The practice of commissioning continues to evolve, and this presentation will focus on the secondary systems and evolving practices such as Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) and the desire for buildings to have healthy air. Adding to the complexity, some of these new project goals are in conflict with each other as the techniques to improve air quality often leads to additional energy usage. If we have learned anything during the last few years, it’s that Owners desire flexibility so that their buildings can adapt quickly to their changing needs. Some Owners are now utilizing modular construction as a solution to maintain flexibility and decease construction times. However, the buildings still need to be commissioned so we need to modify our practices to accommodate this off-site construction. As commissioning continues to evolve, and we must allow an owner to provide their stakeholders with assurance that they have effectively implemented best practices to improve the health, safety, resiliency, and efficiency of their facilities.
Through case studies, we will help to show the changing landscape of commissioning and predict where the industry is headed.

Learning Objectives:

1.  Overview on the state of the practice for BECx including testing.
2. Review energy code/green code/sustainability requirements and market impacts.
3. Introduction and integration of a wholistic approach to health and safety indoor solutions and how to identify and minimize environmental health risks to employees and customers.
4. Understand how changing construction practices will impact commissioning.

Stephen Shanks, CxA, BECxP, NDT Level III

Stephen Shanks is Senior Consultant for Intertek – Building Science Solutions. He currently serves as Chair of the Executive Committee for the Building Enclosure Technology and Environment Council (BETEC) of the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), as Co-Chair of the Codes Task Group for the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA), and various Standards Development committee activities including ASHRAE 90.1 and ASTM E06 for Performance of Buildings.

Mr. Shanks is a building scientist who has studied the performance of structures since the 1970’s. Because of his background in physics and building construction, he combines theory and practice in a unique and integrated way. Mr. Shanks provides consulting services on new and existing construction, building enclosures, historic restoration and preservation, construction failures, and as an expert witness.

His professional licenses and certifications include Certified Commissioning Authority (CxA); Accredited Building Enclosure Commissioning Process Provider (BECxP) and Commissioning Authority + Building Enclosure (CxA+BE); Certified NDT Level III/ Master Thermographer for Thermal-Infrared (IR) and Level III Whole Building Air Tightness Testing for Large Buildings; and is a licensed Field Auditor for ABAA.