ASTM E2813-24 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E2813-24 — Standard Practice for Building Enclosure Commissioning. This practice provides requirements and guidance for performing Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) at two defined levels (Fundamental and Enhanced), including Owner Project Requirement (OPR) development, mandatory performance testing, independent design review, and defined BECx phases spanning pre‑design through occupancy and operations.

Abstract

ASTM E2813-24 establishes a concise, technically grounded practice for Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx). It defines two levels of BECx (Fundamental and Enhanced), prescribes the development of an Owner Project Requirements (OPR) document, mandates performance testing (Annex A2) and independent design review, and sets minimum core competencies and responsibilities for the Building Enclosure Commissioning Provider (BECxP). The practice is intended for new buildings and may be applied as part of whole‑building commissioning programs.

General information

• Status: Active standard.
• Publication date: April 15, 2024 (designated E2813‑24; ASTM listing shows activity/last update in May 2024).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 91.010.99; 91.040.01; 91.060.01 (building/enclosure related classifications).
• Edition / version: E2813‑24 (2024 edition).
• Number of pages: 19 pages.

Scope

This practice specifies a BECx process for new buildings and structures that: establishes Fundamental and Enhanced levels of enclosure commissioning; enumerates BECx phases (pre‑design, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, bidding, construction — including pre‑construction and construction administration — and occupancy/operations); requires an OPR for both levels (Annex A1); mandates BECx performance testing (Annex A2); and requires independent design review during the design phase. The practice addresses enclosure performance attributes including energy, environment, safety, security, durability, sustainability, and operation but does not guarantee in‑service performance or service life of materials and systems.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of two BECx levels: Fundamental and Enhanced, with associated minimum scope and deliverables.
• Mandatory development of an Owner Project Requirements (OPR) document for enclosure performance (Annex A1).
• Mandatory BECx performance testing requirements and approved test methods (Annex A2).
• Independent design review required during the Design Phase for both levels of BECx.
• Defined BECx phases and deliverables covering pre‑design through occupancy and operations.
• Minimum core competencies and responsibilities for the Building Enclosure Commissioning Provider (BECxP) and associated specialists.
• Guidance on performance attributes (energy, environment, safety, security, durability, sustainability, operation) and acceptance criteria development.

Typical use and users

Used by building owners, architects, façade and enclosure consultants, commissioning providers (BECxP), construction managers, contractors, testing laboratories, facility managers, and code/standards committees. Typical applications include new building projects where enclosure performance, durability, moisture control, energy performance, and occupant comfort are priorities, and in projects that incorporate whole‑building commissioning or enhanced enclosure verification.

Related standards

Commonly used with other enclosure and testing standards and guidance such as ASTM test methods referenced in Annex A2, industry guidance from NIBS and ASHRAE, and related ASTM standards covering sealant and enclosure testing (historically referenced tests in C1193 and related methods now found in other ASTM test standards). Project teams often align BECx requirements with applicable building codes and ASHRAE/NIBS guidance for enclosure performance and energy. (Note: ASTM work items and amendments may update cross‑references to specific test method locations over time.)

Keywords

Building enclosure commissioning, BECx, building envelope, enclosure, Owner Project Requirements (OPR), performance testing, independent design review, BECxP, durability, moisture control, energy performance, NIBS, ASHRAE.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E2813‑24 is a Standard Practice for Building Enclosure Commissioning that defines processes, roles, and minimum requirements for verifying that a building’s enclosure meets defined performance objectives.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the full BECx process (pre‑design through occupancy), defines Fundamental and Enhanced levels of commissioning, mandates development of an OPR (Annex A1), prescribes BECx performance testing (Annex A2), and requires independent design review and defined BECxP competencies.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Owners, commissioning providers, architects, façade consultants, contractors, testing firms, and facility managers use the practice to plan, specify, and execute enclosure commissioning on new construction projects and major enclosure retrofits.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: E2813‑24 is the 2024 edition and is listed as an active ASTM standard (designated E2813‑24). Users should check for amendments or work items that may revise referenced test method locations or annex content when preparing project specifications.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a practice developed under ASTM Committee E06 (subcommittee E06.55) and is typically used alongside other ASTM enclosure‑related standards and industry guidance (e.g., NIBS and ASHRAE documents) rather than as a numbered series of sequential standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Building enclosure commissioning (BECx), OPR, performance testing, independent design review, building envelope, durability, energy, NIBS, ASHRAE.