Course Description

The building envelope of a house needs to be designed and constructed to have satisfactory moisture management and thermal performance. The HVAC and mechanical systems, on the other hand, need to be designed and constructed to provide appropriate indoor environmental conditions for the occupants. Although these two disciplines are separate, there is quite a noticeable overlap between the two, to a point that the performance of one will affect the other one. These overlaps are often not effectively coordinated, leading to compromised moisture management and/or thermal performance of the building envelope, or compromised efficiency and performance of the HVAC and mechanical systems. In either case, the end result is the performance and long-term durability of the house have been compromised.


This presentation, built upon a wide range of real and interesting case studies and photographs, will:
  • Discuss the overlaps in the scopes of the building envelope and HVAC/mechanical disciplines
  • Show examples where a lack of coordination of these overlaps has led to performance problems
  • Demonstrate the required coordination measures and provide practical solutions to effectively handle the overlaps of the two scopes


Key Learning Objectives:

  • Best practice coordination strategies to address the overlaps between the scopes of the building envelope and HVAC/mechanical disciplines during the design and construction phases
  • Effective airtightness measures around pipe and HVAC duct penetrations through building envelope
  • Proper waterproofing strategies around penetrations such as exhaust vents, pipes, and electrical conduits/boxes
  • Optimal location of HVAC and mechanical systems in relation to the building envelope
  • Conditioned versus unconditioned spaces, and associated implications on building envelope and HVAC design
  • New section 9.36 BC Building Code energy efficiency requirements, and their impact on the overlap of scopes between the two disciplines, including insulation requirements behind ducts and pipes in the wall cavity, the trade-off option, etc.
  • Increased airtightness of the building envelope and its impact on ventilation efficiency
  • Excess summer heat gain and the associated occupant discomfort, and their relation to the overlaps of scope between the two disciplines


Approved for 1.5 CPD points under the Construction Technology category

Note: If you have already taken this course in person, repeating it online will not qualify for additional CPD points.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Chapter 1

    • Before You Get Started

    • Agreement to HAVAN Academic Integrity Policy

    • Video: Part 1
  • 2

    Chapter 2

    • Video: Part 2
  • 3

    Chapter 3

    • Video: Part 3
  • 4

    Chapter 4

    • Video: Part 4

    • Feedback

    • Declaration of Completed Work Assignment

Hamid Heidarali, P.Eng, Hamid Design Build

Hamid Heidarali has a strong passion for high performance and durable buildings that minimize their impact on the environment, while providing a superior experience for their occupants. He has been providing building science consultation on a wide range of projects in Canada over the past 17 years. He enjoys sharing his experience with others and to that note, he has taught Building Envelope courses to Masters Students as part of the Building Science Graduate Program at British Columbia Institute of Technology (2015 till 2019), and also presents to construction professionals on a regular basis. Hamid holds Professional Engineering designation (P.Eng) in Ontario and British Columbia, a LEED Accredited Professional in Canada, and certified Passive House Tradesperson through Germany. He received his Master of Engineering in Building Science and Construction Management, and his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Hamid is a Principal at HDB, a Building Science consulting firm, offering services with the focus on improving energy efficiency, moisture management, durability, and thermal comfort.