Project contact is Pierre Blanchet at Université Laval (Canada)
Summary
Construction standards are governed by several factors. The National Building Code dictates the minimum to meet occupant safety issues. Energy issues are imposed by the energy efficiency standards of the Novoclimat programs of Transition Energie Québec. However, some developer-builders go further and enforce voluntary environmental standards such as LEED Version 4 or the WELL standard on occupant welfare. Many of these efforts are invisible to the occupier or the buyer because they are hidden in the building assembly, envelope or structure. Over the entire life cycle of buildings, these construction details will be important to the building operator, but their initial costs will also have an impact on the choices made during construction or acquisition. The project proposes to determine the added value of these quality approaches for the consumer. The project will consider key wood building systems by comparing minimum requirements, best practices and consumer perception.