Copeland Building Envelope Consulting

04/24/2025

Atlanta building owners—have you run the numbers yet?

With the Commercial Energy Efficiency Ordinance now in effect, the time to understand how it impacts your building’s performance and your bottom line is now.

In this piece, Prantil and Bir, PE break down what the ordinance actually requires, how it aligns with national trends, and why this isn’t just a compliance issue—it’s a strategic opportunity.

From benchmarking to audits to cost-effective upgrades, there are smart ways to stay ahead of the curve while making your buildings better.

Read the full article here:👉 https://lnkd.in/eap3nf4B

Explore the Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Ordinance and its impact on sustainable growth in Atlanta's commercial sector.

04/23/2025

The force that the wind exerts on a roof can be as much as the weight of an elephant, but pulling up!

04/22/2025

You probably don't walk around cities worried about chunks of buildings falling on your head.

But we do!

The City of Boston Facade Ordinance, in effect since 1995, requires the exterior walls of buildings meeting certain criteria to undergo periodic inspections.

Facade inspections aim to preemptively identify unsafe conditions, such as loose cladding or building materials, that pose a risk to people and property below.

Additionally, these inspections are beneficial to building owners by identifying problems early so that investing in preventative maintenance can help save money on larger repairs in the future.

04/21/2025

We're excited to keep growing from our strong roots in MN and be part of the community's unique enthusiasm for sustainability and high performance buildings.

full episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2fmWcXceEsoPQ4CYMOLgAg?si=263f82ed7bcd4c1c

04/18/2025

You're missing out by following the prescriptive MA Stretch Code compliance path...

Derating factors take into account the effect of cladding attachment systems on the often not-so-continuous exterior insulation.

Psi factors, on the other hand, can be used to take into account the effect of linear thermal bridging conditions (parapets, brick relieving angles, etc.).

However, these prescriptive factors and psi values included in the Stretch Energy Code are chosen to be conservative.

As a result, following the prescriptive method may be more expensive by leading to an excessive increase in the amount of thermal insulation used for a project 💸

Careful analysis may be able to save your project money overall by demonstrating a more efficient compliance path.

04/17/2025

Folks use terms like “v***r barrier,” “moisture barrier”, “air barrier” and “AVB” a lot.

Unfortunately they’re often used somewhat interchangeably. This leads to confusion about what these materials actually do.

When we talk about “v***r barriers” or “v***r retarders” we are talking about materials that control the flow of water v***r via diffusion.

“Air barriers” control the flow of air (and the water that’s along for the ride).

A “moisture barrier” isn’t a thing. Don’t get me started.

Often one material can service multiple functions.

An example is the typical rubberized asphalt self-adhering membrane which usually controls liquid water, airflow and v***r diffusion. Confusingly, this material is frequently referred to as an air/v***r barrier or AVB; the water control function is only implied.

Moral of the story?

Be careful with language and make sure you understand the problem you’re trying to solve.

A good way to think about these materials and assemblies is to focus on the *function* rather than the specific material itself.

04/16/2025

Building science and enclosure consulting is often all about understanding, and controlling, how water moves through a building.

Water is the cause of most of the problems we are trying to solve (or, ideally, prevent in the first place).

In order to solve those problems, we need to understand how the water is getting to where it is not supposed to be.

In this classic post from the CopelandBEC blog, we clear up a common confusion: the difference between water movement via airflow and v***r diffusion.

Explore the significance of airflow and water v***r diffusion in building science. Understand how they contribute to building problems.

04/16/2025

Since July 1, 2023 the new 10th edition of the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code mandates the following with respect to thermal bridging:

✅ The effect of cladding attachment systems (i.e., subframing, brackets, anchors, etc.) on wall assembly thermal performance needs to be reflected in the field-of-wall U-factors. This is typically referred to as “derating the assembly”.

✅ The effect of linear thermal bridging needs to be included in the overall above-grade wall assembly performance.

✅ The thermal performance of opaque portions in glazing systems (i.e., spandrel panels) needs to be accurately represented.

All commercial buildings will need to meet these requirements for new construction, alteration, or additions.

04/15/2025

What are Minnesota's B3 sustainability and performance standards?

Minnesota’s B3 Guidelines, or “Buildings, Benchmarks & Beyond,” are an essential set of standards required for public construction projects within the state.

B3 aims to take a holistic approach to creating environmentally-sound buildings, with compliance requirements ranging from energy efficiency to occupant health and material waste.

One of the most critical components of B3 is Section I.2, which addresses moisture and air infiltration and includes 3 main requirements:

I.2.A: Bulk Water Control
I.2.B: Moisture Safe Design
I.2.C:Moisture Safe Construction

Guidelines I.2A and I.2C are required for all B3 projects with an exterior envelope included in the project scope. Guideline I.2B is also required if the building includes 20,000 gsf or more of conditioned space.

04/15/2025

Roof leaks? Time to replace your roof?

We know these can be major headaches.

😵‍💫 leaks keep recurring
😵‍💫 repairs are ineffective
😵‍💫 contractor quotes all over the map
😵‍💫 not sure where to turn

A roof consultant is a 3rd party expert that can help you:

✅ understand your roof's current condition
✅ diagnose the root cause of problems
✅ determine roof life expectancy
✅ prioritize repairs
✅ plan and budget for replacement
✅ provide quality assurance during repairs or replacement