The Commissioning process has historically attached itself to the active systems, leaving the primarily passive envelope systems undefined and unchecked. However, due to the significant changes in City and State Energy Codes across the US which are addressing envelope design requirements to meet air leakage control and thermal performance targets, a new light has been directed at the importance of commissioning the passive systems. The code changes are requiring designers and contractors to deliver higher performance of their buildings, especially from the building envelope.

Management of moisture, air, vapor, and thermal performance, as well as wind resistance requirements, are critical at the wall-to-roof interface. This session will provide guidelines to successfully navigate these often-competing interests and provide strategies for achievable performance through design and specification, without compromising the aesthetics with distracting details, for commercial building wall systems.

Building codes are evolving to create more stringent standards for energy efficiency. Passive techniques were used in building design for centuries to help moderate indoor temperatures before heating and cooling systems become prevalent. Now, passive techniques are making a resurgence because of their effectiveness in achieving ideal indoor environmental conditions. Join us to learn about passive techniques that meet energy codes, including thermal mass, proper day-lighting, and thermal bridging. Hear lessons learned from real-world projects that incorporate passive energy techniques.

Over the course of its history, Architectural Aluminum Framing Systems have grown and multiplied to meet the changing demands of building envelops. This industry started by meeting the demand for a sustainable storefront solution in the early 1900’s. Today architects are faced with selecting from a wide range of system options. Two major types of framing systems are Storefronts and Curtain Walls. In some cases, these systems could occupy the same space but in others, selecting the wrong system could have harmful consequences.

This introductory course presents an overview of common low slope roofing types with information on pros and cons of different systems, selection criteria, performance research resources, and potential issues to be aware of when specifying and designing different low slope roofing systems including energy efficiency issues and durability.

Adhered masonry does not meet code because seismic testing does not exist in our industry; until now. There are a few common examples where a "Standard of Care" is met without meeting Code in common built solutions. 3 years worth of testing finished April 2023. This presentation summarizes the results and how to apply to your building. The process of adding information to the "Field of Knowledge" will be explored.

By now, design and construction professionals are well aware of the significant impact of buildings on the natural environment. That fact is even more prevalent as evidenced with the ever increasing thermal performance provisions in our codes and standards. While the industry has become adept at throwing more and more insulation at these challenges, there are a few exciting insulation technologies, and creative ways to deploy them, than many enclosure professionals may realize.

As we move toward higher performance buildings supported by advanced technologies, we require more advanced tools to not only analyze but also disseminate the information. This session will use data driven guidance and highly visual tools to communicate a more complete picture of whole building energy performance. The frameworks presented will highlight the relationships between multiple performance variables, allowing designers to make more informed decisions and building energy policy makers to focus attention on areas of higher priority.

This course is a case study of a metal bearing wall system implemented in a multi-family residential mixed-use building in Portland, Oregon. It will cover considerations of using the structural system, including advantages and limitations.

This course provides an in depth look at the design of the curtainwall systems for the PDX Next Main Terminal Expansion at the Portland International Airport. It will cover the background for the project, including project and design goals, seismic resilient design aspects of the curtainwall system, and also cover the use of oversized glass and performance mockup testing.