The building science principles forming the foundation for high performance are how heat moves, how moisture moves, and how the two always work together. The three forms of heat transfer—radiation, conduction, and convection—and the four modes of moisture movement—bulk water, capillary water, air-transported moisture, and vapor diffusion—are covered by practical expressions in buildings. The management of heat and moisture (hygrothermal) is accomplished by continuous control layers—water, air, and thermal—and then inevitable wetting is managed with a vapor profile—dedicated and directional drying by diffusion. This educational module sets the stage for how high performance can be accomplished in the context of model energy code compliance. It also sets the stage for how a high-performance enclosure demands high-performance HVAC, particularly connecting ACCA Manual J (load calculations) with ACCA Manuals S (system sizing) and D (duct distribution and sizing).

Learning Objectives:



Employ building science principles in their own design, specification, and construction work.
Use the “pen” test to determine control layer continuity in their own building assemblies and enclosures.
Connect lower load building enclosures to higher performance HVAC.
Work with clients to show how high performance translates into efficiency, better thermal comfort, improved indoor air quality, and less maintenance/greater resilience.

Instructor: Peter Yost

CEU's: 1 AIA, 1 BPI, 1 NAHB, 1 NARI, 1 RESNET, and 1 GENERAL

**A maximum of 6 NAHB credits can be earned for entire Summit