As building envelopes have become tighter to improve energy efficiency and meet the changes required by the new NC Building Code, it is important to understand the relationship between energy efficiency measures and indoor environment quality (IEQ). Potential impacts on IEQ depend upon several factors including contaminant generation and ventilation rates, construction methods, building pressure differences and airflow patterns.

This workshop will cover an integrated approach to building performance that addresses these inter-related issues. Participants will learn how to evaluate and address factors that can lead to common IEQ problems. Demonstrations will include blower door diagnostics and infrared thermography for quantifying air leakage and identifying heat transfer pathways, and air sampling methods and interpretation of results for evaluating building performance and IEQ.