Phius Building Certification Associate Rodrigo Barrios-Piedra started at Phius in September 2023, and recently attended his first Westford Symposium on Building Science, recounting his experience in the blog below.
I recently had the opportunity to attend my first professional conference, which happened to be the 27th Westford Symposium on Building Science, most commonly known as Building Science Summer Camp.
When I was told I’d be joining the Phius group, I was thrilled. I’d heard stories about the event’s legendary status in the building science community, but experiencing it firsthand was something else entirely.
Summer Camp is more than just a conference. It’s an annual invitation-only gathering hosted by Dr. Joe Lstiburek and Betsy Pettit of Building Science Corporation, bringing together leading practitioners, researchers, and professionals from across the country. With more than 500 attendees, expert-led sessions, and an endless supply of food, the event felt more like a reunion of passionate minds than a formal symposium. Held at at Pettit and Lstiburek’s home, the event fostered a unique blend of technical rigor and informal exchange, making networking accessible and genuinely enjoyable.
As someone with a background in building science and experience working at Phius, I came to Summer Camp familiar with many of the topics discussed. Still, the depth and nuance of the presentations pushed my understanding further and sparked new questions.
One of the most compelling sessions I attended was led by Eva King, founder and principal scientist at the Aura EnviroServices in Keswick, Virginia. With a Ph.D in immunoepidemiology from the University of Oxford, King’s work focuses on diagnosing indoor environmental problems in homes and workplaces. Her presentation emphasized that buildings are not just a collection of rooms. They are interconnected systems. Even minor design or construction flaws can lead to significant health and performance consequences.
For someone like me, who isn’t regularly on job sites, King’s insights were a powerful reminder of the real-world impact of moisture control, air cleaning technologies, and indoor environmental quality. Her ability to connect building science with occupant health was both eye-opening and deeply relevant to the work we do at Phius. It reiterated the importance of building science in everyday life.
Another standout session was presented by Andy Shapiro and Jacob Racusin, who explored the topic of embodied CO2e. Their presentation focused on the operational and embodied carbon emissions associated with a pair of dormitory buildings in Vermont, designed and constructed to be “Net Zero Ready.” It was impressive how they projected the buildings’ long-term atmospheric effects and addressed the trade-offs between performance and materials. The graphs and images they shared offered a compelling visual narrative of long-term climate implications. That’s something that resonated strongly with my interest in sustainable design and energy modeling.
What struck me most throughout the event was the spirit of collaboration and curiosity. Whether during the formal sessions or casual conversations under the lunch tent, attendees were eager to share knowledge, challenges, and learn from one another. It was clear that everyone was there not just to showcase their work, but to contribute to a collective effort to improve our built environment.
For those without a deep technical background in building science, Summer Camp still offers immense value. The presentations are rich with technical insight, but also designed to spark dialogue and broaden understanding. It’s a space where listening and learning are just as important as presenting and debating.
Attending Summer Camp XXVII was a terrific experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of it. The event strengthened my dedication to building science and reminded me how important it is to stay curious, connected, and always learning. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey, this gathering offered something truly special that you will always carry with you. It was a unique opportunity to dive deep into the science of buildings while connecting with the people who are shaping its future.
