The emphasis on interdisciplinary design and resource management, together with use of new design tools, distinguishes high performance from conventional processes. Design thinking should be informed by the traditional efficiency methods and techniques employed by older or vernacular buildings, where forms, building materials, and means of achieving comfort respond to local climate and acknowledge the location of the sun.

The commissioning process encompasses–but also surpasses–the normal testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) activities commonly performed in inspections. Commissioning also involves comprehensive functional testing to determine how well mechanical and electrical systems work together. Because so many building systems are now integrated, a deficiency in one component can result in substandard operation and performance among other components. In general practice, a commissioning agent assists the construction team in substantively reducing and eliminating defects before the building is turned over to its occupants. Commissioning may also occur based on a partial system upgrade.

The energy efficiency model of today involves benefits, not sacrifices. In high performance buildings, energy efficient design begins with a methodical reduction of the building’s heating and cooling loads – those imposed by climate and those generated by people and equipment. With all loads minimized, mechanical systems are then selected based on highest output for lowest fuel consumption.

The new efficiency means optimizing the performance of each of the building’s components and systems both individually and in interaction with other energyconsuming systems – air conditioning, lighting, domestic hot water, etc. This is known as the practice of ‘design integration.’ In tandem with other energy efficient practices, building systems integration can provide excellent returns on the initial investment. Current practice also embraces the use of renewable energy technologies that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and help alleviate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

In this module the guidelines presented by this program outline strategies and techniques that provide a range of ’best practices‘ for planning, designing, constructing and operating healthier, more energy efficient and resource efficient commercial facilities. Such high performance buildings can produce long-term life cycle savings for the Owners, and may also help stimulate the markets for environmentally efficient technologies. This is also true of government and municipal projects. By integrating high performance features into its capital projects, cities and municipalities can add value to the capital assets while helping to protect the environment and support local economic activity. The High Performance Building Guidelines help each participant better understand their role in producing improved, more efficient buildings with reduced environmental impacts.

Topics Covered

• Site Protection
• Plan development
• Protecting water sources and planted areas
• Developing waste management and recycling plans
• Minimizing construction and equipment impacts

Topics Covered

• Soil testing
• Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis
• Vegetation assessment, preservation and transplantation
• Invasive species evaluation

Topics Covered

• Mechanisms to affect right-of-way construction by private utilities.
• Technology to minimize pavement damage and degradation
• Upgrades to utility installation and maintenance

Building construction and renovation activities alter the urban environment, generating noise, waste, and air pollution that can stress the building’s occupants and neighbors. High performance construction practices can help reduce adverse effects during construction while improving the building’s long-term environmental performance. In particular, construction and demolition (C&D) waste has become an increasing environmental and municipal burden, equaling up to 30% of the municipal solid waste stream. The majority of this waste is generally disposed of by private haulers engaged by demolition subcontractors and land filled in or out of state, at increasing cost to taxpayers. The strategies that follow can reduce the amount of C&D waste generated at the start.

Air temperature, mean radiant temperature, air speed, and humidity are all factors that affect thermal comfort. Dissatisfaction with thermal conditions is the most common source of complaints in office buildings.