Canadian Online Database of Building Envelope Details and Thermal Bridging Calculations: Design Tools for Energy Efficient Homes and Buildings

Lead Proponent

BC Housing Management Commission

Project Objectives

This Canada-wide database will provide an online platform for the construction sector to realize more energy-efficient buildings by improving thermal performance and advancing best practices.

The project will develop design tools and an online database of construction details and thermal calculations applicable to all types of buildings, energy standards, and climates across Canada. This unique platform has applications for residential, commercial and institutional buildings. It will make it easier for industry to consider thermal bridging in building codes and bylaws, design, and whole-building energy simulations.

Industry professionals will be able to fully quantify thermal bridging and adopt innovative technologies to reduce its impact. The new design tools will assist with more stringent code compliance, HVAC load calculations, and input into building energy models.

Expected Results

This innovative project will transform the Building Envelope Thermal Bridging database into a platform that enables industry-wide collaboration and sharing across disciplines. It will accelerate the development and adoption of new net-zero-ready standards and promote enhanced building design and construction.

The online tools will enable industry stakeholders to accurately calculate and mitigate thermal bridging to reduce energy use in buildings and improve occupant comfort.

By providing essential tools for practitioners to better assess the thermal performance of the building envelope, this project will support the industry in selecting options that reduce GHG emissions in buildings.