Energy-efficient buildings are not living up to their promise. The problem is serious, yet somewhat puzzling. Efficient building technologies are becoming more and more available; government regulations and company policies are supporting a drive for energy efficiency more than ever and building energy performance targets remain low. Yet when high-performance buildings are delivered they are not matching expectations
The reasons for the performance deficit can be attributed to multiple issues. Building system and envelope modeling may be inadequate, possibly hampered by incomplete application of the tools—probably because they are not calibrated to actual operating conditions. Contractors may understand each building system well, but lack insight into how to cost-effectively integrate those systems to enable deeper savings at the whole-building level. Controls commissioning could be incomplete or nonexistent and may not address all energy savings opportunities. Building controls may be too complex, or the training too spotty, for occupants to use them wisely, so they simply override them.