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Full-scale stud cavities were constructed in a climate-controlled chamber to investigate the capacity of wall cavities under experimental conditions to contain mold products, emanating from studs with 10% of their surfaces covered with mold, from penetrating the indoor space. The project investigated the transport of microbical volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), which can be byproducts of mold growth, through the building envelope, and assesses whether the concentration of MVOCs was related to six experimental parameters stated below. The tests were initially designed primarily to study the movement of fungal spores. Later, additional information was collected to investigate the movement of MVOCs. Full size wall assemblies of residential wood frame buildings were constructed, and subjected to air infiltration rates typical of houses in the Quebec region, Canada. A stainless steel sampling chamber, simulating the indoor space, was constructed to encase the inner face of the central stud cavity of the specimens, and to provide controlled depressurization for the air infiltration. The parameters that may influence spores and MVOCs movement selected for the investigation were the air leakage characteristics (air leakage path and rate) and wall configurations (insulation, vapour barrier and sheathing material). The analysis of VOCs was performed using gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to identify the volatile species in the stud space, the interior of the sampling chamber and the ambient laboratory air. The results were analyzed using multiple regression analysis to determine the transport through the building envelope.

In order to stimulate an increased use of solar in energy conscious building design, the Task 41 participants have developed a Communication Guideline as a tool to support architects in their communication process with especially clients, authorities and contractors. Today the energy performance of solar solutions is well documented and well known especially in the “technical environment”. This knowledge, however, needs to be communicated in a convincing way to the decision makers in order to ensure a broad implementation of sustainable solar solutions in future building design. The Communication Guideline includes convincing arguments and facts supporting the implementation of solar based design solutions. The Communication Guideline is divided in three main parts: • Part 1: Convincing clients to request and commission solar buildings • Part 2: Communication strategies at the design/ construction team level • Part 3: Tools and References

This document shows product developments and dissemination activities carried out within the framework of, or in close relation to, the project IEA SHC Task 41; Solar Energy and Architecture. This Task gathered researchers and practicing architects from 14 countries in the three year project whose aim was to identify the obstacles architects are facing when incorporating solar design in their projects, to provide resources for overcoming these barriers and to help improving architects’ communication with other stakeholders in the design of solar buildings. Participating countries were Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The report gives not a complete list of activities, but shows the different types of activities to spread the findings in Task 41 and to initiate product developments in participating countries.