Modeling, Simulation, and Measurement of a Full-Scale, Integrated Energy Efficiency-Retrofit Prototype for Single-Family Attached Residences in Cold Climates July 24, 2025 INTRODUCTION In the United States, buildings contribute to 38% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, consume 73% of total electricity, and account for 39% of total energy usage.1 About 20% of that total energy is consumed by residential buildings. Residential buildings constructed before energy codes were established represent approximately 68% of all building stock in the […] Read More
May/June 2025 IIBEC Interface | Theme: 2025 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show Highlights May 20, 2025 Read More
Ensuring Installation Quality: Field Testing Methods for Building Enclosure Components February 21, 2025 Field Testing Methods for Building Enclosure Components THIS CASE STUDY illustrates some of the testing methods which can be employed in a new construction project to assess the adequacy of the installation of the building enclosure components. The testing techniques include ASTM D4263, Standard Test Method for Indicating Moisture in Concrete by the Plastic […] Read More
The Imperative of Climate-Responsive Design: Legal Implications for Building Enclosure Professionals February 21, 2025 The Imperative of Climate-Responsive Design: Legal Implications for Building Enclosure Professionals Feature By Yvonne Castillo Interface articles may cite trade, brand, or product names to specify or describe adequately materials, experimental procedures, and/or equipment. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC). THE […] Read More
Three Decades of Scientific Advancement to the North American Roofing Community January 08, 2025 SIGDERS ON NOVEMBER 16, 1994, members of the roofing community met at the National Research Council Canada (NRC) and formed a group with a common focus of evaluating roofing systems under dynamic environment. Thus, a Special Interest Group on Dynamic Evaluation of Roofing Systems (SIGDERS) was created. The mandate of SIGDERS joint research program is […] Read More
Roof-Mounted Solar: ROI and Best Practices January 08, 2025 Solar PV THE USE OF solar pv in building design is sharply on the rise. When considering adding rooftop solar, knowing what information is needed up front, planning the solar PV system design for optimal power production, and utilizing quality materials to secure the system for its lifetime are essential. But what information is needed […] Read More
An Updated Holistic Look at Old Assumptions: Insights from Three New Studies on Roof Albedo January 08, 2025 Cool Roof THE GROWING AWARENESS of climate change, as well as the related issues of urban heat islands and steadily increasing energy costs, has led to a growing interest in the effectiveness of reflective, or “cool” roofs (i.e., roofs that are designed to reflect more sunlight and therefore absorb less solar energy than a conventional […] Read More
