Copeland Building Envelope Consulting
We solve building envelope problems.
While kick-out flashing has been required by code for over a decade, CopelandBEC frequently sees instances of incorrect installation or, worse yet, omission altogether. We recently worked on a condominium community where the latter yielded costly consequences.
Read moreOn our latest Podcast episode, we’re joined by Patrick (Pat) Huelman for a thoughtful conversation on the evolving world of building science. We touch on everything from walleye fishing to the influence of AI in education, but the heart of the discussion is about the importance of foundational building science knowledge—and why it needs a stronger presence in architectural education.
Pat highlights a critical point: Building science education will only thrive if the industry demands it from higher education and actively supports it. To make that happen, we also need public and private research funding to develop the next generation of building science educators—those Master’s and PhD graduates who will go on to teach and shape the future of the industry.
We also talk about the power of hands-on learning experiences like the Solar Decathlon and why building science principles are essential for creating high-performance, sustainable buildings that prioritize people, comfort, and the planet.
Listen to this conversation with Patrick Huelman where we discuss why building science education needs stronger industry support, the critical role of research funding in developing future educators, and how deeper technical knowledge can lead to more sustainable, high-performance buildings.
Watch the full episode here!
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“Be Prepared” isn’t just for Scouts – it’s the golden rule for any building envelope consultant hitting the field. Today, we’re opening up our field kit to share the tools that keep us ready. Contents of this guide have been field-tested in the harshest conditions, from scorching rooftops to freezing parking structures.
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Minnesota’s B3 Guidelines, or “Buildings, Benchmarks & Beyond,” are an essential set of sustainability and performance standards required for public construction projects within the state. B3 aims to take a holistic approach to creating environmentally-sound buildings, with compliance requirements ranging from energy efficiency to occupant health and material waste.
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Adaptive reuse has exploded in popularity as architects, developers, and communities increasingly recognize the environmental, cultural, and financial benefits of transforming existing, aging buildings into new and purposeful spaces.
Adaptive reuse projects, however, come with unique challenges. Typically, they involve converting old industrial facilities – such as mills, factories, and warehouses – into multi-use commercial and residential spaces. Built with simple construction methods using whatever utility-grade materials were available at the time, these structures were not originally designed to have an extended lifespan or to meet modern operational expectations. Transforming these buildings to meet today’s expectations for comfort, durability, functionality, and efficiency is a complex undertaking.
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