Building envelope thermal bridging guide released

A number of partners, including BC Hydro Power Smart, have produced a Thermal Bridging Guide. It is directed to energy standards committees, governments, utilities, architects, mechanical designers, building envelope consultants, energy modelers, developers, contractors, manufacturers and trade organizations.

Thermal bridging is caused by highly conductive elements that penetrate the thermal insulation and/or misaligned planes of thermal insulation. These paths allow heat flow to bypass the insulating layer and reduce the effectiveness of the insulation. Research and monitoring of buildings increasingly shows the value of reducing thermal bridging in new construction, and mitigating thermal bridging impact in existing buildings. Thermal bridging can significantly increase whole building energy use, and it poses a risk of condensation on cold surfaces and can decrease occupant comfort.

Available on the New Construction Program page, the guide explores how BC’s building industry can effectively account for the impact of thermal bridging as part of meeting the challenges of reducing energy use in buildings.