Thermal bridging is important for several reasons: • It can lead to problematic condensation that is difficult to mitigate. • It can increase a building's energy usage, and reduced occupant comfort. • It usually increases the operational carbon emissions of the building. • It may create a condition of noncompliance with the governing Energy Code. This is especially true for projects subject to the NYC Energy Code or the NYStretch Code. • It usually involves structural elements for which the structural engineer is responsible. • Practical, high-efficacy solutions exist and can be implemented in collaboration with the other members of a project's design team - if identified early in the design process. Thermal bridging can occur with all structural materials, especially concrete, steel, and masonry. Mitigation strategies include: • Thermal separation of interior and exterior elements • Use of low-conducting material such as FRP or stainless steel • Substitution of discrete (intermittent) bridging elements for continuous (linear) elements • Use of proprietary manufactured structural thermal bridging assemblies - usually considered design-delegated elements. • Use of insulative paints or coatings.