Building Science Digest

Building Resilient Structures from the Ground Up

When it comes to building science, resilience starts below the surface.
In this episode of Building Science Digest, Christian Kennedy sits down with Lisa Semling, Product and Innovation Manager for GCP, to explore what it really takes to design and protect a building’s foundation.
From pre-applied vs. post-applied waterproofing to understanding geotechnical reports, hydrostatic pressure, and lateral water migration, Lisa explains why you only get one shot to get it right.
They also dive into regional differences—from Manhattan’s deep schist foundations to the West Coast’s shotcrete systems and LA’s stringent VOC and methane barrier codes—and discuss how the industry is shifting toward a holistic building envelope approach that considers every surface, from below grade to the roof.
Whether you’re an architect, contractor, or building science enthusiast, this episode will change the way you think about what’s beneath your feet.

Building A Circular Economy

In this episode of Building Science Digest, we chat with Dennis Wilson, VP, ESG & Managing Director, Circular Economy Solutions North America at Saint-Gobain North America, to unpack one of the most important shifts in sustainable construction: the move from a linear economy to a circular economy.
Dennis explains what the circular economy really means, how it reduces waste, recirculates materials, and helps regenerate nature.
This episode explores how Saint-Gobain is leading the charge through initiatives like recycling glass from skyscrapers into new insulation, cutting CO₂ emissions, and why understanding Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions is critical to building a truly sustainable future.
Listeners will learn:
The difference between linear, cradle-to-grave systems and circular, cradle-to-cradle design
How circular practices create both environmental and economic value
Real-world examples of material re-use in building products like gypsum and glass
What contractors, customers, and communities can do to support circularity
Why data, design, and reverse supply chains are essential to making it work
Whether you are a builder, architect, or sustainability enthusiast, this conversation will give you a clear and practical understanding of how circular economy principles are transforming the built environment and what it means for the future of construction.

The Importance of Resilient, Impact-Resistant Roofs

What makes a roof truly resilient? In this episode of Building Science Digest, we sit down with James White, Senior Product Manager for CertainTeed Residential Roofing, to break down everything you need to know about impact-resistant shingles—how they work, why they matter, and what’s driving their rapid rise across the country. From the science behind polymer-modified asphalt (SBS) and granule adhesion to understanding UL 2218, FM 4473, and IBHS hail-testing standards, this conversation digs into the systems approach that helps roofs withstand hail, wind, and time itself. James also explains how insurance trends, regional building codes, and changing weather patterns are shaping the future of residential roofing—and how CertainTeed’s Integrity Roof System® and Class 4 shingles are leading the way in resilience. Key Topics Covered: - The rise of severe weather and hail-related insurance claims - Differences between Class 3 and Class 4 impact-resistant shingles - The science and history behind SBS-modified asphalt - Benefits of resilient roof systems for contractors and homeowners - Future trends in roofing codes, insurance premiums, and climate adaptation Whether you’re a contractor, roofer, or homeowner, this episode will help you understand why building for resilience is essential.

The Rise of Offsite Construction: Building Homes Faster, Smarter, and Stronger

What does the future of offsite construction look like—and how can it transform the way we build? In this episode of Building Science Digest, Christian Kennedy and Dennis Michaud - Managing Director, Offsite Solutions - dive into the evolving world of offsite manufacturing and prefabrication.
From speed and scale to labor challenges and the growing demand for efficiency, our guests break down the opportunities and hurdles shaping this space. We explore: - Why offsite is more than just modular homes - How labor shortages affect the built environment - The role of technology and automation in scaling production - Lessons from global leaders and what North America can learn - The balance between design flexibility, cost, and speed Whether you’re a contractor, architect, or building science enthusiast, this episode delivers practical insights and future-focused perspectives on where construction is headed.

Why Cool Roofs Are Such a Hot Topic

What exactly is a “cool roof,” and why are building codes and communities across the country paying so much attention to them?
In this episode of Building Science Digest, host Christian Kennedy sits down with CertainTeed Product Manager for Low-Slope Roofing, Ted Winslow, to break down the science, benefits, and future of cool roof technology.
Together, they explore:
The fundamentals of heat transfer (conduction, convection, and radiation) and how reflective roofing helps manage it.
The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) and why it’s key to codes like California’s Title 24 and LA County’s Title 31.
How cool roofs play a role in reducing the urban heat island effect.
Practical benefits for building owners, from lower cooling loads to increased durability and resilience.
Where the industry is headed next—including smart technologies, green roofs, and solar integration.
Whether you’re an architect, contractor, or just curious about sustainable building solutions, this episode will give you a clear and engaging look at why cool roofs are more than just a trend— they’re shaping the future of energy-efficient design.

The Past, Present, and Future of Solar Technology

Andrew Wickham, Senior Director of Solar Products at CertainTeed, joins Christian Kennedy to unpack the evolution of solar energy—from early inefficiencies to today's high-performance, cost-effective solutions.
They explore rooftop and utility-scale solar, energy storage, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and emerging tech like solar shingles and agrivoltaics.

Designing for Sound Control in the Built Environment

Ever walk into a restaurant, school, or office and feel overwhelmed by the noise?
You're not alone—and there's a science behind it.
This week's episode of Building Science Digest discusses what it takes to optimize sound and enhance comfort in all kinds of buildings.
Listen in as Stan Gatland, Manager of Building Science & Comfort at Saint-Gobain North America, guides us through the fundamentals and finer points of architectural acoustics.

Heat in the Built Environment

Galen Burrell, Building Science Strategist at Saint-Gobain North America, sits down with Christian Kennedy to discuss how thoughtful design and advanced technologies can shape healthier, more sustainable spaces for both people and the planet.
The duo explores smart thermal control strategies like cool roofs and electrochromic windows, balancing views of daylight and heat control, and ways to reduce cooling loads in a variety of buildings.

Light in the Built Environment

This episode features Dr. Ahoo Malekafzali, Building Science Manager at Saint-Gobain North America, as she explores the complex relationship between daylight, glare, views, and occupant well-being in buildings. 
Discover practical insights and innovative strategies—from electrochromic glass to interior lighting and finishes—to help create more pleasing indoor environments. 

Building Fire Safety

How can builders enhance fire safety and lower a building’s environmental footprint? In the latest episode of Building Science Digest, we sit down with Remi Goulet—a specialist in heat transfer with over 12 years at Saint-Gobain—to explore more sustainable, science-backed approaches to fire safety. 
Remi highlights how a systems-thinking approach—evaluating entire assemblies rather than isolated products—can reduce embodied carbon while still meeting fire resistance and code requirements, including growing concerns like the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code. 
From the role of compartmentalization in passive fire protection to innovations like lightweight fire-rated gypsum boards and gypsum-based spray for structural steel, this conversation dives into real strategies that may change how you think about fire-rated assemblies.