Skip to content

Resource Library

Building Science Meets Mountain Climate with Joseph Lstiburek 

Video

Overview

Watch as Joe Lstiburek discusses building science in a mountain climate.

GrassRoots Community Network hosts Joe Lstiburek discussing building science in the mountain climate.

Joseph Lstiburek is a forensic engineer, building investigator, building science consultant, author, speaker and widely known expert on building moisture control, indoor air quality, and retro-fit of existing and historic buildings. Lstiburek is an adjunct professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Toronto; an industry consultant specializing in rain penetration, air and vapor barriers, building durability, construction technology and microbial contamination — and an advisor on numerous prominent building envelope failures. He consults regularly on building code and industry standards.

Widely known for his “Perfect Wall” concept, Lstiburek identified four key control layers within the building envelope (rain, air, vapor and thermal) critical to a building’s behavior, long-term performance and viability. He is a proponent of understanding the concepts that allow older buildings to survive over time in harsh climates — and mimicking those concepts with contemporary construction.

In 2001, The Wall Street Journal called Lstiburek “the dean of North American building science.”

Related Resources

Hyperlink icon to reveal a BPA Resource

Passive House Accelerator Magazine: Current & back issues

Explore Passive House Accelerator Magazine's current & back issues full of case studies and innovative ideas.

Hyperlink icon to reveal a BPA Resource Video

Home Performance: Tips for HVAC Quality Control Targets and Specs for Builders and Contractors

In this video, Corbett Lundsford talks about HVAC quality control targets and testing.

Hyperlink icon to reveal a BPA Resource

Better Buildings Toolkit: Engaging Tenants in Energy Efficiency

Read about how a building’s occupants can control up to 80% of energy use in a commercial building. Therefore, engaging tenants in energy efficiency initiatives is crucial to unlocking the full energy savings potential of a building.