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Energy Code for the Building Envelope (2 Part Course)

July 29, 2025 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Learn About the Series

July 29th, 2:00 – 5:00 pm & July 31st, 3:00 – 5:00 pm

About the Training
Thanks to the Sponsors of Mass Save® and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, registration for each session in this series is being offered at a reduced cost from Built Environment Plus’ typical course rate.

This two-part training presents updated content covered in the Building Envelope Parts 1-3 trainings offered in the Fall/Winter 2024 Stretch Energy Code Training Series. This training is intended for new construction and existing building alterations and additions following the 225 CMR 23.00 Commercial Stretch Energy Code. Case studies and real-world calculation examples will reinforce key concepts, and attendees will apply their knowledge through hands-on exercises with a sample project.

Part 1: Fundamentals of the Code for Building Envelope
To achieve Massachusetts’ net zero emissions goals, practitioners must prioritize building envelope design to reduce loads effectively. This course focuses on the prescriptive envelope requirements outlined in the 225 CMR 23.00 Commercial Stretch Energy Code and the fundamental principles of passive design, including air tightness, continuous high thermal layers, and condensation control. Participants will learn methods for determining U-factors of assemblies and best practices for documenting and specifying building envelopes early in a project to ensure compliance.

Part 2: Advanced Thermal Performance & Derating in Building Envelopes
Building on the principles introduced in Part 1, this session delves into thermal bridging and its impact on building performance. Participants will explore different types of thermal bridges and learn methods for derating assemblies to account for clear field, linear and point thermal bridges. The course will also cover steps for performing U-factor calculations that incorporate derating adjustments, as well as the hygrothermal considerations necessary for durable and high-performing envelope assemblies.

Refund Policy
Full refunds are available only if written notice is provided 7 days prior to course start date. There will be no refund if less than one week’s notice is given. Please note: Full refunds will be issued less the standard processing fee. In general, rescheduling is always preferred over refunds. Registration transfers are only allowed for rescheduling to a future training and cannot be transferred between individuals.

This training is eligible for 5 AIA LU / HSW continuing education credits to trainees who attend both Parts 1 and 2. AIA membership information will be collected from attendees by BE+ during Part 1 of the training.

This is a live, online training led by Andrew Steingiser and Luc Nahrgang with RDH Building Science Inc; Kate Bubriski with Arrowstreet; Kristen Fritsch and Frances Rubino with Elkus Manfredi Architects; Rebecca Campbell with Kalin Associates; and Carrie Havey with Green Engineer.

Andrew Steingiser, RA, CPHC, LEED AP, is the Passive House lead in RDH’s Boston office and a Senior Project Architect. Andrew engages building owners and design teams as an early-phase design partner, consulting with them on scalable climate-resilient solutions. He champions operational and embodied carbon reduction of the built environment through clean, resilient, and future-proof buildings. An expert on local and regional regulations, Andrew helps RDH’s clients future proof their projects.

Lucas Nahrgang, PE, is a Principal and Building Science Specialist with the RDH Boston team. He is a Principal for both new construction and existing buildings projects, including rehabilitation and renewal projects for existing buildings and enclosure consulting and building enclosure commissioning (BECx) on new construction. Lucas performs a variety of services on these projects, including enclosure design review, detail development, performance specifying, construction review, and field troubleshooting.

Kate Bubriski, AIA, CPHC, LEED AP BD+C, Fitwel Ambassador, is a Principal and Director of Sustainability & Building Performance with Arrowstreet. Over the last twenty years, Kate has completed numerous high-performing buildings, working with clients to ensure building performance simultaneously creates social, health, environmental, and economic benefits. She is a national leader in net zero energy, embodied carbon, building certifications, materials evaluation, and occupant engagement.

Kristen Fritsch AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, is Director of Sustainability with Elkus Manfredi Architects. Kristen is an architect with 25 years of experience in design and sustainability. She is part of the QAQC Steering committee for the firm-wide QAQC group focusing on understanding the new energy codes and leading efforts to develop new tools to calculate envelope derating and creating and delivering the firm’s internal education series.

Frances Rubino has been an Architect with Elkus Manfredi Architects for 13 years. She leads the firm-wide QAQC group and is a resource for codes, specifications, and exterior construction detailing. She has been leading high performance envelope initiatives in the office and developing thermal compliance documentation to meet the new requirements.

Rebecca Campbell, AIA, CCS, LEED AP, is a registered architect, certified construction specifier, and LEED accredited professional, with more than 20 years of experience as a specifier. As a former LEED consultant and as a specifier, her career has focused on helping teams integrate environmentally responsible design goals in their projects.

Pricing

Built Environment Plus is offering enrollment to this series on a per-session basis. Additional sessions will become available on an ongoing basis. Complete the Series Interest Form to be contacted when future sessions become available.

Thanks to the Sponsors of Mass Save®, registration for this series is being offered at a reduced cost from our typical course rate.

Learning Objectives

Part 1: Fundamentals of the Code for Building Envelope
1. Understand the prescriptive envelope requirements of the 225 CMR 23.00 Commercial Stretch Energy Code.
2. Learn methods for determining U-factors of assemblies.
3. Explore best practices for documenting and specifying building envelopes early in a project to ensure compliance.
4. Analyze case studies that demonstrate compliance and performance.

Part 2: Advanced Thermal Performance & Derating in Building Envelopes
1. Identify different types of thermal bridges and their impact on building performance.
2. Learn methods for derating assemblies to account for thermal bridging.
3. Understand how to perform U-factor calculations that incorporate derating adjustments.
4. Explore hygrothermal considerations of assemblies.
5. Analyze case studies that demonstrate performance implications of thermal bridging.

Workforce Training Fund Express Grant Funding

Express Funding Announcement

Funding for training grants from the Workforce Training Fund Program has been exhausted for State Fiscal Year 2025 (July 2024 – June 2025). Applications for the Express Program grants have been paused until funds for State Fiscal Year 2026 (July 2025 – June 2026) are available. While specific dates are not yet available, we hope applications can be submitted again in July 2025. Refer to the Program website for updates.

In recent years the Workforce Training Fund Program has experienced unprecedented levels of participation. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, until funds are exhausted.

The Express Program is designed to help businesses with 100 or fewer Massachusetts employees respond quickly to emerging needs and keep employees engaged. With bite-size grants for just-in-time training and no waiting periods between grants, the Express Program is the Workforce Training Fund’s fastest path to funding.

Express Grant Eligibility

Employers with 100 or fewer Massachusetts, W-2 employees are eligible to receive Express Program grants*. Express Program grant applications must be submitted no fewer than 21 days before the training date.

The contracting period of approved Express Grants begins 21 days after the grant application date and ends one year from this date. All training must be completed within the contract period to be eligible for reimbursement.

*Review the BE+ Workforce Training Grant webpage for additional eligibility requirements and other updates made by the Commonwealth Corporation.