Print this page Building Envelope Air Tightness
Steven G. Liescheidt, P.E., CCS, CCPR
Course Outline
This two hour online course discusses the importance of improving the building envelope construction to provide better air tightness. In addition the course discusses the theory and practical applications regarding building envelope construction importance.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of course materials.
Learning
Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will learn about:
- Building descriptions – retail, offices, apartments;
- Airflow models;
- Thermal properties, setpoints and schedules;
- Energy uses and scalar rations;
- Targeted air leakage rates; and
- Commercial building airtightness data.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for mechanical engineers, energy engineers and architectural/engineers.
Benefit for Attendee
Attendee of this course will be able better understand the impact of the building envelope construction on the HVAC system, occupant comfort and energy use of the building systems.
Course Introduction
The report used in this course presents a simulation study of the energy impact of improving envelope airtightness in U.S. commercial buildings. Despite common assumptions, measurements have shown that typical U.S. commercial buildings are not particularly airtight. Past simulation studies have shown that commercial building envelope leakage can result in significant heating and cooling loads.
Course Content
This course is primarily based on the Investigation of the Impact of Commercial Building Envelope Airtightness of HVAC Use, National Institute of Technologies - NISTIR 7238 – June 2005
Building Envelope Air Tightness
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Course Summary
The simulation study in this course included a small number of building types with a specific set of energy-related parameters (i.e., envelope construction types, internal loads, ventilation rates, etc.) in a limited set of climates. Predicted potential annual heating and energy cost savings for these buildings ranged from 2 % to 36 % with the largest savings occurring in the heating-dominated climates of Minneapolis and Bismarck and the smallest savings occurring in the cooling-dominated climates of Phoenix and Miami. The cost effectiveness analysis utilized costs for certain specific materials but other materials may be used to achieve the whole building airtightness target level used in the study.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:
United States Green Building Council – www.usgbc.com
US Department of Energy – www.doe.gov
National Renewable Energy Laboratory – www.nrel.gov
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
