Christopher J. Schumacher is recognized as an expert in the field of building monitoring and building systems and enclosure testing. He has lead the design, installation and analysis of monitoring systems for 15 building enclosure test facilities, 6 test building sites, 3 climate chambers and 2 sustainable building technologies demonstration projects in over a dozen states and countries as far abroad as Mongolia and New Zealand.

Chris' breadth of knowledge is evident in his approach to building science. His formal education in both architecture and engineering is balanced by over a decade of experience in design, computer simulation, physical testing, and forensic investigation.

As a senior research assistant at University of Waterloo (UW) and the Pennsylvania State University (PSU), Chris lead the construction of the PSU climate chamber and pioneered the use of the gravimetric balance to study the moisture performance of full scale wall systems. He has played key roles in and received awards for several major ASHRAE research projects. Chris regularly participates as a consultant in the development of experimental test programs for academic institutions, building product manufacturers and government agencies including DOE, EPA, CMHC, NRC/IRC, NRCan and UNDP.

As a founding partner of Balanced Solutions Inc. - an innovative Canadian building science RD&D consultancy - Chris was regularly involved in the forensic investigation of moisture and energy problems in buildings. His expertise has been instrumental in analyzing and remediating condensation damage in attics, mould in walls, peeling paint, failed masonry and poorly performing HVAC systems in houses, schools, office buildings and industrial facilities. Chris is often asked to assist in the review of historical buildings and the development of retrofit strategies to improve performance and maximize durability.

As a building scientist at one of Canada's premier energy and sustainability consulting firms, Chris spent 5 years measuring and modeling the performance of dozens of houses, multi unit residential buildings, office buildings and industrial sites. Even before LEED was widely adopted in Canada, Chris served as a "green design facilitator," guiding design teams through the process of creating energy efficient, comfortable, durable, economical and environmentally responsible buildings, including one University laboratory building that achieved 73% savings over the reference building!

Chris firmly believes in creating buildings that are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable - and pursues the continuous development of building science to this end.