The common denominator for today’s design is that one type of material is no longer good enough. Combining multiple aesthetics into the design of a building is the standard rather than the exception. Because the days of monolithic design are long gone, architects are pushing the limits seeking to integrate materials for a modern, sophisticated look. 

A typical building loses up to 25 percent of its heat through the roof. Industry-leading Elevate roofing and insulation systems by Holcim were thus instrumental in the construction of the world’s largest Passive House-certified office building: the Winthrop Center in Boston.

The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA), a national trade organization specializing in air barriers, announced the launch of the country’s, first-of-its-kind, Large Building Whole Building Airtightness Program, which includes both certification and training.

The journey to cleaner energy, healthier buildings and reduced emissions begins with retrofits. It’s essential to install renewable energy for businesses. However, reducing energy consumption first is more crucial because it tackles the root of the problem. 

Browse our articles to read about topics such as reducing carbon in precast wall systems, achieving the proper airtightness of buildings, and how metal roofs are leading the way toward energy efficiency.

Building airtightness continues to grow as a design consideration or requirement in most modern building designs. However, due to the complex nature of architectural design, building components, system options, involvement of multiple trades, and the pace of modern construction, achieving airtightness in a building is often easier said than done. 

Whole-building pressurization testing is becoming standard practice for building projects. Many common energy conservation standards and model codes now exhibit requirements for enclosure airtightness, which are to be achieved through measured air leakage rates.

In any building, drafts or air leaks can cause serious issues for efficiency, comfort, and safety. Achieving airtightness—resistance to unintentional airflows directed both in and out of a building—is essential for any architect or construction firm that wants to maximize building performance.

 Airtight buildings are energy-efficient buildings.