Building Envelope Commissioning

At finished construction, the majority of the building envelope’s performance layers are inaccessible. There is one real shot at optimizing the building envelope before much of it otherwise becomes to costly to change, or worst case, fix. While an in-depth, optimized level of commissioning is ideal, even a modest level of commissioning for the envelope can prove incredibly valuable, if that scope is tailored in the right way. A dedicated set of eyes set of eyes on the building envelope during design and construction can yield true value in increasing whole-building efficiency, reducing strain on HVAC systems, and reducing contractor call backs because of premature building failures. Not to mention, some building energy codes have begun to require some minimal form of envelope commissioning or testing.

When Cx Associates performs design and construction-phase commissioning services, we identify envelope control layer improvements that save our customers energy and reduce durability risks and call-backs.

Commissioning involvement, especially during design and construction phases, helps ensure that challenging envelope targets are achieved. For example, Passive House-equivalent air tightness.

When Cx Associates tests building envelope systems, we verify that the design and the workmanship are working together to satisfy project requirements.

When Cx Associates performs design-phase commissioning services, we identify value engineering opportunities that can potentially save thousands of dollars in envelope construction costs.