Building Smart with Airtightness Testing: Training Program and Illustrated Guide

British Columbia, Canada
RDH_BSAG_Header_Landing Page_2880x1600
Keywords: Course, Education, Guide, High-Rise, Learning, Mass Timber, Mid-Rise, Residential, Training & Publications
  • Client BC Housing
  • Completion 2017
  • Services Provided Training Program Design, Development, and Delivery; Publication Development; Graphics Production
RDH developed and delivered a three-part airtightness testing training program through BC Housing’s online learning platform to building professionals across BC. As part of this project, RDH also served as the author, publication coordinator, and graphics producer for the accompanying Illustrated Guide – Achieving Airtight Buildings. We produced this guide for BC Housing, BC Hydro, and the City of Vancouver.

The training program supported industry and government efforts to provide education on the new airtightness and airtightness testing requirements in the BC Energy Step Code. The program included three detailed three-hour slideshow presentations on the basics of the Step Code, building airtightness, and the essential steps for successfully testing airtightness in BC buildings.

RDH prepared the program content and training materials, and delivered the training program, with assistance from E3 Eco Group and Morrison Hershfield.

The illustrated guide serves as an industry resource to help developers, builders, and designers achieve airtightness in buildings. The guidance provides strategies to improve airtightness without compromising other aspects of building enclosure performance, including moisture management, thermal performance, and durability. This guide consolidates information on achieving airtightness in buildings, with a specific focus on larger or more complex building types. The content applies mainly to mid- and high-rise (Part 3) wood-frame and non-combustible residential buildings within BC. However, the guidance is also applicable for larger or more complex low-rise (Part 9) wood-frame residential buildings and buildings with other occupancies.

The guide is available for download from BC Housing: https://research-library.bchousing.org/Home/ResearchItemDetails/1765

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