Resources for Building Science Education
SpencerShemwell
| Posted in General Questions on
I am a young builder looking to learn more about building science. I do a lot of research on the internet but I think my time could be better spent in a classroom, virtual or otherwise.. I’ve looked in to yestermorrow but would like something geared more specifically to building science. I subscribe to the fine Homebuilding podcast and building science corporation. They have really opened my eyes but I would like a more formal education.
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
Search and download construction details
Replies
Spencer,
There are lots of options. One approach is to pursue one of the certification programs offered by RESNET or the Building Performance Institute (BPI). Visit those organization's web sites for more information.
If you are looking to change careers, and are interested in a master's degree or doctorate, you might want to pursue a degree in building science or building engineering from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada.
-- Martin Holladay
The programmes at the University of Waterloo are fantastic. Their effect has spread outward, first to the architecture school there and then to all the other schools in Canada, profoundly changing how building science is taught.
If you're looking for a shorter bit of education, Building Science Corporation offers training: https://buildingscience.com/events/building-science-fundamentals
The info in the class is also mostly available for free on their website. Just start at the beginning and read all the articles, and you've basically taken the class. But, you miss out on the opportunity to ask questions and the other benefits that in-person learning can provide. Up to you if that's worth the cost.
Deleted
Good suggestions above.
In the meantime: Use this website and the links it provides (such as the one above to buildingscience.com) to read everything you can and research as many decision points as possible. There is absolutely no educational replacement for field experience. Being a builder, you have that at your disposal. You will soon realize that the single biggest variable is not the materials or the details, but in actually getting your subs to implement them. They won't unless you change how things are done.
- Meet with subs about details - ie if you spec advanced framing, go out there on the first day of wall framing and work with them to review how corners, interior wall intersections and doors/window will be framed at your house and EXPLAIN WHY. Ask your subs if they have concerns about the techniques, listen to their concerns, and then research whether you need to change something.
Be obsessive about the details in the field.
The biggest hurdle is how you can keep subs working for your while still requiring a better than average product. In this environment, they may want to just go down the street to the armchair builder who does not care what they build, as long as they can pass inspection, put lipstick on it and sell it for a high markup... If you figure out a sure way to solve this, please let us all know...
Your other hurdle is educating your buyers. Many don't know, and most don't care. They think if the house passed inspections that is good enough, and many will sell within 3-5 years so never have to deal with the issues presented by poor construction techniques.
Are you an independent builder or do you work for a smaller independent builder or for a mid to large size production builder? The answer to that will also inform how you go about this. Sometimes production builders have to educate the code officials in order to move the bar for the subs in an area....
There are a few different ways you can get a building science education. You can attend a trade school, college, or university that offers courses in this field. Alternatively, you can get a degree or certificate from an online program. Whichever route you choose, make sure you do your research to ensure you're getting a quality education. If you think about how to earn an associate's degree in high school, I suggest you consider going to ASA. They might have a couple of interesting programs for you. Please keep us updated about your decision. Take care of yourself! https://miami.asa.edu/earn-a-degree-with-asa/
It's better not to find out, but to practice.
As the name says, building science will rely significantly on buildings. You mention being interested in the environment, energy, and renewable energy. The https://www.ngscholars.net/noun-courses/ will focus on construction, building sites, and systems. If you are not interested in architecture, you should consider taking an alternative course. If you ARE interested in this degree, I can tell you that I work in the field and that, as others have said, your interest and proactivity will get you where you want to go. They were all drawn to sustainability and worked their way up through the sector.
I love the question and appreciate responses from Martin and Malcolm.
While it is not a formal education, I noticed that the PrettyGoodBuilding.org site has a page with links. I skimmed those links today and found them really interesting. I thought I would share.
https://www.prettygoodhouse.org/links
Mr_reference, thanks for sharing--I'm part of the Pretty Good House team and co-author of our recently published book. Readers might be interested in this upcoming training series: https://finehomebuilding.mykajabi.com/pgh-landing-page-1. Co-author Emily Mottram has developed and is running the course, with guest appearances from the other authors and building science experts.
Yeh! my first reply from Micheal Maines! I love listening to you and the crew on BS and Beer. We built what is essentially a house based on the PGH principles.
My own interest though are pulling me towards an area that I don't see discussed at length on GBA and does not appear (am I wrong) to feature in the PGH principles. That building to deal with extra strong winds, earthquakes, hurricane conditions and similar structural issues.
Take care :)
Haha, happy to be of service. We don't get too far into it in the book but we do touch on the importance of understanding local conditions such as wind and seismic activity, as well a fire, rain and flood potential. I would also be interested in seeing those elements discussed more often.
I appreciate this call for content, thank you for the ideas. Randy Williams has just started writing a series about reputable resources for construction/building science learning opportunities (the first post publishes Monday); and more can be done on that front going forward. Also, I'm in full agreement that GBA needs to be talking about technical specifics for building in high-wind and wildfire-prone areas, and for climate resiliency more broadly. I've been eager to find experts to contribute those types of articles. If anyone can make suggestions, I'm all ears.
Can I ask whether the GBA team has ever contacted the University of Waterloo to see if there would be a way for their engineering faculty or students to post information about "technical specifics for building in high-wind and wildfire-prone areas, and for climate resiliency more broadly."?
If it has not been done and GBA is not in the business of reaching out like this, I might try on my own.
I know that academics (like faculty) are always looking to be published but I don't know what the criteria might be for the publishing of research to be recognized by the academic community... does the academic community accept GBA as an acceptable place to "publish?"
mr . . . let's discuss this. If you are willing, contact me at [email protected]. I'd welcome your assist, and I am sure we can brainstorm some solid ideas to make this type of content happen.