PNNL

Abstract

Sustainable design principles promote the use of integrated design strategies that balance economic, environmental, and human considerations into a building design. By definition, energy efficient technologies should be a cornerstone of ‘green’ buildings as they reduce operating costs, minimize the environmental impact of the building, and operate efficiently to offer optimal occupancy comfort. However, first cost and ease of design and construction has a tendency to control the design decisions and in some cases edging out the energy efficient technologies. Examples will be used to demonstrate how integrated design techniques can help reduce these roadblocks and support incorporation of innovative energy efficient technology applications in green buildings.