Over the past decade, energy codes have brought a number of changes with respect to improving the performance of the building envelope both in design and construction. Most notable is the increasing importance placed on air-leakage through the enclosure and how this often unknown value affects many of the energy efficiency metrics that define the performance of the building. Currently, there are multiple codes and standards requiring varying levels of air tightness as well as varying performance levels and methods of verification. As the requirements and performance implications become understood, common design and construction practices will experience shifts toward better performance, as was experienced in the early years of the USACE requirements on which the private sector codes are based. Through a review of multiple case studies of current enclosure consulting and whole building air leakage testing, including high-rise, multi-family, and other commercial new and renovation construction, this presentation will provide a critical review of these codes and standards for validity, impact, and relevance.

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