What is meant by the term “building envelope”?

The term “building envelope” refers to the physical separator between the interior and exterior environments of a building. It encompasses all components that serve as barriers to the exchange of air, heat, moisture, and light between the inside and outside of the structure. This includes walls, roofs, windows, doors, and foundations. A well-designed building envelope is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency, providing comfort to occupants, and protecting the building from the external elements. Understanding the characteristics and performance of the building envelope helps in ensuring that the building meets energy efficiency standards and provides adequate insulation and ventilation.