Building Science and Rocket Science

Scientists started looking at energy use of residential structures after the first oil crisis in the late 1970s. Scientists at Oak Ridge National Labs (ORNL), the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL) have been on the forefront of energy efficiency and renewable energy for three decades. The studies, reports and best practices developed by national labs are the foundation of energy efficient home improvements from AlabamaWISE contractors.

Home performance contractors and energy raters are building science experts who actually build and test high performance homes based on thermodynamic principals of heat movement and air movement. Some, like Joseph “the L is silent” Lstiburek, are at home with both rocket scientists and building scientists. Case in point is this article on the second law of thermodynamics and the space shuttle foam insulation problem: http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi-021-thermodynamics-its-not-rocket-science

The Second Law of Thermodynamics is a foundation of building science related to thermal performance and occupant comfort. Home performance experts’ goal is to keep the heating and cooling inside the home. They use building science principles and diagnostic tools to identify where energy is escaping through and help homeowners save money, improve home comfort and energy performance with air sealing and insulation to the home.