Thermal Performance of Spandrel Assemblies: Design Implications of Recent Trends in Energy Codes

Date: Monday, February 13, 2023

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PST

Cost: $5 – $15

Location: Online

In the drive for increased energy efficiencies, recent energy codes are putting increased focus on the thermal performance of enclosure assemblies. One increasingly popular concept is the introduction of envelope backstops to limit the traditional energy codes approach of accommodating a shortfall in the thermal performance of the enclosure using efficiencies from other building systems.

We outline the particular challenge this presents for enclosure design of high-rise building using the case study from Artscape project in Vancouver, one of Canada’s tallest Passive House buildings. Examples from the Building Envelope Thermal Bridging Guide will be used to illustrate the current limitations of traditional unitized glazing systems when it comes to accounting for the impact of thermal bridging on enclosure thermal performance.

We will conclude with a couple of examples of how manufacturers are adapting the design of unitized glazing system to meet this new challenge.