Statewide
Massachusetts School Building Authority, Building Enclosure Commissioning
Scope/Solutions
The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) requires commissioning on all of their self-funded projects to ensure the new building operates as intended. SGH performs building enclosure commissioning in a partnership with mechanical engineering commissioning agents to provide whole building commissioning for the MSBA construction projects. Our team has commissioned new schools for the MSBA, including Nelson Place Elementary, Beverly Middle, and Minutemen Regional Technical High, and is actively working on several others.
SGH focuses on the design and performance of below-grade waterproofing, wall assemblies, fenestration, and roofing. Our building enclosure commissioning work includes the following:
- Developing a commissioning plan and specifications for inclusion in project documents
- Performing design-phase reviews of the enclosure construction documents to verify that the Owner’s Project Requirements are met
- Reviewing submittals and shop drawings to verify proposed systems are consistent with design intent
- Participating in preconstruction meetings to discuss commissioning
- Visiting the site to compare enclosure installation to design requirements
- Witnessing performance testing of installed enclosure systems, including:
- Water/air leakage testing of windows, curtain walls, storefronts, and skylights
- Sealant and air barrier adhesion testing
- Flood testing of newly installed roof systems
- Performing infrared surveys of walls and roofs at project completion to locate any potential air or water leakage
- Preparing in a final commissioning report summarizing completed work and identifying any construction deviations, site observations, or unresolved issues
Project Summary
Solutions
Repair & Rehabilitation
Services
Building Enclosures
Markets
Education
Client(s)
BR+A Consulting Engineers
Specialized Capabilities
Commissioning | Roofing & Waterproofing
Key team members
Peter Babaian
Managing Principal, Building Technology, Chicago
Additional Projects
Northeast
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Pool
The natatorium was constructed in the early 1970s as an addition to the high school. SGH evaluated the condition of the natatorium as part of a school improvement plan and subsequently designed repairs.
Northeast
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Sports and Recreation Center
Recognizing sports and fitness are important to the campus community, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) wanted to update its current facilities by constructing a new sports and recreation center. SGH was the precast specialty engineer for the natatorium.



