EEBA Academy

The building science principles forming the foundation for high performance are how heat moves, how moisture moves, and how the two always work together. 

Since the 1990s residential buildings have shown dramatic and consistent improvement in their energy efficiency: Average energy use per square foot is down substantially, and so are average energy use per household and average energy use per household member. How do we account for this extraordinary progress, and what can architects do to continue to improve energy efficiency in residential architecture?

This class will discuss code requirements found in the prescriptive window and insulation requirements and how these requirements have changed through various code editions (2009-2021). The audience will learn how to interpret the tables, understand different insulation types that comply and explore innovative examples. The class will discuss how the code tables are intended to control conductive heat flow, and will explain how the code treats concepts like "effective R-value" and U-value. The class will also discuss flexibility allowed through different compliance options within the prescriptive compliance path. This module will cover IECC Climate Zones 1 and 2 while other modules will cover other climate zones.

Consumers are more aware of their options and they demand better homes. Air sealing lies at the heart of any successful building, addressing 3 of the 4 major risk controls (vapor, air flow, and thermal controls).