C2.1 Commercial Air Barriers Overview and Introduction to Thermal Bridging

This course will cover Massachusetts energy code requirements for commercial building air barriers, including those found in the 2021 IECC. The course will clarify these requirements for better specification by designers and easier review by code enforcement officials. The course is organized around examples that show needed air barrier construction details, air barrier materials, and provides an introduction into thermal bridging and testing based compliance options. This introductory course will provide background for a subsequent and more advanced air barrier strategy module including new blower testing guidelines and thermal bridging requirements.

Learning Objectives:

1. Examine the basic requirements for commercial building air barriers in the commercial stretch code and reference 2021 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2019.
2. Understand the benefits of the air barrier systems to the environment, building owner, and occupants.
3. Discuss performance test standards relating to air barrier systems.
4. Determine what complies as a performance-based air barrier system and how to enforce that requirement.