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 Background

ThermalEnvelope.ca is an award-winning platform that is revolutionising the building industry. It is designed to help construction industry professionals apply the principles outlined in the Building Energy Thermal Bridging Guide (BETB) more easily. This guide is referenced in the National Building Code.

Developed to support Canada’s aspirations for all new buildings to be net-zero ready by 2030, the platform offers cutting edge design tools and a comprehensive database. Industry professionals can now quantify thermal bridging and objectively evaluate the benefits of these technologies that enhance thermal performance.

The platform features hundreds of building envelope details and calculations that are applicable to all types of buildings, energy standards, and climates across Canada. ThermalEnvelope.ca ensures more accurate and consistent code compliance and makes HVAC load calculations and whole building energy simulations easier.

Results

So far this year, the platform attracted over 30 thousand visitors, a 24% increase from last year. This innovative project has transformed the Building Envelope Thermal Bridging (BETB) database into a dynamic platform, fostering industry-wide and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The platform has accelerated the development and adoption of new net-zero-ready standards, promoting enhanced building design and construction.

By enabling industry stakeholders to accurately calculate and mitigate thermal bridging, the online tools reduce energy use in buildings and improve occupant comfort.

Furthermore, this project encourages the residential construction industry to efficiently and cost effectively select options that reduce green house gas emissions in buildings.

Benefits to Canada

ThermalEnvelope.ca democratizes access to consistent data and reduces the need for thermal simulations on projects for all Canadians. This innovation not only results in reduced project costs, but also speeds up construction timelines and enables more consistent outcomes.

Next Steps

Translation and new details for Quebec users. New training videos. Ongoing publication of new details.