National Environmental Balancing Bureau

National Environmental Balancing Bureau (logo)

National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) is a non-profit organization that establishes, promotes, and maintains high standards of performance in the environmental systems industry. It provides certification for firms and individuals that meet these standards, ensuring the proper operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, cleanrooms, and other environmental systems in buildings and facilities.

History

The National Environmental Balancing Bureau was founded in the early 1970s in response to the growing need for standardized practices in the testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) of HVAC systems. Over the years, NEBB has expanded its certification programs to include building systems commissioning, sound and vibration measurement, retro-commissioning, fume hood testing, and building enclosure testing.

Certification Programs

NEBB offers several certification programs aimed at ensuring the performance of building environmental systems. These include:

• Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB): This program focuses on the proper testing, adjusting, and balancing of air and hydronic systems in buildings to ensure they operate efficiently and effectively.
• Building Systems Commissioning (BSC): The BSC program ensures that building systems are designed, installed, functionally tested, and capable of being operated and maintained according to the owner's operational needs.
• Cleanroom Performance Testing (CPT): This certification is for professionals who test and certify the performance of cleanrooms and controlled environments.
• Sound and Vibration (S&V): This program is designed for those involved in measuring and mitigating sound and vibration in building environments.
• Building Enclosure Testing (BET): BET focuses on the testing of building envelopes to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

Education and Training

NEBB provides comprehensive education and training programs to prepare individuals for certification exams and to ensure they remain up-to-date with the latest industry standards and practices. These programs include seminars, workshops, and self-study materials.

Standards and Publications

NEBB is also involved in the development of industry standards and publications that provide guidelines and best practices for environmental system performance. These documents are essential resources for professionals in the field.

Membership

Membership in NEBB is open to firms that meet specific qualifications, including a commitment to quality and adherence to NEBB standards. Member firms benefit from recognition as industry leaders in environmental system performance, access to NEBB's technical resources, and opportunities for professional development.

Impact on the Industry

NEBB's certification programs and standards have had a significant impact on the environmental systems industry, leading to improved efficiency, reliability, and performance of building systems. By promoting best practices and providing rigorous certification, NEBB helps ensure that buildings are healthier, more sustainable, and more energy-efficient.