2026 Convention Session: Thermal Performance of Spandrel Assemblies in Glazing Systems: Lessons Learned from Physical Testing & Simulation

Thermal Performance of Spandrel Assemblies in Glazing Systems: Lessons Learned from Physical Testing & Simulation

Daniel Haaland, MASc, PEng; Cheryl Saldanha, PE, CPHD; Ivan Lee; Wei Lam, PE

Course Overview
This session was originally presented at the 2026 IIBEC Convention & Trade Show in Sacramento, CA. 

This course includes the following required components.

• recording of the live session
• summative assessment consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions
• course evaluation survey

Description

Gaps in the industry’s understanding of the thermal performance of opaque (i.e., spandrel) sections of glazed wall systems have led to inconsistent results and discrepancies with real-world performance, and they have stalled the innovation necessary to achieve energy-efficient systems. This presentation will provide an update on Phase 2 of a multiyear, multiphase research study aimed at closing this performance gap. Specifically, this presentation will focus on presenting results from physical testing conducted at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The results will include measurements of several variations of thermally broken aluminum stick-built and unitized curtainwall along with a window wall system. Differences in the thermal behavior of the tested spandrel assemblies will be highlighted along with the effect of several thermal upgrade options. The study is known as the “Thermal Performance of Spandrel Assemblies in Glazing Systems” and is funded by the Charles Pankow Foundation with additional support from many project partners. Phase 1 of the research report is available free online. Additionally, the research aims to inform the development of techniques and tools for design professionals to accurately model, simulate, and predict building energy performance during the design stage. These techniques are crucial as energy efficiency codes advance to include absolute metrics for building energy use.

Speakers/Authors:
Daniel Haaland, MASc, PEng
Principal, Building Science Specialist
RDH Building Science

Cheryl Saldanha, PE, CPHD
Senior Project Manager, Building Science Practice Leader
Simpson Gumpertz and Heger (SGH)

Ivan Lee
Senior Building Science Engineer
Stanec
 

Author:
Wei Lam, PE
Principal
RDH Building Science

Course Access
Courses are accessible in LearnUpon for one year from the date of purchase.

Course Recommended Prerequisite(s): N/A


IIBEC Core Competencies: Exterior Wall

Knowledge Level: Advanced

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in the session content at the 2026 IIBEC Convention & Trade Show are those of the content author(s)/speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or positions of the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC). IIBEC makes no warranty, whether express or implied, as to the completeness, accuracy or validity of the information provided.

Credit Start Date 1/23/26        
Credit Expiration Date 1/23/29

Continuing Education Credit Statement
This course is approved for 1 IIBEC CEH
This course is approved for 1 AIA LU/Elective
AIA Course Number: CONV26_29_OD
AIA Provider Number: G024

Continuing Education Credit Claim Information

To claim IIBEC CEHs and download a Certificate of Completion, learners are required to complete all components of the course, including a passing score of 70% or higher on the summative assessment.  Participants are provided unlimited attempts to complete the summative assessment with a passing score of 70% or higher.

• After completing the course requirements download a Certificate of Completion. 
• Participants are responsible for self-reporting IIBEC CEH credit by uploading their Certificate of Completion to their IIBEC Portal. For assistance in self-reporting CEHs, please reach out to: cehs@iibec.org
• If you are a member of AIA and would like IIBEC to report your participation in the course to AIA, there is a place in the course evaluation survey to input your AIA member number.

AIA CES Provider statement

IIBEC is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider G024. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs.  Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).

This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.