Thermal Performance Assessment of LEED and Non-LEED Buildings via Aerial and Handheld Infrared Thermography

Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2025

Publication Title

PROCEEDINGS OF ASME 2025 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL ENGINEERING CONGRESS AND EXPOSITION, IMECE2025

Abstract

Enhancing the thermal performance of building envelopes is essential for reducing energy consumption and improving indoor comfort. Persistent challenges such as conductive heat loss, air leakage, and thermal bridging, especially at exterior walls with surface defects, undermine building efficiency. This study utilizes infrared thermography (IRT) via both handheld devices and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to evaluate building envelope performance in Cleveland, Ohio (ASHRAE climate zone 5A). UAV-based thermography enables comprehensive temperature mapping, including hard-to-access areas, for detailed assessment of thermal anomalies. Two buildings were assessed to capture variations in heat loss and insulation quality. U-values estimated from thermal images help pinpoint insulation deficiencies and inform targeted retrofit strategies. The findings highlight the value of integrating LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) principles in urban planning to improve envelope performance, lower energy use, and enhance urban resilience. By identifying thermal inefficiencies, this research supports sustainable building practices and energy optimization in urban settings.

Comments

Paper presented at:

2025 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition-IMECE, Memphis, TN, NOV 16-20, 2025

DOI

10.1115/IMECE2025-167197

Volume

9

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