Achieving Building Envelope Durability Using CSA S478

2:00pm – 3:00pm

Gerald Genge, LL.M., P.Eng., BSS, ODACC Adjudicator

Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Credits: This session has been approved for 1.0 IIBEC CEH. | This session has been approved for 1.0 AIA LU/HSW. | 1 hour (60 min) of Education is eligible for 1 BSS Credit | 1 OAA Core Learning Hour | Session may qualify for PEEK CPD.
Session Topics(s): Codes & Standards: C&S, Sustainability/Resilience: SUS

Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• Recognize that following the principles put forth in CSA S478 will reduce the risk associated with inadequate building envelope performance.
• Explain how to employ CSA S478 in design and construction to achieve a durable building envelope.
• Take the first steps in creating a durability plan for the life of the building to maintain the initial design objectives.
• Discuss with the project team the benefits of employing a recognized standard for achieving the design and service life of building elements to manage risk, improve performance, and control unwarranted changes during construction.

Description
The premature expense of rehabilitating buildings has been an issue for decades. In 1994, CSA produced a guideline document to improve building durability. In 2019, that guideline was upgraded to a consensus standard that is ready to be adopted by the model National Building Code of Canada (NBCC). CSA S478 provides a process for developing durability in the envelope of buildings designed under Parts 3, 4, and 5 of the NBCC and regulations using the NBCC. It responds to the requirements of NBCC 5.1.5.2 to provide durable design by setting out a standard way to demonstrate through the design process how to make the relevant elements in the building envelope achieve a target durability level. The standard is supported by all sectors of the design industry, including design professionals, insurers, and contractors, each of whom seeks an accepted process for achieving a target durability level. This session will  highlight the processes set out by CSA S478 and the benefits to users.

Presenter/Author

Gerald Genge, LL.M., P.Eng., BSS, ODACC Adjudicator

Adjudicator/Mediator
Genge Construction Adjudication and Consulting

Jerry Genge is well known to persons in the building engineering community as president (twice) of OBEC and a contributor to the advancement of building technology. In 1999 he was awarded the “Beckie,” an OBEC award for the promotion of excellence in the design, construction, and performance of the building envelope. He was made a Fellow of OBEC and continues to contribute to monthly OBEC seminars. He is the past chair of CSA S478 Standard for Building Durability, the topic of his seminar, and wrote the initial white paper on the conversion of the guideline to a standard.