxP.
to the appropriate BECxG member.
3.2.10 building enclosure commissioning technologist,
3.2.6 building enclosure commissioning plan, BECx plan, BECxT, n—individuals or accredited testing agencies, or both,
n—a document that outlines the scope, organization, schedule, who possess the skills, knowledge, experience, and
allocation of resources, responsibilities, testing, and documen- certification, as required, to perform the testing outlined in the
tation requirements of the building enclosure commissioning BECx specification.
process to meet or exceed the expectations of the Owner as
3.2.11 building enclosure owner’s project requirements,
described in the building enclosure OPR and as defined by the
OPR, n—a written document that details the Owner’s vision
contract documents. The BECx plan should include an outline
and requirements of a project and the expectations of how it
7 8
The BECx plan shall be as defined by ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 202 and The authority having jurisdiction may have more stringent requirements and
Practice E2813. qualifications for persons performing this role.
E2947 − 21a
will be used and operated and includes the programmatic, placed into service to meet or exceed the expectations of the
aesthetic, and general performance requirements of a building, Owner as described in the building enclosure OPR and as
structure or portion thereof and the expectations of the Owner defined by the contract documents.
relative to its intended use, occupancy, operation, and service
3.2.18 design phase, n—the period of the project delivery
life.
processwhenadesignthatsatisfiesthebuildingenclosureOPR
3.2.11.1 Discussion—The portion of the OPR that relates to
is developed and translated into construction documents.
the building enclosure is considered to be a “living document”
3.2.19 design sub-phases, n—design phase is typically
for the BECx process and outlines the objectives upon which
broken into three sub-phases with each taking approximately
the pre-design, design, and construction phase BECx activities
one-third of the total design phase time to complete.
are evaluated (see definitions inANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard
202).
3.2.19.1 Discussion—These design sub-phases have a vari-
ety of names, but for this guide, the following terms will be
3.2.12 commissioning group, CxG, n—the group of indi-
used:
viduals working under direct supervision of the CxP.
3.2.19.2 schematic design, SD, n—sub-phase of building
3.2.12.1 Discussion—This group may be comprised of a
design that produces documents that illustrate and describe the
singlepersonormayincludemultiplesubjectmatterspecialists
concept design of a project illustrating the scale and relation-
and administrative staff. It is the responsibility of the CxP to
ship of the project components including preliminary selec-
perform each required task or to delegate the appropriate task
tions of major building systems and construction materials.
to the appropriate CxG member.
3.2.19.3 Discussion—Schematic design is followed by the
3.2.13 commissioning plan, Cx plan, n—document that
outlinestheorganization,schedule,andallocationofresources, design development sub-phase.
3.2.19.4 design development, DD, n—sub-phase of building
responsibilities, and documentation requirements of the whole
building commissioning process. design that produces documents that illustrate and describe the
refinement of the schematic design of a project establishing the
3.2.14 commissioning provider, CxP, n—entity identified by
scope,relationships,forms,size,andappearanceoftheproject.
the Owner who leads, plans, schedules, and coordinates the Cx
Major materials and systems are identified including interface
group to implement the commissioning process for the whole
details and their quality levels are established.
building as outlined in ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 202.
3.2.19.5 Discussion—Design development is followed by
3.2.15 commissioning team, Cx team, n—the individuals
andagencieswho,throughcoordinatedactions,areresponsible the construction documents sub-phase.
3.2.19.6 construction documents, CDs, n—sub-phase of
for implementing the Cx process.
3.2.15.1 Discussion—This group may be comprised of the building design that produces documents that (1) set forth in
detail the requirements for the construction of a project and (2)
Owner, Architect, Engineer, design sub-consultants, CM, gen-
eral contractor, sub-contractors, manufacturers, and the establish in detail the enclosure performance requirements and
the quality of materials and systems required for the project.
BECxG.
3.2.16 completion (substantial), n—is as defined by the
3.2.19.7 Discussion—Final CDs are prepared as required to
contract documents but generally understood to be the stage in
solicit,procure,andconstructtheprojectandincludedrawings,
the progress of the construction work where the project, or a
specifications, contract forms and conditions, bidding
portion of the project, is sufficiently complete that the Owner
requirements, and resource documents (see definitions of
can occupy the building or utilize the building for its intended
Construction Documents in ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard
use.
202).
3.2.20 independent design review, IDR, n—objective tech-
3.2.17 construction phase, n—the period of the project
nical review of the design or CDs, or both, that, as part of the
delivery process after the construction contract is awarded.
BECx process during the design phase, evaluates the proposed
3.2.17.1 Discussion—While there may be a variety of sub-
building enclosure systems, details, objectives and perfor-
phase names used in the industry, for this guide the following
mancecriteriaforcompliancewiththebuildingenclosureOPR
terms will be used for the sub-phases: pre-construction and
and the contract documents.
construction administration.
3.2.20.1 Discussion—The IDR is performed by the BECxS.
3.2.17.2 pre-construction sub-phase, n—the period of the
3.2.21 nonconformance process, n—process for identifying,
project delivery process after construction contract is awarded
documenting, evaluating, and avoiding the inadvertent use or
when enclosure systems and assemblies are detailed in shop
installation of nonconforming items of work.
drawings and laboratory or other quality assurance testing is
3.2.21.1 Discussion—Construction materials and systems
performed prior to construction to comply with the construc-
that are found not to be in compliance with the approved
tion documents and building enclosure OPR.
project requirements, specifications, drawings, and referenced
3.2.17.3 Discussion—This sub-phase is followed by the
construction administration sub-phase.
The sub-phases described are for a traditional project delivery process. While
3.2.17.4 construction administration sub-phase, n—the pe-
recognizing that a building can be designed and constructed following alternative
riod of the project delivery process when project enclosure
project delivery processes (such as “design build” or “design assist”), this guide
materials are fabricated, installed, inspected, field tested, and does not specifically address them.
E2947 − 21a
standards, and that render the quality of the materials or 3.3.29 Design Phases:
systems unacceptable or indeterminate requires the generation 3.3.29.1 SD—schematic design phase
of a nonconformance report (NCR). 3.3.29.2 DD—design development phase
3.2.21.2 Discussion—Nonconformances typically include: 3.3.29.3 CD—construction document phase
(1) Physicaldefectsinmaterials,assembliesandworkman-
4. Summary of Practice
ship;
(2) Failures of required tests;
4.1 The process of commissioning the enclosure follows a
(3) Incorrect or inadequate documentation; and
similar process as commissioning other building systems but
(4) Departures from specified or previously approved work
with a focus on the design and construction of materials,
processes, inspection, or testing procedures.
systems, and assemblies that comprise the building enclosure.
3.2.22 pre-design phase, n—preparatoryphaseoftheproject
The BECx process begins as early as pre-design with the
delivery process in which the OPR is developed and the BECx establishment of the OPR and runs in parallel to project
scope is outlined.
deliveryprocesstoconfirmthatthebuildingenclosuremeetsor
3.2.22.1 Discussion—This phase is followed by the sche- exceedstheexpectationsoftheOwner,asdescribedintheOPR
matic design sub-phase. and defined by the contract documents. The enclosure is
typically designed, assembled, and installed using numerous
3.3 Abbreviations and Acronyms:
materials with varying properties and supplied by independent
3.3.1 A/E—architect/engineer
contractorsandsub-contractors.Enclosurecomponentsmaybe
3.3.2 AIA—American Institute of Architects
installed in varying weather conditions on-site and in a
3.3.3 ANSI—American National Standards Institute
sequence or manner that does not provide ready access to
inspect, maintain, or repair them after the building is complete.
3.3.4 AOR—architect of record
The BECx process includes site observation and testing that
3.3.5 ASHRAE—American Society of Heating, Refrigerat-
should be performed periodically throughout the installation
ing and Air Conditioning Engineers
of the enclosure sub-systems and components. The BECx
3.3.6 BECx—building enclosure commissioning
process is not intended to replace QA/QC processes (including
3.3.7 BECxG—building enclosure commissioning group
inspections, checks, or tests, or combinations thereof) that the
contractorshouldperformtoconfirmthattheproductfurnished
3.3.8 BECxP—building enclosure commissioning provider
and installed meets their contractual obligations.
3.3.9 BECxS—building enclosure commissioning specialist
4.2 Independence—The BECxG, who are retained by the
3.3.10 BECxT—building enclosure commissioning tech-
Owner, should be able to demonstrate and maintain throughout
nologist
the project independence in order to avoid conflicts of interest.
3.3.11 BECx team—buildingenclosurecommissioningteam
The BECxG should have no contractual relationship to any
3.3.12 BOD—building enclosure basis of design
firm providing design or construction related services to the
project and have no known or potential conflicts of interest.
3.3.13 CM—construction manager
The BECxG should disclose to the Owner existing relation-
3.3.14 CSI—Construction Specifications Institute
ships with other parties on the project. The disclosure should
3.3.15 Cx—commissioning
occur when the BECxG are retained as well as at appropriate
3.3.16 CxG—commissioning group
intervals including when other firms and individuals are
engaged in the project.
3.3.17 CxP—commissioning provider
4.3 Levels of BECx—The ASTM Standard Practice for
3.3.18 Cx team—commissioning team
BuildingEnclosureCommissioning(E2813)definestwolevels
3.3.19 HVAC—heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
of building enclosure commissioning – fundamental BECx and
3.3.20 IDR—independent design review
enhanced BECx. The standard practice describes the similari-
3.3.21 LEED—Leadership in Energy and Environmental
ties and key difference between the two levels of BECx. The
Design (trademark )
key differences include (1) the latest starting point to begin
BECx process within the overall project delivery process, (2)
3.3.22 NCR—nonconformance report
the minimum number of mandatory IDRs required during the
3.3.23 O&M—operations and maintenance
design phase and (3) the amount of mandatory testing required
3.3.24 OPR—building enslosure owner’s project require-
during the pre-construction and construction administration
ments
phases. While fundamental BECx need not start at pre-design,
3.3.25 QA—quality assurance
3.3.26 QC—quality control
Where these inspections and tests are being performed to satisfy regulatory
3.3.27 RFI—request for information
requirements for the authority having jurisdiction (such as Special Inspections),
3.3.28 USGBC—U.S. Green Building Council
those requirements for inspection and testing that may differ from those in this
BECx guide and may be more stringent.
The laws in the jurisdiction of the project may have more stringent or specific
conflict of interest and independence requirements than those outlined in this
LEED is a trademark held by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). standard guide.
E2947 − 21a
early process engagement may be advantageous. For funda- phasing, coordination, QA/QC programs, and value-
mentalBECx,theBECxPshouldbeengagedduringtheDesign engineering proposals.
Phase and no later than the commencement of the DD
4.9 During the construction phase, the contractors, specialty
sub-phase. For enhanced BECx, the BECxPshould be engaged
sub-contractors, third-party inspection and testing agencies are
during the pre-design phase. Fundamental BECx requires a
also engaged in the BECx process. The BECx process incor-
minimumofoneIDRofenclosurerelateddocumentsincluding
porates tasks throughout the construction phase, that are
drawings and specifications while enhanced BECx requires a
specific to the project delivery method being employed on that
minimum of three such IDRs during the design phase. While
project, including but not limited to: attending a pre-
both levels of BECx require first installation mock-ups as a
construction meeting, the review and comment on building
minimum requirement, enhanced BECx requires either a pre-
enclosuretechnicalsubmittalsandshopdrawings,participating
construction laboratory mock-up or on-site free standing-
in periodic BECx meetings, conducting and witnessing labo-
building mock-up to be tested. The scope and number of field
ratory testing, attending pre-installation ‘kickoff’ meetings,
testing is greater for enhanced BECx in comparison to funda-
monitoring construction of site ‘first installation’ or ‘bench-
mental BECx—refer to Practice E2813 (Table A2.1).
mark’ mock-ups, auditing the contractor’s QA/QC program
4.4 This guide describes a process that Owners may follow including implementation of project specific checklists, per-
forming periodic construction observation visits to the fabri-
to incorporate BECx into their project. The most effective
commissioning process begins at project inception (during the cation shops and to the site, and conducting and witnessing
on-site performance testing. These BECx activities focus on
pre-design phase) and may continue into the occupancy and
operations phase. verifying that the installed work complies with the CDs, the
OPR, and satisfies applicable regulatory requirements,
4.5 The Cx team is guided by the OPR. It is drafted at the
standards, and guidelines.
inception of a project and is referred to throughout the life of
4.10 At the start of the occupancy phase, BECx activities
the project. As building systems are often integrated and
interconnected, a performance deficiency in the building en- include organizing a handover meeting of the systems manual
and BECx final report to the Owner, verifying that training of
closure can result in less than optimal performance in other
systems. For optimal performance, the building’s Cx team, in the Owner’s representatives occurs in the operation and main-
tenance of the building enclosure. Further along in this phase,
the various systems to be commissioned, should include
cross-disciplinary understanding of related systems with a a review of the performance history of the building enclosure
materials, components, and assemblies should be done and a
thorough technical knowledge of their specific area of respon-
sibility. The Cx team is assembled at the pre-design phase and condition assessment performed prior to the conclusion of the
can be augmented as the design and construction process initial warranty period.
progresses and as the building requirements are established.
5. Significance and Use
4.6 Pre-design is one of the preparatory phases of the
project delivery process. The Owner’s initial concepts, 5.1 This guide provides recommendations for the enclosure
commissioning process from its project planning through
objectives, and desires for a given project are documented in
the OPR. Refer to OPR Development Guideline in Practice design, construction and occupancy and operation phases.This
guide is intended for various building types.Although Practice
E2813,AnnexA1. During pre-design, the BECxP should draft
a preliminary BECx plan to establish the BECx team and E2813 defines two levels of enclosure commissioning, funda-
propose a preliminary scope for BECx activities and BECx mental and enhanced, complex buildings and Owners seeking
budgets for the various phases of the project for the Owner’s a higher level of assurance may require more intensified
review and approval. enclosure commissioning than the minimum requirements
described in this guide and Practice E2813.
4.7 Duringthedesignphase,theBECxactivitiesincludethe
5.2 The process uses performance-oriented practices and
review of the BOD against the OPR and IDR(s) of the design
documents and coordination of the building enclosure require- procedures to verify that the project is achieving the expecta-
tions described in the OPR and defined by the contract
ments among the BECx team. Throughout this phase, the
objectivesoftheOPRarefurtherdefinedtoreflecttheOwner’s documents throughout the delivery of the project.
decisionsandchanges.Aproject-specificBECxspecificationis
5.3 The BECx process is recommended to begin during the
developed by the BECxP for inclusion into the project manual
pre-design phase and continues through the occupancy and
once accepted by the Owner and AOR.
operations phase. The process includes specific tasks during
each project phase.
4.8 During the bidding and negotiation phase, the BECx
team members review the BECx process with the prospective
5.4 The commissioning process is outlined in ANSI/
bidders and are involved in the technical evaluation of
ASHRAE/IES Standard 202. It is recommended that the reader
contractor/sub-contractor proposals. The BECxG assists the
AOR and Owner by providing Owner-requested reviews of
technical proposals and bids to confirm that they meet or
This guide anticipates that the BECxS in some jurisdictions may provide,
exceed the requirements described in the OPR and defined by
where qualified, certified or accredited to do so, or both, third-party inspection
the contract documents, inclusive of performance-impacting
services and regulatory sign-offs (for example, Special Inspection) on behalf of
qualifications, substitutions and exclusions, schedules, Owner and the authority having jurisdiction.
E2947 − 21a
understand the process provided in that document. This stan- interdependent building systems. Even if the building enclo-
dard guide and Practice E2813 provide a specific process sure is the singular focus of this Cx process, coordination
related to the building enclosure commissioning. among disciplines is essential for overall building project
success.
5.5 Note that the enclosure commissioning process should
not infringe upon the authority or responsibility of the Owner, 14
6. Pre-design Phase
the project’s designers or contractors. The CxG and BECxG
6.1 Introduction:
can identify areas of concern relative to the OPR, which are
6.1.1 Pre-design is a preparatory phase of the project
discussed with the Owner and other stakeholders; however it is
delivery process in which the OPR is established and general
the Owner who directs the project, Cx team, and BECx team.
information about the overall project is gathered.
It is recommended that the BECxP be engaged in pre-design
6.1.2 The OPR developed during pre-design should be
phase to define the scope of BECx so that the Owner’s
recognized as a starting point for subsequent design phases.
agreements with the project team (including the contractor)
The OPR will continue to evolve during the design phases to
clearly define the scope of contracted tasks that interface with
respond to evolving design, cost and schedule information as
BECx process.
directed by the Owner.
5.6 BECx does not replace a traditional design/construction
6.1.3 BECx Activity Objectives include:
process but is meant to enhance and be an integral part of that
6.1.3.1 Attend project planning conference(s) (or “kickoff
process by validating the design and verifying the construction
meeting(s)”);
meets the requirements described in the OPR and defined by
6.1.3.2 Confirm documentation of the OPR;
the contract documents.
6.1.3.3 Select a level of BECx (either Fundamental or
Enhanced) and identify a scope and budget for the enclosure
5.7 In this guide, the performance objectives for attributes
commissioning process;
of the building enclosure as required by an Owner are
6.1.3.4 Communicate enclosure commissioning require-
considered. Enclosure attributes to be considered include the
mentstotheOwnerforinclusioninagreementsincludingthose
control of moisture, condensation, heat flow, air flow, water
between the Owner and design team;
vapor flow, noise, fire, vibrations, energy, light, infrared
6.1.3.5 Initiate development of the BECx plan; and
radiation (IR), ultraviolet radiation (UV), as well as the
structural performance, durability, resiliency, security,
6.2 BECx Kickoff Meeting:
reliability, aesthetics, value, constructability, maintainability
6.2.1 Enclosure commissioning activities in the pre-design
over its life cycle, and sustainability of the enclosure elements
phasebeginwithakickoffmeeting.Theagendaofthismeeting
to meet or exceed the expectations described in the OPR and
includes identification of project objectives and discussion of
defined by the contract documents. The commissioning objec-
the project’s enclosure commissioning process. The agenda
tives for a building’s enclosure may vary by the Owner’s
may include:
requirements. The objectives contained in the OPR may vary
6.2.1.1 An introduction to the BECx process, including the
by occupancy, use, size, and the project requirements, which
various tasks and objectives of each phase;
may include other requirements across these or other variables.
6.2.1.2 The project delivery method and the extent to which
5.7.1 Note that this guide is not a one-size-fits-all “how to”
the various building systems will be commissioned; and
standard guide on avoiding poorly performing building enclo-
6.2.1.3 Basicdesignobjectives,includingthefunctionaland
sures.
programmatic requirements for the project, targets for energy
usage and facility life-cycle requirements.
5.8 Approach:
6.2.2 BECx Team Members and Responsibilities:
5.8.1 The sequence of work for the BECx team commences
6.2.2.1 The BECx team is comprised of members of the
by assembling the documentation of the OPR at the inception
project design and construction teams assigned the responsi-
of a project. The sequence continues with the conveyance and
bility for the implementation of the enclosure commissioning
interpretationofthisinformationbytheBECxGthroughoutthe
process. The BECx team is typically established by the Owner
building delivery process. Throughout the process, the BECxP
to oversee and accomplish the tasks outlined in this guide. A
verifies that the BECxG’s work product is consistent with this
CxP is designated by the Owner to supervise the overall
guide and Practice E2813. The BECx process has been
building commissioning process. The BECxP may be retained
structured to coincide with the phases of a generic project with
by the Owner directly or be assigned by the CxP if duly
pre-design, design, bidding and negotiation, construction,
authorized to do so by the Owner. The BECxG includes a
occupancy, and operations phases. If circumstances require
BECxS to provide technical expertise and participate in the
Owners to adopt the BECx process during the design or
enclosurecommissioningprocessasoutlinedinthisguide.The
construction phase of a project, implementation at that point in
time shall capture the information that would have been
developed had the BECx process begun at project inception.
Thepre-designphaseistheBECxPminimumpoint-of-engagementrequiredto
Beginning the BECx process at project inception will maxi-
qualify as Enhanced BECx under this practice. Refer to ANSI/ASHRAE/IES
Standard 202 and Practice E2813 for additional steps associated with this phase of
mize benefits to the project.
the BECx process.
5.8.2 Although this guide focuses upon building enclosure
The commissioning requirements for contractor agreements should be dis-
systems, a successful whole building commissioning process
cussed with the Owner where early award of enclosure trade contracts are
should carefully document and verify interfaces between anticipated (such as, in a design-build or design-assist delivery process).
E2947 − 21a
BECxG may assist the Owner in the development of the OPR. functional performance testing will be established to determine
Inclusion of additional design and construction team members, the anticipated level of BECx effort, including expected
such as the Architect and pre-construction manager may be frequency of laboratory mock-ups, field mock-ups, visits to
included as appropriate. production facilities during fabrication, and site visits during
6.2.2.2 The make-up of the project’s BECx team may likely initial installation or at various stages throughout construction,
change throughout the project duration to adapt to the shifting or both. The accuracy of the scope and estimates will depend
emphasis of the project’s demands; however, representation of on the state of the conceptual building enclosure design during
the BECxP should remain consistent. pre-design.
6.2.2.3 Responsibilities for the BECxG include: 6.4.2 Selecting a Level of BECx—Many factors must be
(1) Facilitate the incorporation of the Owner’s building taken into account by the Owner in selecting either fundamen-
enclosure objectives into the OPR; tal BECx or enhanced BECx for a given project. This decision
(2) Establish the protocols for documentation; should be made by the Owner in consultation with the BECxP
(3) Establish BECx plan, scope, and budget; and and other project stakeholders. Some of the factors that should
(4) Verify the roles and responsibilities for each member of be considered in this decision include: any code, ordinance, or
the BECx team and understand the nature of the enclosure legislation that may require a specific level of BECx (if any);
incentive program or sustainability/environmental label target
commissioning tasks and how these tasks may impact each
independent design and construction team member or trades’ (suchasLEED)thatmayhaverequirementsforaspecificlevel
of BECx; the type of construction and the likely method of
scope of work.
project delivery (such as design-build, design-bid-build or
6.3 OPR Document:
design-assist); the project environment and its location; the
6.3.1 The pre-design phase OPR document may include:
intended use and occupancy-use of the building; the design-
(1) A building enclosure vision, including any Owner’s
construction schedule for the project; the Owner’s budget; the
directives, restrictions or limitations, durability expectations,
Owner’s expectation for both level of quality and tolerance for
and building enclosure service life expectancy;
risk; the track record and experience level of the likely
(a) Discussion—The Owner may wish to achieve build-
contractors to perform the work envisioned; and/or the track
ing enclosure performance objectives/requirements beyond
record for the building enclosure systems or components that
basic code and should consider items such as, but not limited
are likely to be selected thereof.
to, increased energy efficiency, environmental and sustainabil-
6.5 BECx Plan—The BECx plan identifies the processes
ity goals, serviceability, adaptation for future expansion, inte-
gration of systems, indoor environmental requirements, and procedures necessary to achieve the desired level of
BECx—either fundamental or enhanced BECx. This will
acoustics, security, or communications.
(2) Building enclosure requirements (for example, func- include verifying that the minimum level of IDR and testing is
incorporated into the BECx plan. The plan should respond to
tional and programmatic requirements, material preferences,
general performance objectives, initial enclosure cost budgets, the project specific OPR; the Owner’s risk management strat-
egy; and overall complexity of the building enclosure design
and facility interior condition requirements);
and performance requirements. The BECx plan is to be
(3) Community context (for example, neighboring build-
reviewed and updated throughout the project. The BECx plan,
ings that can be impacted by the project; disruptive noise
as part of the whole building Cx plan, should define:
generation, historic district requirements);
6.5.1 The roles and responsibilities of the BECxG, includ-
(4) Site information and interior and exterior climate con-
ing tasks that are to comprise the process. These tasks should
ditions;
be project specific and be consistent with the minimum
(5) Occupant comfort and productivity requirements;
requirements of Practice E2813. The BECx plan should main-
(6) Scheduled maintenance requirements;
(7) Sustainability Goals: incentives, energy use targets, tain the focus on achieving the OPR.
6.5.2 The preliminary communication protocols and meth-
environmental label targets;
(8) Other Owner requirements, such as insurance company ods for distribution of information among the BECx team.
requirements, facility guidelines, or preferred systems/
6.6 Prepare BECx Process Progress Report:
manufacturers; and
6.6.1 The BECxP should provide a summary report outlin-
(9) “Lessons learned” from previous BECx projects.
ing the BECx activities, process and work products developed
during the pre-design phase.
6.4 Identify the Scope and Budget for the BECx Process:
6.6.2 The BECx progress report should be included in the
6.4.1 To facilitate the choice of either Fundamental or
Final BECx Report.
Enhanced levels of BECx, preliminary BECx budgets and
schedules should be developed to include preliminary esti-
7. Design Phase
mates of the costs and time required to accomplish the BECx
process activities including, but not limited to:
7.1 Introduction—The design phase includes BECx activi-
6.4.1.1 The activities of the BECxG during the building ties to validate that theArchitect’s BOD document responds to
design, construction, and occupancy phases;
and reflects the OPR and verifies that the plans and specifica-
6.4.1.2 The recommended number of IDRs; and tions developed throughout the design phase are consistent
6.4.1.3 Preliminary scope and estimates for laboratory with the OPR.The IDRs are performed and documented by the
mock-up and field mock-up testing. Preliminary costs for BECxG. Team meetings are held to review and discuss
E2947 − 21a
building enclosure system and material selection and how their rials as prepared by the Architect with the OPR requirements.
performance meets the requirements of the OPR. The BECx The review should be undertaken for the building enclosure as
plan is further refined and the project-specific BECx specifi- described in the SD documents.
cation is drafted and provided to the AOR for acceptance and 7.2.4.3 The IDR report should advise the Architect, Owner
inclusion in the project manual. This section provides BECx
and other BECx team members on technical performance
activity guidance for each of three sub-phases of design—SD, related concerns found in the SD documents including but not
DD, and CD.
limited to missing or incomplete details or unidentified build-
7.1.1 Independent Design Reviews (IDRs)—While the mini- ing enclosure components; areas of concern related to perfor-
mum number of IDRs are prescribed in Practice E2813 for
mance and constructability, details requiring further study or
each level of BECx, selecting the appropriate point within the analysis to confirm compliance, conditions noted on the
design phase and sub-phases when the IDR(s) should occur is
drawings where proper sequence and coordination are needed,
a judgment call by the Owner with input from the BECxG, and other undefined information related to the building enclo-
Architect, and other team members as appropriate. The IDRs
sure components, system, performance or function. The report
should be performed in a manner that will allow for the timely and any written comments on documents from the IDR should
review and consideration by the AOR. IDR performed earlier beissuedasaformalBECxdeliverabletotheArchitectandthe
inthedesignprocessmayprovidedistinctbenefitsasvariations
Owner, and distributed to BECx team members as appropriate.
from the OPR and other technical concerns raised during the These comments should be reviewed and responded to by the
review can be flagged and resolved expeditiously while mini-
Architect. The response may include the Architect modifying
mizing the negative impact to the project. or revising SD documents as required for consistency with the
OPR or suggesting to the Owner a change to the OPR.
7.2 Schematic Design (SD):
Variations from the OPR noted in the review process that are
7.2.1 In this preliminary sub-phase, BECx activities occur
not reconciled should be entered in the BECx issue and
in parallel with the designer’s process where the concept
resolution log.
design is further developed and various enclosure options are
7.2.5 Evaluate and Update the Building Enclosure Criteria
considered and compared on their technical and other merits.
in the OPR:
The review of enclosure options should evaluate the impact on
7.2.5.1 AtintervalsduringtheSDphase,theBECxGshould
budget and schedule for associated commissioning activities.
comparebuildingenclosuredocumentsandsystemalternatives
Each building enclosure system option may have specific tests
developed by the design team against the OPR.
and tools available for qualitative or quantitative analysis of
7.2.5.2 The BECxP should recommend OPR updates to the
performance, or both, with varying degrees of certainty.
Owner as criteria are developed. The OPR should be updated
7.2.2 SD BECx Meeting—If a substantial gap in time has
and expanded with explanations and changes recorded to
occurred from the pre-design phase meetings, SD should begin
document decisions.
with members of the BECx team participating in a meeting to
7.2.6 SD BECx P
...