The management of heat flows in buildings is intended to achieve a number of important objectives. Besides improving the thermal comfort in a building, the management of building heat flows conserves energy and can also contribute to enhancing durability and resilience. This course begins with a building science look at managing enclosure heat flows, both heat losses and heat gains, and then goes on to examine these phenomena within the context of the residential building enclosure. This is followed by an overview of windows and glazing and their key performance characteristics. Successful completion of this course assumes that participants possess a suitable entry level of knowledge about building design and construction. Technical education in architecture, engineering, construction, and/or related industry experience are generally considered sufficient to successfully engage this course.

Learning Objectives

By completing this course you will learn and be able to:

• Understand the basic building science concepts related to enclosure heat flows. Realize the magnitude of the negative impacts associated with thermal bridging and the need for continuous insulation;
• Identify means of cladding attachment that will not compromise insulation effectiveness. Gain awareness of how the management of heat flows is achieved in residential building enclosures;
• Select windows and glazing based on their physical performance characteristics. Appreciate how the management of building heat flows is integrated within the whole building enclosure system; and
• Access additional sources of information about the management of heat flows in buildings.