APEGBC Building Enclosure Engineering Services Guidelines
APEGBC Building Enclosure Engineering Services Guidelines
APEGBC Building Enclosure Engineering Services Guidelines
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0
DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................. 4
2.0
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 9
3.0
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.2
Experience ....................................................................................................... 14
3.2.1 Application of Knowledge .................................................................... 14
3.2.2 Professional Qualifications.................................................................. 14
3.2.3 Professional Development ................................................................... 14
3.2.4 Reference Materials .............................................................................. 15
4.2
5.0
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9
5.10
5.11
5.12
5.13
5.14
1.0
DEFINITIONS
The following definitions are specific to these Guidelines. These defined words and terms
are italicized within the text of the Guidelines. If the definition is based on the British
Columbia Building Code then this is indicated within the definition by including (BCBC) at
the end of the definition. Explanatory notes regarding the specific application of the
definition for the purpose of the Guidelines may also be provided.
AIBC
The Architectural Institute of British Columbia.
AIBC/APEGBC Building Enclosure Agreement
Refers to AIBC and APEGBC document Points of Principle, Building Envelope
Professional (April 18, 2001), subject to the Memorandum of Agreement between
APEGBC and AIBC (April 2, 1996).
APEGBC
The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia.
Architects Act
The Architects Act [RSBC 1996] c. 17.
ASHRAE
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)
Means the governmental body responsible for the enforcement of any part of the building
code or the official or agency designated by that body to exercise such a function. (BCBC)
BCBC
The British Columbia Building Code.
building code
Includes the British Columbia Building Code, the City of Vancouver Building By-law, and
the National Building Code.
building enclosure
Includes materials, components and assemblies as defined in Article 5.1.2.1 of the building
code; building enclosure is synonymous and can used interchangeably with building
envelope.
building enclosure engineer (BEE)
A member who focuses his or her practice in the field of building enclosure engineering
and is qualified to do so as described in these Guidelines.
client
The party who contracts with a BEE for the provision of building enclosure engineering
services by the BEE.
construction documents
Include all the plans and supporting documents such as engineering and architectural
design drawings and specifications.
constructor(s)
The contractor(s), sub-contractor(s) and trade contractor(s) responsible for the
construction of a building.
coordinating registered professional (CRP)
Means a registered professional retained to coordinate all design work and field reviews of
the registered professionals required for the project. (BCBC)
design drawings
Drawings (except record drawings, see below), including supplemental sketches or
drawings, prepared by a registered professional at any stage of a building project. Design
drawings submitted for building permitting, must be signed, sealed and dated by the
registered professional who assumes overall responsibility for the design.
direct supervision
Means the responsibility for the control and conduct of the engineering or geoscience work
of a subordinate.
enhanced building envelope services
Refers to services provided by a BEE, and mandated by an AHJ, to address building
enclosure performance issues as acceptable solutions relating to Sections 5.4, 5.5 and 5.6
of the Building Code. Enhanced building envelope services must be provided in a manner
consistent with AIBC/APEGBC Bulletin 34: Building Envelope Services Appropriate
Professional Practice.
Engineers and Geoscientists Act
The Engineers and Geoscientists Act [RSBC 1996] c. 116.
field reviews
Means a review of the work
a) at a project site of a development to which a building permit relates, and
b) where applicable, at fabrication locations where building components are fabricated
for use at the project site
that a registered professional in his or her professional discretion considers necessary to
ascertain whether the work substantially complies in all material respects with the plans
APEGBC October 2012
and supporting documents prepared by the registered professional for which the building
permit is issued. (BCBC)
letters of assurance
Legal accountability documents under Section 2.2.7 in Part 2 of Division C of the British
Columbia Building Code 2006 and the City of Vancouver Building By-Law No. 9419.
Otherwise known as Schedules A, B, C-A and C-B, are See most recent edition of Guide
to the Letters of Assurance in the B.C. Building Code 2006. See schedule.
local regulations
Local building by-laws or other regulations applicable to the AHJ.
maintenance
The actions taken periodically to sustain a desired or required level of performance;
maintenance includes cleaning, minor repairs, replacement of smaller components and
activities that limit the deleterious effects to the building enclosure.
member
Means a registered member of the APEGBC. Where appropriate for the purposes of these
Guidelines, member also includes an APEGBC engineering licensee, or the holder of an
APEGBC limited licence in engineering with an appropriate scope specified in the limited
licence.
Model Schedules D and C-D
Alternate accountability documents to be used when AHJs are mandating enhanced
building envelope services. They are not letters of assurance. Model Schedules D and C-D
are provided as part of the AIBC/APEGBC Bulletin 34: Building Envelope Services
Appropriate Professional Practice.
owner
Means any person, firm or corporation controlling the property under consideration during
that period of application of the building code. (BCBC) The owner is often different (e.g.
the developer) when a building is being designed and constructed, than after the building
construction is complete and is being used for its intended purpose (e.g. a strata
corporation).
primary structural system
The combination of elements that supports the self-weight of a building and the applicable
live load based on occupancy, use of the spaces and environmental loads such as wind,
snow and seismic forces.
record drawings
Drawings prepared as a record to document what was constructed. The types of
information provided vary, but can include measurements, elevations, sizes or notes
added to the construction documents. They are typically prepared by the constructor.
APEGBC October 2012
registered professional
Means a person who is registered or licensed to practise as an architect under the
Architects Act, or a person who is registered or licensed to practise as a professional
engineer under the Engineers and Geoscientists Act. (BCBC)
registered professional of record (RPR)
Means a registered professional retained to undertake design work and field review in
accordance with the building code. (BCBC)
rehabilitation
The process of undertaking a program of comprehensive and systemic reconstruction of
the building enclosure assemblies and details, so that it can fulfill its originally intended
functions. Rehabilitation projects are most often initiated because of premature failure.
renewal
The process of undertaking a program of systemic reconstruction or replacement of aged
elements of the building enclosure. Renewal projects are very similar in scope to
rehabilitation projects but are not associated with premature failure; rather, the work is
needed due to normal wear and aging associated with an element reaching the end of its
service life.
renovation
The process of undertaking improvements or changes to the building enclosure as a part
of a more general program for the building related to changes in functional, performance or
occupancy requirements rather than premature failure or the need for renewal.
repair
The process of undertaking the reconstruction or replacement of specific elements of the
building enclosure so that it can fulfill its originally intended functions. Unlike rehabilitation,
a repair is undertaken because of a premature failure but is non-systemic and, therefore,
focussed on one specific aspect of the construction, or is localized to one area of a
building.
schedule
Accountability document, in the form of a schedule, to be submitted by registered
professionals of record as required by the building code. See letters of assurance.
secondary structural element
A structural design element that is structurally significant to the function it serves but does
not contribute to the overall strength or stability of the primary structural system. Examples
can include fastening and strength of curtain wall systems, frames of other types of glazed
assemblies, steel stud infill panels, various claddings, roof anchors, guardrails, most
sheathing within wall assemblies, and seismic restraints for architectural, mechanical and
electrical design elements.
service life
The actual period of time that any element performs its intended function(s) without
rehabilitation, renewal, or repair associated with premature failure, but with periodic
maintenance.
specifications
A written description of the materials, standards of quality, minimum performance
requirements, and construction requirements for design elements of a building project.
submittal
Items required by the construction documents to be submitted by the constructor to the
CRP, such as requests for payment, progress reports, shop drawings, materials samples,
manufacturer's literature, concrete mix designs, aggregate gradation reports, schedules,
etc. A submittal is used to communicate how the constructor intends to specifically meet
the intent of the construction documents.
supporting registered professional (SRP)
A registered professional who provides services to support the registered professional of
record for a particular component or sub-component of a discipline. See APEGBC Bulletin
K: BCBC - Letters of Assurance in the BC Building Code and Due Diligence, September
2010. Also see AIBC/APEGBC Practice Note 16: Professional Design and Field Review by
Supporting Registered Professionals.
supporting schedule
Accountability document such as Schedule S-B or Schedule S-C of AIBC/APEGBC
Practice Note 16: Professional Design and Field Review by Supporting Registered
Professionals used by a supporting registered professional in support of a registered
professional of record.
2.0
INTRODUCTION
2.0.1
2.0.2
2.1
2.1.1
These Guidelines set out the standards of practice that a building enclosure
engineer (BEE) must generally follow and meet when providing building
enclosure engineering services for building projects. See Section 2.3.
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.2
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
2.2.4
These Guidelines also take into account the commitments that the AHJs may
require from BEEs as set out in the schedules.
2.2.5
These Guidelines relate to the provision of services for new buildings and
existing buildings, and reflect the AIBC/APEGBC Building Enclosure Agreement.
2.3
2.3.1
3.0
3.0.1
Appropriate qualifications for a BEE must include core competencies which are
considered basic and fundamental to the provision of building enclosure
engineering services. These core competencies include theoretical and
academic knowledge, as well as practical experience as described in these
Guidelines. To achieve designs that will meet the desired performance
objectives for the building enclosure, the BEE must also effectively translate
these competencies into practice, and must be aware of and recognize the
numerous factors associated with building projects that may affect these
designs.
3.1
Core Competencies
3.1.1.2
The BEE must have a detailed knowledge of applicable building code, standards
and local regulations, namely:
Parts 3 and 4 of the applicable building code as they apply to the building
enclosure.
The BEE must have a good understanding of the relevant technical standards
related to the elements of the building enclosure.
The BEE must have a thorough understanding of the following areas of theory
and technical knowledge as they relate to the performance of building enclosure
and their specific practice:
.1 Materials Knowledge:
mechanisms of deterioration,
.2 Building Physics:
use of heat, air and moisture flow calculations, and simulation tools for
building enclosure design and analysis,
The BEE must be familiar with the content and preparation of building enclosure
related construction documents and must be able to apply his or her knowledge
to the design and design review of building enclosures. This competency
includes but is not necessarily limited to:
the ability to assess exposure conditions related the building site and
determine appropriate external environmental loads and assess internal
loads imposed on the building enclosure due to use and occupancy;
design and preparation of detail drawings that clearly identify the work
required at various building enclosure locations and the ability to identify
whether the designs produced by others adequately address the
performance issues identified above;
The BEE must be knowledgeable and have experience with the various
techniques, standards and protocols related to investigation, assessment and
testing of building enclosure elements and assemblies. This competency
includes the applicability and limitations of these standards and protocols, as
well as the appropriate use and calibration of testing equipment and instruments.
3.1.4.2
3.1.5.2
3.1.5.3
3.2
Experience
The BEE must have knowledge and experience in the application of building
science principles as they relate to the assessment of performance of the
building enclosure.
3.2.1.2
In accordance with the APEGBC Code of Ethics, a member must restrict his or
her practice to his or her fields of competence. APEGBC has not implemented a
specialist designation for BEEs; however, members must consider the following
criteria as providing reasonable bench marks for a BEE:
3.2.2.2
It is important that a BEE keep up with current knowledge and training relevant
to their practice. A BEE must make a demonstrable effort to maintain
knowledge.
4.0
4.0.1
This section provides guidance on the technical services that a BEE may
provide on a building project, and is organized into two primary parts
corresponding to:
4.0.2
The services described below are not intended to be exhaustive, or to include all
the services that may be provided by a BEE, and should be considered in
conjunction with other provisions of these Guidelines.
4.0.3
Before commencing services, the BEE must communicate with the client and
other team members as required to:
4.1
determine and agree upon the terms of reference, confirm the scope of
services to be provided, as well as the elements of the building enclosure to
which the services are applicable;
4.1.1 Overview
4.1.1.1
The basic scope of services outlines the BEEs responsibility with respect to the
building enclosure performance issues of the building code.
4.1.1.2
Each project will dictate different roles and responsibilities for the BEE. Several
typical project situations are described in these Guidelines. The scope of
engineering services will vary for each of these types of projects. For example,
work on an existing building will mean that certain design parameters have
already been determined or resolved.
4.1.1.3
Similarly, the different roles on projects will dictate a different scope of services
for a BEE. For a new construction project, an architect will usually be the RPR;
4.1.1.5
The description of the technical tasks that follows has been done primarily in the
context of a new construction project with the recognition that the delivery
mechanism will vary depending on project type and scope.
.9 Document the results of this phase in a format suitable to the design team
and the client.
4.1.3 Design Development Phase
4.1.3.1
4.1.3.2
the continuity of thermal insulation, moisture, air and vapour barriers; and
In the construction phase, the BEE must provide field review services for all
building enclosure elements that the BEE has designed or reviewed in earlier
project phases.
4.1.6.2
The field reviews may include the review of proprietary components such as
windows that have been designed by a member for a manufacturer. In such a
case, the field review is undertaken for the purpose of reviewing the integration
of this component into the overall building enclosure as well as a quality
assurance role to help confirm that the installed component meets the overall
performance criteria.
4.1.6.3
Some items reviewed by the BEE may also require review by other members of
the design team or by testing or inspection agencies. Such work may include
waterproof membranes, glazing, pre-cast concrete elements, welding,
proprietary products, and primary and secondary structural elements.
4.1.6.4
Construction phase field review services must include, but not necessarily be
limited to the following, and may vary depending upon the complexity of the job
and the experience of the contractor:
.1
.2
.3
.4
.5
.6
Visit the site at sufficient frequency and extent, at the BEEs sole discretion,
to ascertain whether the work substantially complies in all material respects
with the construction documents and applicable portions of the building
code. The review must include all assemblies and a substantial number of
the details rather than just a representative sampling for those elements
reviewed or designed by the BEE in earlier project phases. The field
reviews by the BEE do not replace the field review requirements of the
architect RPR for the building enclosure on new construction or renovation
projects
.7
.8
.9
.10 Assist in arranging for and observing the mock-up and/or testing of key
building enclosure elements such as wall assemblies or window
installations, where required.
.11 Review the continuity of thermal insulation, moisture, air and vapour
barriers.
.12 Review drainage paths.
.13 Review the acceptability of the moisture content of wood products.
.14 Confirm that components and materials used are those specified in the
construction documents or are acceptable alternatives.
.15 Upon completion of construction, complete, sign and seal applicable
schedules or supporting schedules, and submit to the appropriate party.
4.1.7 Reporting
4.1.7.1
Ensure that the results of the design and field reviews are effectively
documented and communicated to applicable members of the design team.
4.2
Notify applicable members of the design and construction team, and as may
be appropriate, their client, regarding the implications and consequences of
decisions and actions contrary to, or inconsistent with the BEEs advice.
4.2.1.2
The BEE must work together with other project registered professionals such as
the architect RPR or CRP to establish if there are significantly dissimilar indoor
environments that require the BEEs involvement.
Below grade and at-grade assemblies are sometimes included as part of the
services to be provided by a BEE. If these elements are included, the BEE must
have knowledge of groundwater transport mechanisms and management
techniques. When selecting and designing the appropriate methods and
materials for water management below grade, the BEE must coordinate with the
geotechnical engineer, civil engineer, mechanical engineer, structural engineer
and RPR responsible for site drainage.
4.2.2.2
As part of his or her services, a BEE may need to consider the management of
moisture loads from accumulated snow and ice. To address these loads for
buildings in some locations, the BEE will require specialized knowledge and
experience. To minimize the potential for safety hazard due to the shedding of
snow and ice from roofs, a BEE may provide services related to the design of
snow retention systems and other applicable measures. A BEE who provides
these services must have gained specialty knowledge thorugh education and
practical experience in the design, installation and review of the performance of
snow management systems. The BEE must coordinate with the CRP, structural
RPR, the architect RPR and any other affected RPR.
Parts 5 and 9 of building codes contain requirements for the design for acoustic
separations. The associated necessary knowledge is not normally part of the
expertise of a practicing BEE. Acoustic design is considered an optional
specialty service and which is usually provided by a consultant with a specialty
in acoustics.
4.2.6.2
Building codes also contains requirements for energy efficiency of buildings that
require expertise associated with heat transfer. A BEE may be retained to
determine thermal resistance of building enclosure assemblies and components
for use in assuring compliance with energy use requirements of building codes
and reference standards such as the National Energy Code for Buildings
(NECB) and ASHRAE 90.1. Alternately, this information may be used as input
for simulations of energy use characteristics and for sizing of heating and
cooling systems. When accepting such assignments, the BEE must provide the
4.2.6.4
4.2.6.5
When undertaking energy use calculation or simulations, the BEE must be have
been trained in the use of the simulation programs and models appropriate for
the intended purpose i.e. show compliance with building codes if required. The
BEE must identify the input assumptions clearly enough to allow for an audit by
another consultant.
4.2.7 Durability
4.2.7.1
The BEE must consider the durability of materials in the environment to which
they will be exposed, and the overall durability of the building enclosure. The
purpose of the assessment of durability and service life expectancy is to allow
the owner to make informed decisions but it is not a guarantee of service life
performance. Many factors will impact the actual service life of building
enclosure assemblies, components and materials.
4.2.7.2
4.3
Other Services
In addition to the services described for construction projects, the BEE may also
provide services for projects that will not normally be associated with the actual
construction of a building and do not involve the preparation of construction
documents. Other services could include any of the services described in the
following sub-sections.
Building enclosure condition assessments are carried out for several purposes
and the extent of reviews and reporting requirements will vary by purpose. Two
of particular relevance to the practice of a BEE are:
.1
Renewal,
Repair
and
BEEs may provide services related to planning for maintenance and renewal for
buildings. The names used for these planning types of projects are not
consistent within the industry but include maintenance manuals, depreciation
reports, and reserve fund studies. While these projects are focussed on
physical elements of the building, they are also financial planning tools. As a
result, the BEE involved in these projects must clearly present the assumptions
made with respect to financial information and estimates, accuracy, potential
upgrades, validity of future projections, and any other limitations.
4.3.3.2
4.3.3.3
The BEE may take the lead in preparing multi-system plans and include other
building systems in addition to the building enclosure. In these instances, it is
important that that the team uses consistent assumptions and that it is clear how
the interfaces between the systems are addressed.
4.3.3.4
4.3.4.2
review opinions of probable cost and provide an opinion on whether the cost
seems appropriate; and
Warranty reviews are undertaken to assist in the identification of issues that may
result in a warranty claim. The warranty under consideration could be a thirdparty warranty such as the one required under the Homeowner Protection Act, a
product warranty, or other warranty as specified in the construction documents.
Prior to the commencement of the services, the BEE must confirm the specific
warranty product(s) that are the focus of the review, as well as the associated
timelines.
4.3.6.2
4.3.6.3
When undertaking warranty reviews, the BEE must identify building enclosure
performance issues, building code non-compliance, or other symptoms that may
be representative of conditions covered by the warranty in question; however,
the consideration of whether an observation, or condition, is covered by the
warranty requires a full understanding of the construction documents, the
warranty contract, applicable legislation and associated regulations, and
possibly other documents. The BEE may not have access to these documents,
nor have the expertise to assess their impact on the potential for warranty
coverage; therefore, the BEE must limit his or her comments to the existence of
symptoms, conditions or other findings of fact as opposed to providing opinions
on the potential extent of warranty coverage.
4.3.6.4
The BEE must state the limitations in the scope or extent of undertaken in
identifying observations, conditions, performance issues, or symptoms (e.g.
visual only).
5.0
5.0.1
The role and responsibilities of the building enclosure engineer varies depending
on the scope of project and how other registered professionals are involved.
Various schedules may be required by the building code and local regulations
depending on the nature of the project. This section describes the
responsibilities, functional relationships and use of schedules and supporting
schedules for the BEE for a variety of project types. See Table 5.1 for a
summary of the functional relationships and responsibilities for the building
enclosure portion of projects.
5.0.2
The roles and responsibilities described in this section are consistent with
AIBC/APEGBC Bulletin 34. In particular, see Section 5.6 for situations where an
AHJ mandate enhanced building envelope services. The most current version of
Guide to the Letters of Assurance in the B.C. Building Code 2006 should also be
referenced for a more detailed explanation of the roles and responsibilities with
respect to the use of schedules by the RPR.
5.0.3
5.1
5.1.1
5.2
5.3
5.3.1
5.3.2
Typically, the scope of these projects is so limited enough that a building permit
is not usually required. The BEE must confirm the building permit requirements
with the AHJ. If a permit is required then the roles and responsibilities for a
rehabilitation project apply.
5.3.3
If building permits are not required there is no need for submission of the
schedules required by the building code; however, depending on the scope of
the project several registered professionals may be required and therefore
supporting schedules S-B and S-C can be used as accountability documents.
5.3.4
Sketches or drawings will be required to describe the scope and nature of the
construction work to be performed, as well as to specify the materials to be
used.
5.4
Other Projects
5.4.1
In addition to building projects where a building permit is required and the BEE
may be required to submit one or more schedules, the BEE may also provide
services for other types of projects that will normally not involve the provision of
any schedules. These projects are not normally associated with the actual
construction of a building and do not involve the preparation of construction
documents.
5.4.2
5.4.3
Second opinions,
Warranty reviews,
Litigation support,
Risk assessments,
Guidance regarding the services to be provided for the first five types of projects
listed above is provided in Section 4.3.
Table 5.1: Functional Relationships for the Building Enclosure Portion of Typical Types of Projects
PROJECT TYPE
ROLES
COORDINATING
REGISTERED
PROFESSIONAL
(CRP)
REGISTERED
PROFESSIONALS
OF RECORD (RPR)
SUPPORTING
REGISTERED
PROFESSIONALS*
CONSTRUCTION
DOCUMENTS
OTHER PROJECTS
(Investigations,
Condition
Assessments, etc)
NEW BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION
OR RENOVATIONS
BUILDING ENCLOSURE
REHABILITATION OR
RENEWAL Scenario 1
Either an architect or
a professional
engineer may fulfill
the CRP role
May be required
depending on the
scope of project, and
expertise of the BEE
Supporting
schedules S-B and
S-C could be utilized
if desired but are not
required
If required by the
RPR, the BEE may
submit Supporting
Schedules S-B and SC customized for the
scope of services
provided and in
support of the
architects Schedules
B and C-B
The architect RPR
must prepare and
take responsibility for
the construction
documents
associated with the
building enclosure
BUILDING ENCLOSURE
REHABILITATION OR
RENEWAL Scenario 2
BUILDING ENCLOSURE
REPAIRS
A building permit is usually not
required
Letters of assurance and a CRP
are not required for projects that do
not require a building permit.
The BEE must confirm that a
building permit is not required for
each project before proceeding on
this basis
If a permit is required then the
roles for rehabilitation project apply
Not required. See above.
Letters of assurance
and a CRP are not
required for projects
that do not require a
building permit
* See Section 5.6 for other types of building enclosure accountability documents.
APEGBC October 2012
5.5
5.5.1
The RPR an architect for a new construction, and either an architect or a BEE
for rehabilitation or renewal projects takes responsibility for the design of the
building enclosure. The RPR may rely upon other registered professionals and
information in taking responsibility for the building enclosure. For example,
another architect, a BEE, mechanical engineer or an engineer working for the
window manufacturer may provide specific modelling and analysis services to
support the energy performance values that are provided and used. In these
instances, where another registered professional is providing support services,
Supporting Schedules S-B and S-C, which are endorsed by the AIBC and the
APEGBC, are the appropriate accountability documents to be provided to the
RPR. The following notes are provided with respect to the use of supporting
registered professionals and the Supporting Schedules S-B and S-C:
Supporting Schedules S-B and S-C are not part of the building code letters of
assurance and, therefore, are not intended to be submitted to the AHJs.
The use of a supporting registered professional and Supporting Schedules SB and S-C for any part of the letters of assurance is not mandatory, and is
solely at the discretion of the RPR.
The RPR for a building not required to have letters of assurance (e.g. smaller
buildings or repair projects) may still utilize supporting registered
professionals and Supporting Schedules S-B and S-C, if desired.
Supporting Schedules S-B and S-C should be completed to suit the scope of
services provided and can include design support services, field review
services, or a combination of both services.
5.5.2
5.5.3
For a typical construction project with an architect RPR, the BEE providing
building enclosure SRP services would provide the Supporting Schedules S-B
and S-C to the RPR who is responsible for the building enclosure as part of the
architectural portion on schedules B and C-B. The supporting schedules may
also be provided to the CRP but are not intended to be provided to the AHJ.
5.6
5.6.1
Schedules E-1 and E-2 from the City of Burnaby. It should be noted that, unlike
supporting Schedules S-B and S-C, some of these alternate accountability
documents may be required to be submitted to the AHJ.
5.7
5.7.1
The Building code does not generally require that letters of assurance or
schedules be submitted for the building enclosure of Part 9 buildings. The only
applicable exception relates Part 9 buildings designed with common egress
systems and requiring the use of firewalls, as referenced in the BCBC, Division
C, Subclause 2.2.7.1.(1)(c). There may be some instances where the design of
an element of the building enclosure falls outside the scope of Part 9 and in
these instances it may be appropriate to provide Schedules B and C-B that are
modified to indicate the specific scope of the accountability.
5.7.2
Some AHJs may request that schedules be submitted generally for the building
enclosure of Part 9 buildings. BEEs are cautioned that use of Schedules B and
C-B for this purpose is not supported by APEGBC and could introduce a level of
responsibility for the BEE that is not appropriate. Because they are intended to
be used in support of another registered professional and are not intended for
AHJs, Supporting Schedule S-B and S-C are also not appropriate. BEEs should
be cautious in utilizing accountability documents for Part 9 buildings and using
documents not endorsed by APEGBC. Modifying the basic wording of the
schedules or supporting schedules must be done carefully to reflect the scope of
service and accountability intended, and in accordance with the Guide to Letters
of Assurance in the BC Building Code 2006.
5.8
Reliance on Others
5.8.1
The BEE may rely upon others for some aspects of his or her services, and
some items within the BEEs scope may also require review by other RPRs who
comprise the design team, or by testing or inspection agencies. Such work may
include: roofing and waterproofing, glazing, pre-manufactured elements,
proprietary products, and secondary structural elements. The involvement of
others, however, does not relieve the BEE of his or her responsibility to see that
the design review and field reviews of the other Registered Professionals are
appropriately undertaken and, in their professional discretion, are acceptable.
The BEE must be aware of the limitations in scope or applicability of the review,
testing and inspection services provided by others.
5.9
5.9.1
There may some instances where a BEE may not be involved in the design
stage of a building but is involved in undertaking field review on behalf of
another RPR. This scenario primarily arises when the designer is remote from
the project and a local registered professional is retained to carry out the field
reviews. In such instances, it is recommended that prior to agreeing to
undertake the field reviews, the BEE must review the design and satisfy himself
or herself that the design is appropriate.
5.10
5.10.1
Wherever possible, it is the preference of APEGBC and AIBC, that the same
registered professional be responsible for the design documents and field
reviews. Several AHJs and representatives from government departments have
also voiced that same view. The APEGBC Bulletin K discusses the potential
difficulties encountered when design documents and field reviews are prepared
or conducted by different registered professionals.
5.11
5.11.1
5.12
Selection of Consultants
5.12.1
5.12.2
APEGBC supports the principle that a BEE must receive fair and adequate
compensation for professional services, including services provided to comply
with these Guidelines. Insufficient fees do not justify the provision of services
that do not meet the intent of these Guidelines. BEEs must refer to APEGBCs
Fee Guidelines for Engineering Services. When discussing an assignment and
reaching an agreement on compensation, a BEE may wish to discuss both these
Guidelines and the recommended fee Guidelines with his or her client.
5.13
5.13.1
writing, whether or not professional liability insurance is held and the extent to
which that insurance is applicable to the services provided.
5.14
Referral Fees
5.14.1
BEEs are strongly advised against accepting or providing referral fees or other
such compensation in connection with a project for which they are providing
building enclosure services. If a BEE does participate in a referral fee
arrangement then as a minimum, the nature of the referral fee must be fully
disclosed to the client and other parties to the project.
2001.
Technical and Practice Bulletin: Structural, Fire Protection and Building Envelope
Professional Engineering Services for 5 and 6 Storey Wood Frame Residential
Building Projects (Mid-Rise Buildings), April 2009, Revised March 1, 2011.
[http://www.apeg.bc.ca/ppractice/documents/ppGuidelines/5and6StoreyWoodFrameBulletin.pdf]
APEGBC|AIBC Documents
Bulletin 34: Building Envelope Services Appropriate Professional Practice,
Second Edition, April 2007 (updated January 2009 and August 2011).
[http://www.apeg.bc.ca/ppractice/documents/ppGuidelines/Bulletin34.pdf]
Memorandum of Agreement between The Association of Professional Engineers
and Geoscientists of the Province of British Columbia and Architectural Institute of
British Columbia, April 2, 1996.
[http://www.apeg.bc.ca/ppractice/documents/apegbcaibcmoa.pdf]
Practice Note 16: Professional Design and Field Review by Supporting Registered
Professional, First Edition, September 2010.
[http://www.apeg.bc.ca/ppractice/documents/AIBC_Practice_Note_16.pdf]
Legislation, Codes and Related Documents
Architects Act [RSBC 1996] c. 17.
[http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/00_96017_01]
British Columbia Building Code 2006, B.C. Reg. 295/98, Ministry of Forests and
Range and Minister Responsible for Housing, Province of British Columbia.
Builders Lien Act [SBC 1997] c.45, Ministry of Employment and Investment,
Province of British Columbia.
[http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/00_97045_01]
Building By-law No. 9419, 2007, City of Vancouver [Vancouver Building By-law].
Energy Efficiency Act [RSBC 1996] c. 114, Ministry of Energy, Province of British
Columbia.
[http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/00_96114_01]
Guide to the Letters of Assurance in the B.C. Building Code 2006, December 2010,
Edition 5a, Building and Safety Standards Branch, Ministry of Public Safety and
Solicitor General, Province of British Columbia.
[http://www.bccodes.ca/2006GuideLoA.pdf]
Homeowner Protection Act [SBC 1998] c. 31
[http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/00_98031_01]
National Building Code of Canada 2010, Canadian Commission on Buildings and
Fire Codes, National Research Council of Canada.
National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2011, Canadian Commission on
Buildings and Fire Codes, National Research Council of Canada.
[https://www03.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/catalog/productDetail.cfm?cat=40&itm=1&lang=en&fr=1350063961968]