By / Brian Hofler
“Growing pains,” a term that has come to refer to the hardships experienced at the early stages of an endeavour, is a good reminder that regardless of the value of an idea or the uniqueness of a project, you cannot expect success unless a good foundation is built first. Now in its fifth year, the QAC program is proving that having a solid base is the key to ensuring that “growing pains” are an acceptable part of the development process and an indication that the QAC program is undergoing a growth spurt indicative of good health.
Readers of the TIAC Times are familiar with the BCICA Quality Assurance Certificate (QAC) program through previous articles, discussions at various regional and national meetings, presentations to other mechanical insulation (MI) associations, and even references to the QAC by TIAC’s Director of Energy Initiatives, Steve Clayman. Quality assurance is now at the top of the national agenda and mechanical insulation contractors across Canada are learning that quality assurance goes hand in hand with quality work, qualified tradespersons, and materials that meet national standards. This is a concept that reflects TIAC’s motto as The Voice of the Mechanical Insulation Industry—a slogan that gives voice to professionals that recognize quality assurance as an asset rather than a liability.
In 2015, the QAC began with the support of just a few engineering firms in BC. Now, in 2019, over a dozen firms are including the QAC in their master specification, a clear sign that mechanical engineers find value, confidence, and peace of mind in the QAC and the processes that are in place to administer the program.
Why the increased support? Timing, planning, commitment, partnering, and perhaps a little luck are all factors that have contributed to the acceptance of the QAC as a key element of many specifications. It is a living program and as such, the QAC and the Quality Standards Manual, which provides updated technical guidance for MI materials, applications, and finishes, are current with NECB 2015 and the latest ASHRAE standards. Insulation installed thickness are being verified by independent inspection, which ensures conscientious engineers that their energy savings forecast is not being undermined by poor quality and or incorrectly installed mechanical insulation.
The BCICA board, with the input and strong support from association members that attend regular breakfast meetings, discusses what works in the QAC program, what can be improved, and how BCICA can respond to issues that may test the program or enhance opportunities. Examples include mechanical contractors that award a QAC contract to a non-member, taking a proactive approach when products do not meet acceptable CAC/ULC for ASTM standards, communication with mechanical contractors directly to reaffirm and clarify the MI scope of work. The QAC program encourages partnerships with energy conservation groups, labour associations, large corporations such as Fortis BC (currently implementing an energy rebate program for piping insulation), and different levels of government because in simplest terms, the QAC helps to save energy for the future.
When the QAC was being developed, part of the discussion included the size of the mechanical insulation projects. Five years ago, BCICA contractors working primarily in the commercial sector defined a “big job” as one exceeding $100,000. But that is changing. As the emphasis moved from “value engineering” to energy conservation, the size and cost of MI jobs has been increasing significantly. In 2015, only four QAC jobs exceeded that $100,000 threshold while in the first half of 2019 already over a dozen contracts exceed the original $100,000 benchmark. Clearly BCICA members are benefitting from the recognition that MI is the low hanging fruit of energy conservation, but also, that more engineers are specifying a QAC as an oversight mechanism to ensure specific insulation thicknesses are installed. Is it any wonder that some of the following major projects in Greater Vancouver Regional Disctrict (GVRD), New Westminster Law Courts, Eagle Ridge Hospital, Vancouver YVR Expansion Project, and Vancouver House, an iconic multi-family residential project, have all been specified with a QAC?
The BCICA QAC program, like all good ideas, has experienced growing pains, but through hard work and some luck, the QAC is stronger now than ever before. However, the work has just begun. Many great ideas suffer from FTL or “failure to launch” syndrome. More investment in the inspection program, promotion to the engineering community, and support by the national association for a program will ensure long-term success.
To that end, BCICA is reviewing current curricula materials for the inspection courses facilitated online by BCIT with a view to improve the course. The Quality Standards Manual is under review and an updated version will be published in the Fall. BCICA hired Norm Grusnick, P.Eng., as the technical director at the beginning of 2019 to promote the QAC to the engineering community. He has already had an impact on the number of engineering firms signing on to the QAC program. As well, the BCICA board was recently invited to send a contractor to sit at the Mechanical Contractors Association of BC (MCABC) board as a voting member. This can be partially attributed to the influence BCICA is exerting through the creation, promotion, and acceptance of the QAC program. Mechanicals want to ensure that they understand their responsibilities where the QAC is specified.
And finally, there are efforts being made on several fronts to share QAC resource materials with mechanical associations across Canada. TIAC, too, has played a role by helping to disseminate information at the board level and through its Director of Energy Initiatives, Steve Clayman. More can be done, however, as growing pains for the QAC are under control and it may be an opportunity for TIAC and other MI associations to consider the possibilities. ▪