According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the building envelope is the single largest contributor to energy use in residential and commercial buildings.
Building envelope components also have a significant impact on occupant comfort, as they can affect indoor air quality and temperature. For example, windows can allow daylight to indoor spaces, views to the outdoors, natural ventilation, and solar heating. Therefore, the building envelope component of the audit process is critical!
Before Going Out into the Field
- Familiarize yourself with building envelope basics.
- Collect tools to bring to the field
- Note taking items
- Floorplans
- Measuring tape
- Camera/phone
- Safety gear (e.g., safety glasses, hearing protection, closed-toed shoes, lab coat)
In the Field
Follow the guidance outlined in the Identification Methods section.
Back in the Office
Review your notes and look up details on the windows in the building. Once back in the office, find the specification sheets for the windows to determine their R-value. Consider the feasibility of replacing older windows with a low R-value to more efficient models. See the Audit Recommendations section for more ideas on value-added measures that may improve the building envelope.