Good lighting design enhances architecture. Good energy efficient lighting design enhances both the design and the performance of buildings. Knowledge of the opportunities and constraints of available and emerging lighting technologies is key to success with this crucial design element.

Building envelopes not only provide the thermal barrier between the indoor and outdoor environment, but also play an important role in determining how effectively the building can utilize natural lighting, ventilation, and heating and cooling resources.

A building's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) creates interior comfort by compensating for climatic conditions. Many efficient HVAC system design options exist than those used in current practice and must be explored by designers pursuing high performance buildings.

Daylighting - the practice of utilizing natural light within a building - requires careful planning to balance heat gain and loss, control glare, and adjust for variations in daylight availability. This design strategy can significantly cut energy use in buildings and has wide applicability to many different types of facilities.