Building Science Digest
Welcome to Building Science Digest, a CertainTeed podcast series that breaks down the science behind healthier, more resilient buildings.
Hosted by Christian Kennedy, each episode features expert guests diving into topics like indoor air quality, moisture management, fire safety, acoustics, thermal comfort, and more!
Whether you're an architect, builder, facility manager, or just curious about how buildings work, this playlist is your go-to resource for practical insights and smarter design strategies. 🎧 Watch full episodes, subscribe for updates, and start building better—one conversation at a time.
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Episodes
Friday May 09, 2025
Friday May 09, 2025
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.Â
Discover practical insights and innovative strategies—from electrochromic glass to interior lighting and finishes—to help create more pleasing indoor environments.Â
Friday Apr 25, 2025
Friday Apr 25, 2025
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
Friday Apr 11, 2025
Friday Apr 11, 2025
Stanley Gatland - Manager of Building Science & Comfort at Saint-Gobain North America - joins Christian Kennedy to discuss the role that building materials play in creating a healthy, comfortable indoor environment for occupants.
Touching on active and passive solutions, the duo discusses everything from reducing allergens to a customer that called about "rain coming out of their soffits."
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Lucas Hamilton - Manager, Applied Building Science at Saint-Gobain North America - joins Christian Kennedy to discuss mold and moisture management in the built environment.
The topic is far reaching with the conversation centering around the interiors and exteriors of both residential and commercial buildings.