Introduction to Building Envelope Science

This training supports learners in all trades to prevent, analyze, and fix issues with the building envelope that affect energy efficiency. Collaborative communication and respectful work are essential to the concept of  house as a system,  where all trades work together during the construction of a home to create the most energy-efficient product. The training will introduce solid building science with the intent of making tradespeople more informed about the importance of their work and how that work affects the other trades and impacts the performance of the home as a whole.   

Employees in trades such as construction, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing, will gain skills and knowledge regarding energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings. This upskilling opportunity will ensure employees have the necessary skills and abilities to perform their duties in an energy efficient and net zero environment.  

By the end of this training, learners will independently analyze issues with the building envelope, work effectively to preserve the building envelope, and defend why issues in the building envelope affect energy efficiency.  

The assessment for this microcredential will require learners to:  

• Identify the issues that will cause inefficiencies
• Identify the trade(s) responsible to fix the issues
• Execute code and best practices in your own work with the building envelope
• Communicate with other trades about issues identified in the building envelope  
• Follow up with collaborative communication between trades
• Articulate why best practices and codes must be followed to preserve energy efficiency

In order to develop competency, learners will:  

• Recognize energy-efficient construction and building design
• Understand the foundations of energy-efficient framing
• Review the impact of insulation and air barriers
• Relate the National Building Code to their trades’ work in energy efficiency
• Interpret a field lab demonstration for application in an authentic work environment

Employees in trades such as construction, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing, will gain skills and knowledge regarding energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings. This upskilling opportunity will ensure employees have the necessary skills and abilities to perform their duties in an energy efficient and net zero environment.