Now, more than ever, consideration needs to be given to the homes and buildings of the future. New building methods bring confusion, which increases the need to educate contractors, architects, builders, realtors, developers even homeowners about a common language when planning for and implementing a successful high-performing energy-efficient building project.
The Delaware branch of the American Institute of Architects and New Ecology, Inc., with support from Energize Delaware, are excited to host four educational lectures that provide attendees an understanding of the language of high-performance construction, the science behind moisture and airflow through wall assemblies, and how high-performance construction influences material selection, installation, quality control, and operations.
Participants will find the information applicable to projects they are planning and implement techniques to help achieve higher efficiency, performance, and healthy indoor environmental air quality.
All Sessions are free. Each will be 90 minutes with lunch included.
Sessions will be held at the Community Services Building, 100 W 10th St, Wilmington, DE 19801 – free parking.
All sessions have been submitted for AIA CES approval.
Register for one or all four at the AIA Delaware website: https://www.aiadelaware.org/ce-programs.html
Session 1 – January 17, 2023, 11:30-1 pm
Session 2 – January 31, 2023, 11:30-1 pm
Session 3 – February 14, 2024, 11:30-1 pm
Session 4 – February 28, 2024, 11:30-1 pm
Session 1: Designing and Building to High Performance Standards: The Science Behind it and Ways to Talk About Why We Should Bother. This presentation, provided by a building consultant, will provide an overview of building science principles, and the control mechanisms needed for managing the flow of moisture, air, and thermal energy to achieve significant energy savings and healthy indoor environmental quality.
Session 2: Deeper Dive into Building Envelope Design and Materials: The Science Behind Airtightness and Moisture Management. Building on Session 1, this presentation, provided by an architect and a contractor/building consultant, will delve deeper into building science examining wall assemblies using hygrothermal analyses and energy performance predictions to better understand how design decisions impact building and resident health and where the opportunities are to create optimally designed systems. Building materials will be available to examine and understand how and why they are optimally layered and the importance of a systems approach for successful designs.
Session 3: Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery – A Hands-on Introduction to the Mechanics and Design Specifications for Its Use. This presentation will delve into why mechanical ventilation becomes critically important as airtightness increases and how building beyond code requirements can deliver healthier, more cost-effective buildings. The presenters will use a sample Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) to review its component parts, functioning, and operation and will invite the participants to become familiar with the equipment through hands-on investigation. Through case study examples, the presentation will demonstrate the risks associated with inadequate ventilation. The presenters will share best practices for siting and installation in the building for efficient operation and maintenance that can be directly applied to the designer’s practice.
Session 4: Heat Pump Technology – A Hands-on Introduction to the Mechanics and Design Specifications for Its Use. This presentation will delve into the reasons why heat pump technologies for space conditioning, domestic hot water, and clothes drying may be the best choice for a project. Using sample equipment, the presenters will review heat pump technology, the component parts, functioning, and operation. The presenters will share best practices for siting and installation in the building for efficient operation and maintenance that can be directly applied to the designer’s practice.