Strategies, Technologies and Materials That Minimize Carbon Footprint
3:00pm - 3:45pm
Workshop Session D
Beyond the Prescription: Using Building Science and Code Objectives to Unlock Better Performance
9:30am - 10:20am
Workshop Session A
This seminar, “Strategies, Technologies and Materials That Minimize Carbon Footprint,” explores how both embodied and operational carbon shape a building’s true environmental impact. We’ll discuss energy-efficient envelopes, advanced mechanical systems, and material choices-including locally sourced and low-carbon options-while considering labor and installation impacts. Participants will learn about lifecycle assessment, design for disassembly, and the influence of energy sources like hydro, coal, or natural gas. We’ll also touch on renewable energy integration, maintenance, and policy incentives. Real-world scenarios and practical tools will empower attendees to make holistic, informed decisions for low-carbon construction and future-ready buildings.
This seminar explores the limitations of current energy-related prescriptive building codes, which aim to simplify construction and protect occupants but often result in poor long-term performance and limited moisture management. While energy efficiency is increasingly emphasized, it requires a deeper understanding of building performance and drying potential. Without this, unintended consequences like trapped moisture and durability issues arise. Limited experience, AHJ mandates, time constraints, and a conservative attitude toward codes often lead to an overreliance on prescriptive requirements—instead of leveraging the code’s objective-based framework to support innovation, improved performance, and long-term durability without needing to engineer every detail.
Darrell Paul
A highly experienced building envelope consultant based in Alberta with over 45 years of construction industry expertise. Starting as a framing carpenter, he progressed to site supervisor, construction manager, and marketing manager, earning the PHBI Master Home Builder and PHBI Master Home Renovator certifications in 1997. Darrell's practical building science knowledge is showcased in "Building Envelope Tie-in Details," published in 2022. As an adjunct instructor for training organizations such as CIET, PHBI, and SAIT, Darrell shares his passion for building science and performance-based construction methods with students. He founded Qualistat Building Performance Consultants in 1986, providing design and testing services to Alberta's builders and warranty providers. His ongoing desire for learning is evident through certifications like HRAI’s Certified Residential Air System Design Technician, ASNT Level 2 Thermographer, and Certified Energy Advisor. Darrell actively shares his knowledge regularly, presenting multiple seminars each year and is also involved in committees like CSA A440.4 window installation standards and Codes Canada, Joint Task Group on Potential Consequences of High Performing Homes, including work with PHBI on the development of a window installation course for fenestration Canada. Recently I was in introduced to a new insulating sheathing called BTRboard. It is in development and is such an innovative product. BTRboard integrates OSB, Type X gypsum, or plywood with a proprietary highly insulating fire resistant foam to provide up to nominal R-8.3 with only about 1 1/2” thickness to replace conventional non- insulating sheathings. Great for zero lot line houses requiring 45 minute assemblies.