This course will develop knowledge of building airtightness to meet the requirements of the Upper Steps of the BC Energy Step Code including the Passive House standard. The course starts with a lecture to refresh understanding of air flow fundamentals as they relate to building enclosure assemblies and the BC Energy Step Code. In a full day students will apply this knowledge by constructing and evaluating various air barrier strategies based on sample projects. The strategies and details constructed aim to facilitate a critical comparison of the performance, constructability, and costs of different approaches to meet the airtightness (ACH) metrics of the BC Energy Step Code or the Passive House standard. Students will compare materials (membranes, insulation, tapes, fasteners, etc.) and their application in an air barrier system. Learning will cover various air barrier details (above and below grade walls, roofs, etc) and detailing solutions for interfaces, windows, and penetrations. Students will also observe a blower door test and practice locating and repairing leaks on interior and exterior air barrier systems.                      

FALL 2020: Tuesday October 6 and Tuesday October 13: 6-10 PM (2 live stream lecture/construction demonstrations from the High Performance Building Lab)

INSTRUCTORS: James Bourget and Pierre-Andre Santin