In-situ Assessment and Comparison of the Thermal Performance of Three Building Envelopes in a Nordic Climate

Abstract

Buildings in cold climates are often exposed to extreme weather events, including heatwaves and prolonged power outages. In this study, three lightweight experimental buildings were instrumented in Québec to assess their thermal resilience. Each building featured a different wall assembly insulated with bio-based materials. The dynamic thermal behavior was analyzed during winter heating interruptions and summer heatwaves, using in situ measurements and specific performance indicators. Although all three wall systems met high thermal resistance levels, results showed that this static property alone was not able to predict thermal resilience. One building, despite having lower static performance, maintained cooler indoor temperatures during a heat wave due to a higher share of bio-based materials. This study emphasizes the importance of moving beyond static indicators and relying on real-world performance assessments to inform sustainable building design in cold regions affected by climate change.