NABCTA recently hosted its popular BERM (Building Enclosure as Risk Management) training course at the Texas A&M System’s RELLIS Campus in Bryan, Texas. This unique program drew general contractors, other industry professionals and Texas A&M Architectural & Engineering students for several days of intensive workshops, hands-on demonstrations, and collaborative discussions on best practices in modern building performance and code compliance.

One of the defining aspects of the BERM course is its holistic approach to building envelope risk management. Rather than focusing solely on one narrow aspect of construction, NABCTA’s curriculum addresses a broad range of topics: from energy efficiency and moisture control to structural resilience in the face of extreme weather events. Attendees learn how to assess, test, and most importantly-document building performance commissioning plans through methods that align with evolving national and international standards. The class emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration, BERM ensures that participants develop a deeper understanding of the entire “envelope” that separates indoor environments from the outdoors—helping them identify and mitigate risks before they become costly problems.

RELLIS is the ideal setting for this training. Our classroom incorporates state-of-the-art teaching aids, which include a specialized mock-up testing environment, a large-scale demonstration area, and modern classroom buildings that accommodate the full spectrum of activities offered by NABCTA’s BERM program. During the hands-on sessions, participants perform air and water intrusion tests in a controlled environment, practiced water testing techniques, and conducted leak testing of windows, walls, roofing and waterproofing mock-ups to identify common vulnerabilities in building envelopes.

NABCTA is bringing a highly anticipated “You’re Cracking Me Up” stucco Lunch and Learn class next month on March 25^th. Bill Coltzer’s stucco presentation combines humor with technical expertise, making complex stucco topics engaging and easy to digest. Drawing on years of field experience, Billy will discuss stucco related issues—ranging from cosmetic hairline fractures to structural splits that threaten the building envelope—and stresses the importance of proper installation, routine maintenance and brings wisdom from writing opinions on more than a few litigation cases.

His legendary anecdotes keep the audience entertained while driving home key lessons about missing control joints, thermal expansion, and moisture intrusion. Billy will also demonstrate various diagnostic methods, such as visual inspections, destructive testing, and forensic investigations, to reveal hidden vulnerabilities.

This Lunch and Learn session closes with practical repair strategies, from sealing minor cracks to more comprehensive tear-off and re-lathing procedures. Thanks to Billy’s blend of humor and candor, attendees leave well-informed, confident in applying their newfound understanding, and reminded that a little laughter can lighten even the most serious building discussions.

Another notable RELLIS campus update includes the announcement of Texas A&M’s partnership with four nuclear reactor companies to bring more power to the state’s electric grid. The nuclear project, which aims to bring clean, non-carbon power to the campus and the state, is one of many underway at the RELLIS campus in Bryan. Local and state officials say this project will get nuclear power deployed throughout the State of Texas and will have a significant impact on the Bryan-College Station area. More details on this story can be found here: Texas A&M University System To Bring Nuclear Reactors To Texas A&M-RELLIS - Texas A&M Today