The Full Carbon Story: Evaluating Insulation and Building Enclosure Assemblies

This course explores how architects and designers can more accurately evaluate the carbon impact of building enclosure assemblies by moving beyond product-level comparisons and considering full assembly performance. Participants will examine the relationship between embodied and operational carbon, learn how Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) are used in practice, and compare the thermal, moisture, and carbon performance of common insulation systems including mineral wool, fiberglass, rigid foam boards, and spray polyurethane foam (SPF).

Through assembly-level comparisons, climate zone considerations, and real-world case studies, the course demonstrates how enclosure design decisions influence both embodied and operational carbon outcomes. Participants will gain practical strategies for specifying lower-carbon enclosure systems while maintaining durability, energy efficiency, moisture control, and occupant health and safety.