In the United States, they were once known as "that strange Canadian phenomenon." Five years ago, things began to change when Massachusetts mandated them under its Commercial Energy Code. Air barriers. Massachusetts is no longer alone. Wisconsin and Michigan require air barriers now, too. And continuous air barrier systems will be required by ASHRAE under Addendum z to Standard 90.1-2004, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Law-Rise Residential Buildings. Even the United States Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED~®) program is starting to recognize the impact of air barrier performance and incorporates some cautious building envelope language in the draft LEED for Schools standard. Decades after our neighbors to the north mandated the technology, what has made design professionals in this country suddenly latch onto the idea?
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