Description
This continuing education course for professional engineers 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. To evaluate the potential energy savings of an effective air barrier requirement, annual energy simulations were prepared for three nonresidential buildings (a two-story office building, a one-story retail building, and a four-story apartment building) in 5 U.S. cities. This course is for 3 continuing education hours for professional engineers.
Course Number: PDH103
Learning Units: 3 LU (3 hours)
Learning Objectives:
- Upon completion of this course, the student will understand the method of analysis regarding building envelope tightness.
- The student will be able to determine which building types can be most positively impacted by improving building envelope tightness.
- The student will understand and be able to describe and demonstrate common airflow models.
- The student will have a full understanding regarding which climates allow for the most energy savings by tightening the building envelope.