This class is part of AIA+2030, a ten-session Professional Series to help design professionals create buildings that meet the energy efficiency goals of the 2030 Challenge. Learn more and Register for the series.

Session IV: Skins: the importance of the thermal envelope
A building’s skin is a critical interface between occupant comfort and the variations of season and climate. A high performance building requires a high performance envelope, tuned to the site conditions that can control for unwanted heat gain and loss. This session explores the design and technology approaches to wall and window assemblies, from low cost methods to minimize thermal bridging to advanced double skinned wall approaches, as well as addressing the need to address moisture issues in concert with insulation approaches.

Learning objectives:
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- State the critical elements of thermal envelope responsible for building energy expenditure.
- Specify strategies for minimizing thermal bridging.
- Defend the use of added design, materials, and construction investment related to a high performance thermal envelope in order to reap building operational savings.