ABEC South May Luncheon 2026

Intro to Whole Building Airtightness

With the adoption of the National Energy Code 2020 in Alberta, using tested infiltration rates in energy modeling is now possible. Learn why whole building airtightness is important for building durability, some of the challenges to be aware of, what whole building air leakage testing involves and how to approach testing on projects for the first time. The presentation will cover some basic building science as pertains to air leakage, design and construction considerations, an overview of large building testing, and discussion an airtightness in project specifications and the NECB.

Presenter Bio:

Karen Goddard Hermanson is a Building Science Consultant with Stantec Consulting, and a Certified Air Barrier Specialist and Whole Building Airtightness Technician through the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA). With over 60 large building tests completed across a range of building types, and a passion for improving air barrier awareness and execution, she is well prepared to provide information and insights into this critical process. Karen approaches airtightness from a practical, boots-on-the-ground perspective, using onsite experience to provide meaningful direction for project teams. She regularly engages directly with design teams, site teams and trades to help improve air barrier installations through education at all levels, in the belief that the only way to address weaknesses in the air barrier, and envelope as a whole, is a systemic approach that starts at design stage, not when the materials are being installed.

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Host or Publisher Alberta Building Envelope Council South