ISO 21105-1:2019

Performance of buildings - Building enclosure thermal performance verification and commissioning - Part 1: General requirements

This document describes a building enclosure commissioning process to achieve a well performing, durable and maintainable building enclosure. This document includes procedures, methods and documentation requirements describing the application of the commissioning process to a building enclosure at each phase of a project. These project phases span from predesign through owner occupancy and operation. This process is referred to throughout this document as building enclosure commissioning (BECx). This document applies to new building construction and building re-commissioning. This document is for use by an owner, commissioning provider, building developer, owner's representative, construction manager, architect, contractor, and/or consultant, etc. Its purpose is to determine and complete the required tasks and activities to deliver a building enclosure which meets the performance requirements of the owner. Requirements for the project are established by the owner and/or commissioning provider (CxP). This document identifies steps necessary to perform a building enclosure risk analysis. The analysis will result in tasks that define the level of BECx, commensurate with the owner's tolerance for risk associated with building enclosure performance. The BECx process covered by this document is applicable to an individual assembly, a combination of assemblies or a whole enclosure assembly. For example, an individual assembly can be the fenestration, the air barrier or the thermal insulation. A combination of assemblies would include the fenestration, the air barrier and the complete heat transfer system, (e.g. both the insulation and roof assembly). A whole building enclosure assembly would include all heat, air and moisture control layers of the building enclosure, on all six sides of the building. This document describes requirements for any third-party consultants and/or building enclosure commissioning providers (BECxP) to document their technical qualifications, independence and knowledge of the BECx process, including their education, training, and experience.

Performance des bâtiments — Vérification de la performance thermique de l'enveloppe des bâtiments et mise en service — Partie 1: Exigences generales

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 13-Nov-2019
• ICS: 91.120.10 - Thermal insulation of buildings
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 163/SC 3 - Thermal insulation products, components and systems
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 163/SC 3/WG 14 - Building enclosure thermal performance verification and commissioning - Programme
• Current Stage: 9093 - International Standard confirmed
• Start Date: 16-Aug-2025
• Completion Date: 13-Dec-2025

Overview

ISO 21105-1:2019 - Performance of buildings: Building enclosure thermal performance verification and commissioning - Part 1: General requirements - defines a systematic building enclosure commissioning (BECx) process to deliver a durable, maintainable and thermally performing building enclosure (building envelope). The standard covers procedures, methods and documentation requirements applied across project phases from predesign through owner occupancy and operation, and applies to both new construction and re‑commissioning of existing enclosures.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Scope and purpose: Establishes tasks and activities required to meet the owner’s project requirements (OPR) for enclosure thermal performance and durability.
• Commissioning process: Describes a BECx workflow that facilitates collaboration among owner, architect, contractors, commissioning provider (CxP/BECxP) and third‑party consultants.
• Project phases: Defines BECx responsibilities and deliverables for predesign, design, construction and occupancy phases (e.g., BECx plan, basis of design review, construction checklists, maintenance manual, final BECx report).
• Risk assessment and levels: Requires a building enclosure risk analysis to determine the appropriate level of BECx (basic to comprehensive) aligned with the owner’s risk tolerance.
• Assembly scope: Applies to individual assemblies (fenestration, air barrier, insulation), combinations of assemblies, or the whole building enclosure (all heat, air and moisture control layers on all six sides).
• Qualifications and independence: Sets expectations for documentation of technical qualifications, independence, education, training and experience of BECx providers and third‑party consultants. (Normative reference: ISO/IEC 17024 for personnel certification where applicable.)
• Verification and documentation: Emphasizes performance verification, acceptance attributes, and record‑keeping to support occupancy, handover and ongoing maintenance.

Practical applications and who uses it

ISO 21105-1 is intended for:

• Building owners and owners’ representatives looking to ensure enclosure performance and manage long‑term risk.
• Commissioning providers (CxP/BECxP) and third‑party consultants who plan and execute BECx programs.
• Architects, construction managers, contractors and developers integrating enclosure performance verification into contract documents and construction controls.
• Facility managers responsible for handover documentation, training and ongoing enclosure maintenance.

Typical uses include developing OPR for enclosure thermal performance, selecting the BECx level by risk analysis, preparing BECx specifications, conducting basis‑of‑design reviews, and documenting commissioning outcomes for warranty and lifecycle maintenance.

Related standards (ISO 21105 series)

Planned and related parts address specific assemblies and topics, including: Part 2 (foundations), Part 3 (above‑grade opaque walls), Part 4 (fenestration), Part 6 (roofing), Part 10 (whole building enclosure), Part 11 (re‑commissioning) and Part 12 (personnel qualifications). These provide more detailed verification and commissioning guidance for specific enclosure components.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 21105-1
First edition
2019-11
Performance of buildings — Building
enclosure thermal performance
verification and commissioning —
Part 1:
General requirements
Performance des bâtiments — Vérification de la performance
thermique de l'enveloppe des bâtiments et mise en service —
Partie 1: Exigences generales
Reference number
©
ISO 2019
© ISO 2019
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and Definitions . 1
4 Commissioning process . 3
5 Risk assessment to determine the level of BECx . 5
6 Levels of BECx program . 7
7 Phases of BECx program . 8
7.1 General . 8
7.2 Predesign phase . 8
7.2.1 General. 8
7.2.2 Predesign scope of work . 9
7.2.3 BECx project team. 9
7.2.4 Owner’s project requirements - building enclosure . 9
7.2.5 BECx introductory meeting .10
7.2.6 BECx budget .11
7.2.7 BECx tasks .11
7.2.8 BECx plan .12
7.2.9 Basis of design review .12
7.2.10 BECx progress report .12
7.3 Design phase .12
7.3.1 General.12
7.3.2 Design phase meeting.12
7.3.3 Level 1 (basic) BECx design review .13
7.3.4 Level 2 (intermediate) BECx design review .14
7.3.5 Level 3 (comprehensive) BECx design review .15
7.3.6 BECx specification .16
7.3.7 OPR and Cx plan updates .16
7.4 Construction phase .16
7.4.1 General.16
7.4.2 Construction phase documentation requirements .17
7.4.3 Level 3 (comprehensive) review of bid documents .17
7.4.4 Construction phase introductory meeting .17
7.4.5 Checklists .17
7.4.6 Building enclosure maintenance manual .17
7.4.7 Construction phase BECx program tasks.17
7.5 Occupancy phase .20
7.5.1 General.20
7.5.2 BE assembly maintenance manual .20
7.5.3 Facility staff training .20
7.5.4 Ten-month warranty review .20
7.5.5 Building enclosure monitoring/on-going commissioning .20
7.5.6 Building enclosure continuing facility requirements (CFR).21
7.5.7 Final (updated) BECx report .21
Annex A (informative) Building enclosure risk factors .22
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 163, Thermal performance and energy use
in the built environment, Subcommittee SC 3, Thermal insulation products.
A list of all parts in the ISO 21105 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
iv © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

Introduction
This document is intended to provide a performance verification process to achieve a durable building
enclosure that performs in accordance with the contract documents and owner’s project requirements.
The process described in this document will assist in developing the building owner’s project
requirements, defining system performance and acceptance attributes, design and construction
activities and verifying the installed performance. This process forms the basis for the occupancy
and maintenance guide to enable future users and maintenance personnel to maintain the building
enclosure, in addition to considering future modifications to the building enclosure.
The commissioning process is developed on behalf of the owner. The process facilitates the owner’s
transfer of their expectations for the building to the design and construction team. The process is
founded in collaboration among all parties comprising the commissioning team. The commissioning
process is the most successful when the owner takes an active role in the process. This document
engages the owner in commissioning by defining the tasks associated with the process that specifically
serve their needs and add value to the project.
In addition to this document, the following documents are planned to be developed in the future:
ISO 21105-2, Performance of buildings — Building enclosure thermal performance verification and
commissioning — Part 2: Foundation: Waterproofing, Vapour Barrier and Insulation
ISO 21105-3, Performance of buildings — Building enclosure thermal performance verification and
commissioning — Part 3: Above Grade Opaque Wall Areas
ISO 21105-4, Performance of buildings — Building enclosure thermal performance verification and
commissioning — Part 4: Fenestration
ISO 21105-5, Performance of buildings — Building enclosure thermal performance verification and
commissioning — Part 5: Horizontal Waterproofing
ISO 21105-6, Performance of buildings — Building enclosure thermal performance verification and
commissioning — Part 6: Roofing (steep slope roofs, low slope roofs, vegetated), including insulation and
vapour barrier (as required), HVAC equipment enclosures, roof curbs, elevator penthouses, etc.
ISO 21105-7, Performance of buildings — Building enclosure thermal performance verification and
commissioning — Part 7: Sloped Glazing, (skylight, canopy, etc)
ISO 21105-8, Performance of buildings — Building enclosure thermal performance verification and
commissioning — Part 8: Interior Partitions providing environmental air barrier separation (such as
infection control rooms, laboratories, etc.)
ISO 21105-9, Performance of buildings — Building enclosure thermal performance verification and
commissioning — Part 9: stairwells, elevator chases, mechanical pipe chases that penetrate the enclosure,
overhead doors/ rolling doors and contiguous interior space providing environmental air barrier separation
(such as vestibules, loading docks, etc.)
ISO 21105-10, Performance of buildings — Building enclosure thermal performance verification and
commissioning — Part 10: Whole building enclosure, including below grade areas, waterproofing, facades
and roof(s). All of the above as applicable
ISO 21105-11, Performance of buildings — Building enclosure thermal performance verification and
commissioning — Part 11: Re-commissioning and retro-commissioning of existing building enclosures
ISO 21105-12, Performance of buildings — Building enclosure thermal performance verification and
commissioning — Part 12: Personnel Qualifications and Training
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 21105-1:2019(E)
Performance of buildings — Building enclosure thermal
performance verification and commissioning —
Part 1:
General requirements
1 Scope
This document describes a building enclosure commissioning process to achieve a well performing,
durable and maintainable building enclosure. This document includes procedures, methods and
documentation requirements describing the application of the commissioning process to a building
enclosure at each phase of a project. These project phases span from predesign through owner
occupancy and operation. This process is referred to throughout this document as building enclosure
commissioning (BECx).
This document applies to new building construction and building re-commissioning. This document is
for use by an owner, commissioning provider, building developer, owner’s representative, construction
manager, architect, contractor, and/or consultant, etc. Its purpose is to determine and complete the
required tasks and activities to deliver a building enclosure which meets the performance requirements
of the owner. Requirements for the project are established by the owner and/or commissioning
provider (CxP).
This document identifies steps necessary to perform a building enclosure risk analysis. The analysis
will result in tasks that define the level of BECx, commensurate with the owner’s tolerance for risk
associated with building enclosure performance.
The BECx process covered by this document is applicable to an individual assembly, a combination of
assemblies or a whole enclosure assembly. For example, an individual assembly can be the fenestration,
the air barrier or the thermal insulation. A combination of assemblies would include the fenestration,
the air barrier and the complete heat transfer system, (e.g. both the insulation and roof assembly).
A whole building enclosure assembly would include all heat, air and moisture control layers of the
building enclosure, on all six sides of the building.
This document describes requirements for any third-party consultants and/or building enclosure
commissioning providers (BECxP) to document their technical qualifications, independence and
knowledge of the BECx process, including their education, training, and experience.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/IEC 17024, Conformity assessment — General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons
3 Terms and Definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
architect of record
AoR
design party (3.17) having responsibility for the project design and contract documents (3.13)
3.2
basis of design
BOD
documents recording narratives, lists, calculations, technical concepts, performance parameters,
assumptions, decisions, product selections, etc. that bridge the objectives conveyed in the owner’s
project requirements (3.16) and the contract documents (3.13)
3.3
building enclosure assembly
single assembly which comprises one portion of the overall building enclosure system design
3.4
building enclosure commissioning provider
BECxP
party (3.17) retained by the owner or CxP (3.9) their agent who has demonstrated the knowledge,
education and experience in the technical capabilities required to perform the tasks described by
the program
3.5
building enclosure commissioning
BECx
process of enhancing the delivery of the design and construction of a building enclosure by verifying and
documenting the building enclosure concepts, designs, materials, components, assemblies and systems
that have been designed, installed and performance tested, and are maintainable, in accordance with
the OPR (3.16)
3.6
building enclosure commissioning specification
contract document (3.13) developed during the design of the commissioning (3.7) phase and included in
the project manual detailing the, scope, acceptance and implementation of the commissioning process
3.7
commissioning
Cx
quality-centred process for enhancing the delivery of a project by verifying and documenting that all
systems and assemblies are planned, designed, reviewed, installed, tested, operated and maintained to
meet the OPR (3.16)
3.8
commissioning plan
BECx plan
document that describes the organization, schedule, allocation of resources, and documentation
requirements of commissioning (3.7)
3.9
commissioning provider
CxP
commissioning authority
commissioning agent
CxA
party (3.17) retained by the owner who leads, plans, schedules and coordinates the commissioning team
(3.11) to implement the commissioning (3.7) process
2 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

3.10
commissioning report
final deliverable in the commissioning process which provides the information needed to understand,
operate and maintain the facility and its assemblies
3.11
commissioning team
parties (3.17) including the owner, CxP (3.9), BECxP (3.4), AoR (3.1), contractor, sub-contractor and
testing agency necessary to complete the building enclosure commissioning (3.5)
3.12
construction observation
site visits performed by the BECxP (3.4) at intervals to coincide with significant construction detail
installations and the schedule
3.13
contract documents
CDs
set of drawings and specifications (project manual), which form the basis for the construction contract
and articulates the OPR (3.16), and overall design that is provided by the AoR (3.1) of the project
3.14
design review
examination of the drawings and specifications for compliance with the OPR (3.16)
3.15
field testing
on-site testing of building enclosure materials, components, assemblies and systems, conducted by an
authorized manufacturer’s technical representative, contractor, independent testing agency and/or
BECxP (3.4)
3.16
owner’s project requirements
OPR
written document that details the ideas, concepts and criteria required by the owner, and the
requirements upon which the predesign, design and construction phases are based
3.17
party
entity legally responsible for a portion of the work
3.18
re-commissioning
commissioning (3.7) applied to a previously commissioned building enclosure to verify that the building
enclosure has maintained compliance with the OPR (3.16)
3.19
substantial completion
phase defined in the owner-contractor agreement, close to the end of the construction period
4 Commissioning process
The BECx process commences with the predesign phase, followed by the design phase, the construction
phase and concludes with the occupancy/maintenance/operation phase. If defined by the owner, the
BECx process will extend into the occupancy phase of the building.
This document establishes the activities and tasks to be performed by the commissioning team by first
undertaking a risk analysis. The analysis includes such factors as the building environment and the
complexity of the design of the enclosure to identify a level of commissioning and specific tasks in the
BECx process to achieve the building enclosure performance goals and OPR. The owner, CxP and/or
BECxP shall compile and document the risk analysis, budget and guide the BECx process and tasks.
Once determined by the risk analysis, the scope of work shall specify the required tasks associated
with a particular tolerance of risk for the building type or use, and define the BECx process.
The BECx process is completed by a BECxP who is qualified to perform the building enclosure (BE)
assembly or system commissioning. The BECxP is part of the overall Cx team, under direction of the CxP
for the project. The owner or the CxP shall hold the contract for the BECxP. Procurement/tender of the
BECxP is via request for qualifications. The proposing BECxP shall provide documented experience of
building enclosure commissioning via previous project case histories/studies, personnel resumes that
are intended to be assigned to the project, and demonstration of the technical capabilities required to
evaluate and verify the BE assemblies to be commissioned. This assures that the BECx process provides
added value to the owner. At the time of request for qualifications, a budget estimate shall be provided
by the proposing BECxP.
An overview of the procedures, methods and documentation requirements for each task or activity
from predesign through occupancy and operation are included in Clause 7. The minimum scope of work,
minimum documentation requirements and acceptance requirements for each task are to be developed
by this Cx team describing the BECx program for each type of building enclosure assembly.
The BECx program follows the process described below:
— The owner and CxP begin the process by defining an overall acceptable level of risk for the building
enclosure assemblies.
— The minimum tasks or activities that are to be performed at each phase of the project design and the
construction delivery are defined. This is known as a level of BECx.
— To enhance the minimum task list and scope of work, the owner and CxP shall increase the frequency
of repeating specific tasks during a phase. However, to achieve the specific level of commissioning,
each task shall be performed as stipulated by the owner and CxP at the selected level of the BECx
program.
— The owner and CxP determine the building enclosure assemblies to be commissioned. The building
enclosure assemblies include one or more of the following:
— Foundation: waterproofing, vapour barrier and insulation;
— Above grade opaque wall areas: air/moisture barrier, heat transfer control/continuity, including
all types of insulation;
— Fenestration: glazed curtain wall, window wall, storefront, windows and doors, etc.;
— Horizontal waterproofing: balcony, plaza, etc.
— Roofing: steep slope roofs, low slope roofs, vegetated, including insulation and vapour barrier
(as required), HVAC equipment enclosures, roof curbs, elevator penthouses, etc., sloped glazing,
(skylight, canopy, etc.);
— Interior partitions providing environmental air barrier separation, such as infection control
rooms, laboratories, etc.;
— Stairwells, elevator chases, mechanical pipe chases that penetrate the enclosure, overhead
doors/ rolling doors and contiguous interior space providing environmental air barrier
separation (such as vestibules, loading docks, etc.);
— Whole building enclosure, including below grade areas, waterproofing, facades and roof(s).
— The owner and CxP assemble the commissioning team to perform the tasks for the level of BECx and
the assemblies to be commissioned.
4 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

5 Risk assessment to determine the level of BECx
The owner and the CxP shall first determine the BECx level and BECx tasks to be completed for the Cx
program. Levels of BECx are:
Level 1: Basic - minimum
Level 2: Intermediate - medium
Level 3: Comprehensive - maximum
Annex A contains information related to determining a level of quality assurance and commissioning
based upon each of the following risk factors:
a) owner risk tolerance;
b) cost of loss per square meter of area repaired;
c) building use or function (including potential future use);
d) area of building enclosure;
e) building enclosure design complexity;
f) environment;
g) level of innovation and/or performance, and/or building sustainability;
h) owner’s number of prior projects and bidding requirements;
i) level of commitment of the owner’s representatives to the project throughout all phases;
j) schedule;
k) project delivery method;
l) experience and knowledge of contractor.
Using Table 1, the owner and CxP shall determine the level of BECx program required based upon the
risk assessment. Table 1 applies to commercial buildings:
Table 1 — Risk assessment criteria
Level of BECx Value of 1 2 3
points:
Point Points Points
To calculate the score: Assign a point score (1, 2 or 3) adjacent to only one of the risk factor criteria:
a
Risk factors
A Owner risk tolerance High Medium Low tolerance
tolerance tolerance
B Cost of loss per square meter Low cost Medium cost High cost
of area repaired
C Area of building enclosure - Less than Less than Greater than
2 2
m or equal to or equal to 15,000 m
2 2
5,000 m 15,000 m
D Building enclosure design Basic Custom Complex, cus-
complexity tom design
E Environment Low exposure Medium High exposure
exposure
a
If the risk assessment criteria is not applicable to the specific project, the points should be zero.
Table 1 (continued)
Level of BECx Value of 1 2 3
points:
Point Points Points
F Level of innovation and/or Basic Enhanced Experimental
performance and/or building
sustainability
G Owner’s number of prior 10 or more 3 to 10 / some Less than 3
projects and bidding re- / choice of bid acceptance / required
quirements bidders restrictions to take low
bidder
H Level of commitment of the Significant Sporadic Little involve-
owner’s representatives to the involvement involvement ment in project
project throughout all phases in project in project
I Schedule Basic schedule Lean or just- Fast track
in-time
J Project delivery method Traditional Contract man- Design/build
or integrat- ager at risk or cost plus
ed project
delivery
K Experience and knowledge of 10 or more of 3 to 10 Less than 3
contractor same size and buildings of buildings of
complexity. same size and same size and
Trained and complexity complexity
fulfilling the
requirements
of ISO 17024
Total points: A _____ B _____ C _____
Columns A+B+C = __________
a
If the risk assessment criteria is not applicable to the specific project, the points should be zero.
Table 2 — Points and recommended level of BECx
Total points: Level of BECx
1-15 1 - Basic
12-24 2 - Intermediate
21-33 3 - Comprehensive
Per Table 2, where there is an overlap in point ratings between levels, the owner shall choose the most
appropriate level of the BECx program to suit their specific goals and acceptance of risk.
The level of BECx required by the owner shall be confirmed with the BECxP. If the level of commissioning
is changed, the owner shall document this decision and inform the BECxP.
The owner and CxP shall confirm the building enclosure assemblies to be commissioned. Differing
levels of BECx may be performed on each assembly. The building enclosure assemblies subject to
commissioning may include one or more of the following:
— Foundation: waterproofing, vapour barrier and insulation;
— Above grade opaque wall areas: air/moisture barrier, heat transfer control/continuity, including all
types of insulation;
— Fenestration: glazed curtain wall, window wall, storefront, windows and doors, etc.;
— Horizontal waterproofing: balcony, plaza, etc.;
6 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

— Roofing: steep slope roofs, low slope roofs, vegetated, including insulation and vapour barrier
(as required), HVAC equipment enclosures, roof curbs, elevator penthouses, etc., sloped glazing,
(skylight, canopy, etc.);
— Interior partitions providing environmental air barrier separation, such as infection control rooms,
laboratories, etc.;
— Stairwells, elevator chases, mechanical pipe chases that penetrate the enclosure, overhead doors/
rolling doors and contiguous interior space providing environmental air barrier separation (such as
vestibules, loading docks, etc.);
— Whole building enclosure, including below grade areas, waterproofing, facades and roof(s).
6 Levels of BECx program
Each level has many fundamental tasks that are required to achieve the process. From these fundamental
tasks, such as development of the building enclosure’s OPR, the tasks increase in complexity and number
corresponding with the enhanced level of BECx.
Level 1 basic BECx would require only one design review, monthly construction observation site visits,
and witness to 25 % of performance testing during construction. By contrast, level 3 comprehensive
BECx would require three design reviews, weekly construction observation site visits, and witness to
100 % of performance testing during construction. The tasks associated with each of the levels vary in
accordance with the owner’s tolerance of risk.
Table 3 describes phases of a project and the tasks associated with each level as required by this
document. The BECxP shall confirm with the owner and/or CxP that the extent of tasks is appropriate,
relative to the initial risk assessment, and shall provide documentation of these tasks in the
commissioning plan to achieve the OPR.
Different methods to engage the CxP are recommended for each of the levels:
Level 1: The BECxP shall be a party employed by the owner or CxP, design or construction parties, with
sufficient independence and knowledge to implement the process and provide technical expertise to
the project. The BECxP shall act independent of the design and construction teams and report directly
to the owner and CxP on all matters.
Levels 2 and 3: The BECxP is independent of the design and construction entities and is contracted
directly to the owner or CxP.
Table 3 — Tasks required by each level of BECx by phase
7 Phases of BECx program
7.1 General
The tasks described below shall be performed for the various levels of BECx, in accordance with Table 3.
7.2 Predesign phase
7.2.1 General
Predesign is a preparatory phase of the project commissioning process that establishes the OPR and the
scope of commissioning for all future phases of the project.
8 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

7.2.2 Predesign scope of work
Predesign is a preparatory phase of the project delivery process in which the owner is responsible for
identifying the:
a) risk to determine level of BECx;
b) building enclosure assemblies to be commissioned;
c) Cx and BECx team;
d) BECx tasks;
e) OPR;
f) budget for the BECx program;
g) general information about the overall project;
h) BECx plan;
i) BECx progress report.
7.2.3 BECx project team
7.2.3.1 The owner shall establish a project commissioning team that shall implement the BECx process
required by this document.
7.2.3.2 During the predesign phase, the owner shall specify the BECx team’s responsibilities to include:
a) developing the OPR that includes the building enclosure goals and objectives;
b) establishing protocols for:
— documentation and communication protocols;
— format for the building enclosure maintenance and inspection manual;
— format for the BECx final report;
— establishment of the BECx plan, scope and budget;
c) verifying the roles and responsibilities for each member of the team; understand the nature of the
commissioning tasks and how they will impact each independent team member or trade’s scope
of work;
d) identification of BECx tasks to be included in the project schedule.
7.2.3.3 The owner shall designate a CxP to supervise the overall commissioning process and a BECxP
for building enclosure performance verification and commissioning program responsibilities.
7.2.4 Owner’s project requirements - building enclosure
7.2.4.1 The owner shall make every effort to ensure the development of the OPR is established prior
to development of the architectural program or basis of design (BOD). If the OPR is not developed ahead
of the BOD, the owner shall ensure that the documents are coordinated and that the architect is aware of
the requirements specified by the OPR prior to design development.
7.2.4.2 The owner shall identify the extent to which the OPR provides:
a) the basic requirements from which design, construction, acceptance and maintenance decisions
are made;
b) information to assist the project team plan, design, construct and maintain a durable building
enclosure;
c) the building enclosure performance expectations specified during the development process of
the OPR.
7.2.4.3 The owner shall specify the extent to which the predesign phase OPR document includes:
a) the project definition including function, project schedule and budget;
b) a vision for the building enclosure, including such items as:
— owner directives, restrictions or limitations;
— durability expectations and resilience;
— building enclosure life expectancy;
— increased performance related to energy efficiency and sustainability;
— community requirements;
— ability to adapt to future expansion;
— integration of assemblies;
— indoor environmental requirements;
— acoustics, resilience, controls, security or communications;
— user requirements;
— building safety and maintenance access requirements;
— occupant schedules;
— training of facility engineering;
— “lessons learned” from previous projects.
7.2.4.4 The owner shall require that:
a) if the OPR evolves throughout the project, all changes are documented;
b) the OPR is used for benchmarking performance metrics and decision-making during all phases of
the project;
c) a final updated and approved OPR is provided at substantial completion.
7.2.5 BECx introductory meeting
The owner shall specify that commissioning activities in the predesign phase begin with an introductory
meeting and that the agenda of this meeting includes identification of project objectives and discussion
of the project’s commissioning process. The owner shall also specify the extent to which the agenda
also includes:
a) an introduction to the BECx process, including the various tasks and objectives of each phase;
10 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

b) the project delivery method and the extent to which the various building assemblies will be
commissioned; coordination with other systems to be commissioned shall be addressed;
c) design objectives including the owner’s approach to energy usage, facility life cycle requirements
and code requirements.
7.2.6 BECx budget
The owner and CxP shall direct the BECx team to develop preliminary estimates of a BECx budget
developed early on during the predesign phase and include preliminary estimates of the costs to
accomplish the BECx activities including but not limited to those listed in 7.2.7.
7.2.7 BECx tasks
The owner and CxP shall define the tasks of the commissioning BECx program as determined by the level
of commissioning during building design, construction and occupancy, including, but not limited to:
a) Predesign phase:
— determine BECx level and assemblies to be commissioned;
— review the owner's project requirements for the building enclosure (OPR-BE);
— develop the building enclosure performance verification and commissioning plan;
— review architect's basis of design.
b) Design phase:
— BECx design review and meeting;
— BECx specification.
c) Construction phase:
— review of scope of work subcontractor bid packages and bids;
— BECx introductory meeting;
— BECx submittal review;
— attendance at trade pre-construction meetings;
— BECx checklists;
— review of building enclosure schedule;
— construction observation;
— BECx meetings and documentation of observations and issues, via an issues log;
— witness testing of laboratory mock-up or field mock-up;
— witness field performance verification testing of building enclosure materials, components,
assemblies and systems during initial installation and at various stages throughout construction;
— BECx report.
d) Occupancy and maintenance phase:
— BE assembly maintenance manual;
— facility engineer training;
— 10-month warranty BE review;
— BE monitoring/on-going commissioning plan.
— continuing facility requirements;
— final BECx report.
7.2.8 BECx plan
The owner and/or CxP shall direct the BECx team to develop a commissioning plan that:
a) identifies the BECx processes and procedures necessary to achieve the contract documents;
b) responds to the individual project specific requirements, geometry, environment, interior
conditions, function and owner requirements, etc.;
c) takes into account the owner’s risk management strategy and overall complexity of the building
enclosure design and performance requirements;
d) identifies the roles and responsibilities of the BECx team.
7.2.9 Basis of design review
The owner and/or CxP shall direct the BECxP to perform a review of the AoR’s BOD document. The
review shall verify that the BOD is coordinated with the OPR and will achieve the objectives of the
owner specified by the OPR.
7.2.10 BECx progress report
The owner and/or CxP shall direct the BECx team to develop a summary report that:
a) specifies BECx process tasks encompassed by predesign;
b) documents the predesign process and work result;
c) is included in the final BECx report.
7.3 Design phase
7.3.1 General
The design phase comprises tasks to accomplish and verify the owner’s project requirements are
comprehensively specified and detailed in the contract documents (CDs). Design reviews shall be
performed and documented by the BECxP. Team meetings shall be held to review and discuss the
performance requirements of building enclosure assemblies for compliance with the OPR.
The BECx plan shall be refined and BECx project-specific specifications included in the project manual.
7.3.2 Design phase meeting
The phase shall begin with a meeting of the Cx team to discuss the OPR and design goals for the project.
The agenda shall include:
— objectives for commissioning of the building enclosure;
— AoR description of the design phase process and deliverables for the schematic design, design
development and contract document stages;
— schedule for design reviews to be performed by the BECxP;
12 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

— AoR response to BECxP design review comments;
— communication protocols between the BECx team.
7.3.3 Level 1 (basic) BECx design review
7.3.3.1 Design documents review
Perform a minimum of one technical design review, and one final objectives (back-check) review at
the end of the design phase of the building enclosure assemblies to be commissioned, including the
alternative schemes for appropriateness and impact on the OPR at an interval during the design phase
appropriate for the complexity of the project. The review shall include the following:
— performance criteria for the building enclosure and assemblies to be commissioned; a determination
and hierarchical analysis of the performance and aesthetic parameters should be compiled to
balance objectives in the OPR and provide maximum value to the owner;
— comparison of the building enclosure assembly’s criteria with other systems and other project
criteria including the functional program, budget, aesthetics and performance;
— technical evaluation of the assembly(s) design solution(s) and the impact and relationship with
inter-dependent systems;
— comparison of building enclosure assemblies and typical details for system interfacing continuity,
durability and long-term service; review and evaluate both the constructability and the design
continuity for system control layer(s) at all interfacing details;
— recommendation(s) for the development of additional details and drawings;
— specifications review for assembly(s), sufficiency and coordination with the drawings; specifications
review for inclusion of commissioning process requirements, including submittal requirements,
training requirements, testing requirements, inspection requirements, mock-ups, performance
requirements, CM’s/contractor’s quality assurance requirements, etc.;
— required performance testing of assembly(s);
— verification of compliance of the contract documents against the OPR.
7.3.3.2 Design review report(s)
The design review report shall advise the project team on technical matters, provide recommendations
for the development of details, including components, accessories and assemblies, and review
documents for completion and coordination.
a) BECxP shall provide design review report following the review of
...