The importance of incorporating building science knowledge into guidelines to improve environmental sustainability in the rehabilitation of existing residences

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Authors
Hamm, Karen L.
Advisor
Hill, William W.
Issue Date
2006
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.U.R.P.)
Department
Department of Urban Planning
Other Identifiers
Abstract

This thesis examines existing rehabilitation and environmental guidelines to determine whether the guidelines are incorporating the necessary building science knowledge to ensure that insulation is performing as intended and thus promoting energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. The results of analyzing the existing guidelines show that they do not require all that is necessary to promote energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. While several of the guidelines have started to incorporate the necessary building science perspective by requiring a whole house air leakage test, none of the guidelines examined specifically require the zonal pressure diagnostics test necessary to ensure that insulation is working to specification. The thesis also includes a comprehensive overview of environmental sustainability and rehabilitation.

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