2026 BES: Realizing ROI, the Case for Vacuum Insulated Panels (Lopez M., Meyer B.)

2026 BES: Realizing ROI, the Case for Vacuum Insulated Panels (Lopez M., Meyer B.)

Course Overview
This session was originally presented at the 2026 IIBEC Building Enclosure Symposium in Indianapolis, Indiana.  This course includes the following components:

• recording of the live session
• a summative assessment consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions
• two surveys required to claim continuing education credit

Description

As energy codes advance toward 2030 climate goals, exterior wall and roof assemblies are increasingly challenged by the need to deliver higher thermal performance within limited space—particularly in retrofit and existing-building applications. This presentation examines the use of high R‑value vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) as a thickness‑efficient insulation strategy for building enclosures. Through investigation and real‑world case studies, the session explores how VIPs can be integrated into wall and roof assemblies, including historically constrained structures, while addressing performance benefits, detailing challenges, risks, and best‑practice implementation.

Speaker/Author

Mike Lopez, RA, AIA, NCARB

Benjamin Meyer, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

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

Course Recommended Prerequisite(s)

• A basic understanding of building enclosure  systems, insulation performance metrics (R-value, U-value), energy efficiency principles, and fundamental concepts of ROI and life-cycle cost analysis.

IIBEC Core Competencies: 

Exterior Walls

Roofing

Knowledge Level: 

Intermediate (5–15 years)

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in the session content at the 2026 IIBEC Building Enclosure Symposium 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 August 17, 2026             
Credit Expiration Date  August 17, 2029

Continuing Education Credit Statement
This course is approved for 1.0 IIBEC CEH
This course is approved for 1.0 AIA LU/HSW
AIA Course Number: BES26_10_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.