Faced with continuing dramatic increases in energy costs, maintenance and engineering managers are scrambling to evaluate ways to make new and existing buildings more energy efficient. Most concepts for energy efficiency include lighting use and more efficient mechanical systems.
But the building envelope also is a key element of energy efficiency, primarily affecting heating and cooling, although most see it merely as a barrier against moisture. Besides making the envelope more energy efficient, designing and constructing it in conjunction with the mechanical system will make a building’s heating and cooling much more efficient.
Several culprits lead to energy losses through the building envelope, including air leaks, wet insulation and thermal bridging. To construct an energy-efficient, reliable, and functional building envelope, managers need to understand the envelope, as well as material selection and detailing.
Building Envelope: How to Avoid Energy Loss
Building Envelope: Sealing Leaks and Stopping Thermal Bridging
Building Envelope: Keep Water Out of the Roof
Air Barriers Improve Energy Efficiency in Building Envelopes
