RESOURCES

About this page: Free building science resources, reports, white-papers for contractors, policy-makers, architects, program designers, and more.

Case Study: Sustainable Homes for Thriving Communities

A case study featuring mineral wool and fibreglass insulation in a MURB in Burnaby, BC. Includes sections on Passivehouse fundamentals, benefits of PH construction, and a case study on Simon Fraser University Student Housing including building specs.

Link to case study here. 

A Case for Exterior Wall Insulation when Re-siding a Home

Improving wall insulation during the siding replacement process offers significant benefits that go hand in hand with enhancing the overall energy efficiency and resiliency of our homes including a critical step towards a netzero ready building. By taking advantage of this opportune moment, we can effectively address insulation deficiencies and reduce energy consumption in a cost-effective manner.

Link to PDF here. 

Optimizing Retrofit Success: Getting Homes Heat Pump Ready

Why heat pumps should only be retrofitted into existing houses after the building envelope has been insulated and sealed against air leakage.

Link to PDF here. 

The Importance of the Building Envelope (English)

This document outlines the importance of the building envelope, definitions, and the whole home approach to building and renovating a home. This is a good piece on fundamentals.

Link to PDF here. 

L’Importance de L’enveloppe du bâtiment

L’enveloppe du bâtiment est l’ensemble des matériaux qui nous aident à contrôler le flux de trois éléments – la chaleur, l’air et l’humidité, et qui séparent notre environnement intérieur de l’extérieur.

Link to PDF here. 

The Canadian National Model Code Development System

On November 22, 2022, the National Model Code Development System was changed. This document is intended to describe the new, and current system.

Link to PDF. 

Green Building Skills Training Promo

This document is designed for sharing with prospective partner organizations to effectively convey and provide insight into the mission and objectives of our training and course content.

Link to promo here. 

Field Guide to the Building Envelope

NAIMA Canada’s Field Guide to the Building Envelope covers the essentials of the building envelope, its importance, how to improve the building envelope, the role of air tightness, and more.

Access PDF Guide here.

Improving the Building Envelope

This document presented by Proskiw Engineering Ltd. will present a case for doing renovations/upgrades in a specific order so homeowners get the greatest benefit at the lowest cost.

Link to PDF here. 

Envelope First for 2030 Mission Statement

The mission statement and objectives for the Envelope First for 2030 Coalition. Coalition members include NAIMA Canada, SAWDAC, Fenestration Canada, and the Cement Association of Canada.

Link to PDF here. 

Guide to Near Net Zero Residential Buildings

This guide consolidates information on how builders and designers may achieve the near net zero energy efficiency targets in current and upcoming codes, including the British Columbia Energy Step Code. This guide is intended to be an industry resource for designing and constructing low energy use buildings using mineral fibre insulation without compromising other aspects of building performance including moisture management, airtightness, and durability. This guide is limited to Part 9, wood-frame construction, with a focus on British Columbia, though the principles in this guide may be applied throughout Canada.

Link to article here. 

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