Commercial buildings account for considerable energy use, making them prime candidates for innovative efficiency solutions through building enclosure system improvements. And, as energy codes tighten and sustainability becomes non-negotiable, design and construction professionals must implement building enclosure solutions that eliminate fundamental weaknesses without compromising structural integrity.
This article defines building enclosure systems, how they differ from traditional continuous insulation systems, and demonstrates how the SMARTci® building enclosure system outperforms legacy systems through thermal efficiency and structural integrity.
Building Enclosures
Building enclosures extend beyond continuous insulation systems by incorporating critical support features, most notably an air- and water-barrier, which is essential to maintain a building’s longevity and protects against moisture penetration. Building enclosure systems not only address the concerns of thermal efficiency, just as continuous insulation systems do, but also ensure that the building envelope is protected against heat flow and moisture infiltration.
Legacy Systems
Legacy building enclosure systems introduce substantial performance liabilities to wall assemblies by creating thermal gaps and bridges that prevent thermally efficient building envelopes. A large portion of energy is used in commercial buildings but is wasted due to inefficiencies in common building enclosure systems. Many buildings use steel or other metal components to connect exterior elements like cladding to the interior structure. This allows for heat and cold to travel through the building, leading to energy loss, moisture buildup, and uncomfortable cold spots.
Additionally, these metal-based systems compound their limitations from reliance on through-fasteners that further contribute to thermal bridging and condensation vulnerabilities. Furthermore, their restriction to stud wall applications severely limits design versatility and project applicability.
SMARTci: The Ultimate Building Enclosure Solution
SMARTci represents a fundamental departure from conventional building enclosure approaches. The system is engineered to eliminate the documented shortcomings of traditional methods through superior thermal performance, comprehensive air- and water-tightness, and proven structural integrity. The following characteristics distinguish SMARTci from conventional building enclosure systems:
Cost-Effective, High-Performance Air- and Water-Barrier
SMARTci building enclosure system installed horizontally on closed framing.
SMARTci delivers verified high-performance air- and water-tight protection through an engineered combination of GreenGirt CMH™ Z-girts and custom-profiled rigid insulation. This establishes a robust building enclosure that excels in sealing out thermal bridging, air, and moisture. ThermaLock insulation retention technology located on the top and bottom of the GreenGirt CMH Z-profile creates a complete 360-degree weather barrier when paired with the custom-profiled rigid insulation panels. This comprehensive system forms an uninterrupted weather barrier that protects the structure from potential water damage, air leaks, and related energy loss, and ensures long-term durability and thermal performance.
Beyond superior performance, SMARTci significantly speeds up installation. The GreenGirt CMH Z-girts and custom-profiled insulation panels are designed for an easy stack-and-go installation process, allowing for faster and more intuitive installation on the jobsite. The composite metal hybrid sub-framing, coupled with the custom-profiled rigid insulation panels, makes the system lightweight and easy to handle, reducing labor hours and installation time by up to four times compared to traditional systems. This streamlined installation process not only cuts down on project timelines but also lowers labor costs, establishing SMARTci as a highly efficient and cost-saving solution for any commercial construction project.
Superior Temperature Control
SMARTci building enclosure system installed horizontally on open framing.
Legacy building enclosure systems fall short when it comes to interior temperature control, especially when using metal components, because of the conductive heat flow that results from using metal products. Even if these systems comply with International Energy Conversation Code (IECC) standards, they can create thermal bridges when metal connects the exterior and interior parts of the building. This leads to energy loss, as thermal energy escapes or enters through the building envelope, causing hot and cold spots.
SMARTci solves this issue by eliminating weak points with GreenGirt CMH Z-girts that eliminate thermal bridging entirely. By upgrading to the SMARTci system, maximum performance of the building envelope is guaranteed. This results in significant savings on heating and cooling costs over the lifespan of the building, making SMARTci the optimal choice for long-term energy efficiency.
Sustainable & Future-Forward
Sustainability has transitioned from an optional consideration to a fundamental requirement in commercial construction, and SMARTci is engineered to exceed current standards. Selection of the SMARTci system represents a commitment to both high-performance enclosure technology and sustainable construction practices that advance industry environmental objectives.
The GreenGirt CMH Z-girt holds the distinction of being the first product in its category to earn the Declare label from the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), and the first product to have two consecutive published EPDs. This certification verifies that GreenGirt CMH Z-girts contain no Red List chemicals and meets comprehensive ethical sourcing requirements, establishing verified sustainability credentials that distinguish it within the building materials sector.
Additionally, SMARTci provides measurable financial benefits through its sustainability performance. The system facilitates qualification for LEED and other sustainability certifications, potentially providing access to tax incentives and financial benefits for qualified projects.
Conclusion
High-performance building enclosures represent a fundamental evolution from legacy systems that separate structural support from thermal and moisture protection. The measurable benefits, lower operating costs, improved occupant comfort, easier code compliance, and valuable sustainability certifications make advanced enclosure systems a strategic investment rather than a premium upgrade. As the industry moves toward net-zero energy targets, the question is no longer whether to adopt these solutions, but how quickly we can transition away from the inefficient systems that continue to waste energy and compromise building performance.
Get Specs, Installation Guides, Details, & More for SMARTci Systems
Grab all the documents you need to properly specify the SMARTci building enclosure system on either open or closed framing.
Download A2P’s SMARTci Technical Documents
Need help designing with the SMARTci building enclosure system? A2P’s expert engineers are available to offer technical assistance.
Related Resources:
Read “Choosing the Best Installation Method for the SMARTci Building Enclosure System”
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a building enclosure system?
A building enclosure system is similar to continuous insulation, but it adds key protection layers – especially an air- and water-barrier – to help keep moisture out and improve long-term durability while also supporting thermal efficiency.
How much can thermal bridging reduce a wall’s R-value?
Thermal bridging from metal fasteners and conventional framing can create heat-transfer pathways that reduce wall assembly R-values by up to 50%, while also increasing the risk of air/water infiltration and condensation-related damage.
How is SMARTci different from traditional building enclosure systems?
SMARTci is designed to solve common “legacy system” problems (thermal bridging, air leaks, moisture risk) by pairing GreenGirt CMH Z-girts with custom-profiled rigid insulation to create a tighter, higher-performing enclosure. Together, this combination delivers air and water protection, faster installation, and high-performance thermal efficiency and durability throughout the building’s lifetime.