Building Enclosure and Full-Building Retro-Commissioning
Historically, the most common area of building failure is the exterior enclosure. When applied systematically, commissioning services can significantly reduce the risk of future water infiltration, improve facility operation, and reduce the cost of the facility for the life of the building.
ABB provides Building Envelope Commissioning (BECx) services, which establish design standards and offer verification. ABB’s intensive quality assurance process meets the goals set out by the American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) for exterior enclosure commissioning.
Through the services outlined below, ABB aims to revitalize existing buildings, making them more resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective while ensuring they meet contemporary performance standards. The combination of building enclosure and retro-commissioning expertise contributes to creating high-performing and environmentally responsible structures.
Building Enclosure Services
Full-Building Retro-Commissioning Services
Building Enclosure Services
Envelope Assessment
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of the building envelope, including roofs, walls, windows, and foundations, to identify vulnerabilities, moisture issues, and energy inefficiencies.
Thermal Performance Analysis:
- Analyze the thermal performance of the building envelope to improve insulation, mitigate heat loss or gain, and enhance overall energy efficiency.
Water Intrusion and Moisture Management
- Identify and address water intrusion issues, prevent moisture-related damage, and improve the durability of the building envelope.
Facade Engineering:
- Provide expertise in facade engineering to optimize the aesthetic, structural, and energy performance of building facades.
Sustainability Integration:
- Incorporate sustainable design principles into building enclosure strategies, such as the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems.
Design and Remediation:
- Offer design solutions and remediation strategies to address building enclosure deficiencies, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Full-Building Retro-Commissioning Services
Energy Audits:
- Conduct detailed energy audits to assess the overall energy performance of the building and identify opportunities for improvement.
System Optimization:
- Optimize HVAC, lighting, and other building systems to enhance energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and operational performance.
Controls Review:
- Evaluate and upgrade building automation and control systems to ensure they operate at peak efficiency and responsiveness.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment:
- Assess and improve indoor air quality to enhance occupant comfort, health, and productivity.
Measurement and Verification:
- Implement measurement and verification protocols to monitor and validate the effectiveness of retro-commissioning measures over time.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Provide comprehensive documentation and reporting on retro-commissioning activities, including findings, recommendations, and performance metrics.
Training and Education:
- Offer training and educational programs for building operators and maintenance staff to ensure they are well-equipped to operate and maintain retro-commissioned systems.
Cost-Benefit Analysis:
- Conduct cost-benefit analyses to demonstrate the financial feasibility and return on investment of retro-commissioning initiatives.
Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure that retro-commissioning activities align with and meet regulatory requirements, codes, and standards.
Continuous Improvement:
- Establish processes for continuous improvement, including ongoing monitoring and adjustment of building systems to adapt to changing usage patterns and technology advancements.