Mastering Air Barrier Systems to Meet the BC Energy Step Code-Module 5: Air Barriers for the BC Energy Step Code
6 Hours

We will discuss how airtightness impacts energy performance from code minimum to current practices to best practices.

We will discuss how to describe the four attributes of a correctly installed building air barrier: air impermeability, durability, continuity, and stiffness.

We will discuss how to compare the design and construction sequence considerations of typical interior and exterior air barrier systems, including key details for implementing them successfully.

We will discuss how to assess cost trade-offs of different air barrier approaches including materials, installation techniques, sequencing, and effectiveness

So ultimately, learners would be able to select an appropriate air barrier approach for a given roof, wall, floor, and party-wall assembly based on performance, cost-effectiveness, and constructability, bearing in mind current and future BCESC requirements.

We will discuss a list of the key factors that contribute to the successful installation of a complete air barrier system.

We will discuss how to manage the key wood-frame construction practices that can interfere with achieving a successful air barrier, including coordination and education for all trades interacting with the enclosure.

We will discuss how to coordinate qualitative and quantitative testing at the appropriate times and use the results to track quality control of the air barrier.

So ultimately, learners would be able to apply knowledge of the correct design and installation practices for a given air barrier approach to properly manage the planning, installation, and testing of the building’s complete air barrier.

Upon completion of this module, learners would have a better understanding of the different options when selecting an air barrier approach, and the important planning steps associated with a successful air barrier.

Objectives and Outcome: Upon completion of the above in-depth course, successful participants will have a better understanding of the particular topic and gain the right mix of knowledge and skills in response to current technological advancements and the participants will be educated on how to work effectively for the best outcomes, the successful participants will also get a Housing Management Commission accredited certificate for completion of this specific construction related training program.

Program Duration

The duration of the program is 4 weeks.

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Learning Resources

Learning resources are mainly from textbooks, real-life case studies, internet information, as well as videos.

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Delivery Methods:

In-class instruction, On-site, Distance/Online, or Combined

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Marking Scheme

This program will have two parts; one part is a theory, and another part is practice.

Completion of distance class of theory will be counted as 50% towards the final grade, Completion of case study, term project, and presentation will be counted as 50% towards the final grade.

Grading scale for each class is as follows:

A 94-100%

A- 90-93%

B+ 86-89%

B 83-85%

B- 80-82%

C+ 75-79%

C 70-74%

D 60-69%

F 0-59%

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Requirements for Graduation

Courses with grades lower than “C” is not counted toward the completion of the corporate training program.

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Capacity (number of participants): 30

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Name of instructors: team of experts of Vancity Institute,

Jamie, Designer with Bachelor’s Degree of interior design and 25+ years of construction professional experience along with tremendous 10+ years experience in teaching and coaching

Vivian, Lawyer with Bachelor’s Degree of law, 25+ years of construction professional experience along with 10+ years experience in teaching and coaching

Richard, Engineer with Bachelor’s Degree of engineering, 25+ years of construction professional experience along with 10+ years experience in teaching and coaching

Bill, QS with Bachelor’s Degree of engineering, 30+ years of construction professional experience along with 10+ years experience in teaching and coaching

Thomas, architect with Bachelor’s Degree of architecture, 35+ years of construction professional experience along with 15+ years experience in teaching and coaching

Qian, Administrator and associate instructor, with Bachelor’s Degree of Economics, 8+ years of admin experience along with 8+ years experience in teaching and coaching