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...

Online Tools: EDR Charette
EDR Charette is an online tool that allows you to quickly investigate the energy impacts of various design scenarios on a typical building, and then review the analysis graphically in an easy to understand web-based format. It enables you to quickly "draw" building components with drop down menus, and estimate how different design choices will affect energy use, energy costs, and the surrounding environment...

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: Public Agency Demonstrates Resource Efficiency Through Innovative Design
A 35-foot tall "water tower" feature dominates both the exterior and interior of the single-story Victor Valley Water District Administrative Facility. Located in a high desert climate, this building has 12-inch-thick exterior walls with solid-grouted concrete masonry...

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...

Case Studies: The Stage is Set for Optimum Energy Savings
Sony Pictures Studio opted to emphasize "green" building practices in its new South Astaire Building. This three-story combination office building and movie/television set serves as an expansion to Sony’s main studio. A large central skylight spills natural light into the building’s open central court...

Case Studies: Building Case Study - A Biotech Lab and Office
The Pharmaceutical Research Institute in La Jolla, California, is a 123,000-square-foot laboratory and office building completed in 1999. Among the energy efficiency measures included in the building are systems for limiting energy waste associated with its 92 fume hoods and its air handling, space conditioning, and lighting systems...