by Nikki Fotheringham
Investing in high-performance building systems requires working with experts in construction, engineering and HVAC to ensure optimal design and performance. Finding an expert means looking for someone with years of industry experience and someone who is certified in their field.
Importance of Building System Certifications
Hiring a certified technician to design and test building systems is essential for many reasons. Being certified means that an individual has passed rigorous training, studying and examinations. They have proven their expertise in industry standards and specifications and are the most qualified technicians to support your project.
Types of Building System Certifications
While there are many types of building certifications, we will focus on NEEB, TABB and NSF certifications.
NEBB Certification
The National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) was established in 1971 to oversee construction companies that install and fine-tune high-performance building systems. Such buildings that must adhere to strict environmental standards require expert knowledge of an NEBB certified technician to ensure their systems work together to meet performance goals. NEBB services new construction and building retrofit sustainable design, building enclosures, Cleanroom Performance Testing (CPT) and more.
TABB Certification
Your HVAC system is one of the most important appliances in your building. When you have an HVAC system that is too big, you could have substantial electric bills to contend with. HVAC systems and air filtration systems that are not correctly sized can lead to pressure differences between inside and outside air also. When this happens, the building either sucks in or pushes out air—and you spend more on heating and cooling.
If you need your HVAC system to run more efficiently or if you are looking to source the right HVAC system during construction, a Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau (TABB) certified company can service your HVAC needs. TABB has been operating since 1981 and sets certification standards for the industry.
National Sanitation Foundation
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) was established in 1944 to improve human and environmental health. The organization is responsible for the development of public health and safety standards. This includes testing and repairing smoke and fire alarm systems and specialized testing of laboratory fume hoods and biological safety cabinets.
Working with Certified Technicians
High-performance building systems can help save you money and create a healthier environment for your workers and the communities you live in. However, these systems must be serviced by NEBB certified, TABB certified and NSF certified technicians so that you know they are working efficiently.
Working with a certified company like Therma can help you meet performance goals. See how we can help you today.
Nikki Fotheringham is an environmental journalist. She is the editor of Greenmoxie.com where she shares green-living tips and helps people to live a more sustainable life.
