Design Briefs: Options & Opportunities
Not all energy-efficiency measures are appropriate for all building types, but some are especially useful for particular buildings. This Design Brief reminds designers and builders of opportunities they should consider in each of their projects. Summary: When focus is placed on the largest energy uses in a particular type of building, incorporating pertinent enhancements in a standard design can readily improve energy efficiency...

Design Briefs: Integrated Building Design
Using the integrated energy design approach, designers can cost-effectively lower building operating costs while improving workers’ comfort and boosting productivity. Summary: The integrated energy design process helps building owners and designers to economically reduce building operating expenses, while improving comfort and productivity for the building's occupants...

Design Briefs: Building Simulation
A few building simulation runs early in a project can lead to design solutions that, though they appear simple, significantly improve building energy performance. Summary: Computerized building energy performance simulation is a powerful implement for the virtual toolboxes of architects, engineers, and developers...

Design Briefs: Daylighting
Using fundamental components of the Daylighting Designer’s Toolkit, designers can improve the visual environment, create a higher-quality space, and lower energy costs for buildings. Summary: Using fundamental components of the Daylighting Designer's Toolkit, designers can improve the visual environment, create a higher-quality space, and lower energy costs for buildings...

Software: eQUEST
eQUEST® is a sophisticated, yet easy to use building energy use analysis tool which provides professional-level results with an affordable level of effort. This freeware tool was designed to allow you to perform detailed analysis of today's state-of-the-art building design technologies using today's most sophisticated building energy use simulation techniques but without requiring extensive experience in the "art" of building performance modeling...

Case Studies: Multi-Agency Library Benefits from Daylighting Strategies
In libraries, lighting typically consumes more energy than any other end use. Consequently, the design team for the Multi-Agency Library at the College of the Desert decided to take advantage of the abundant natural light available in this desert climate to reduce energy use...

Case Studies: An Integrated Campus Benefits From Its Desert Environment
Situated near a lake in the desert above the Mojave River, the new Learning Resource Center at Victor Valley Community College provides more reading and study areas, book stacks, conference rooms and offices to the college’s existing library. The building’s form (including its central skylight, roof monitors, and angled shading devices) provides dramatic natural lighting in the addition’s reading areas...

Case Studies: Police Facility Optimizes Savings Using Integrated Energy Solutions
The design team for the Santa Ana Police Headquarters focused on their unique opportunities for reducing energy use at this round-the-clock facility, which includes a holding facility. For instance, a jail demands a large amount of hot water to accommodate laundries, showers, and cooking...

e-News for Designers: e-News #3: Energy-Efficient Libraries Serve as Demonstration Showcases for the Community
The new Oak Park Library in Ventura, Calif., integrates state-of-the-art energy-conserving design into a new joint-use public and high school library. The project demonstrates how to create buildings that are comfortable, environmentally responsible, and economical to operate...