Design for Energy
Good design reduces energy use and eliminates dependence on fossil fuels while improving building performance, function, comfort, and enjoyment.
Learn more about the AIA Framework for Design Excellence.
Reproduced with permission of The American Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Avenue, N.W.; Washington, D.C. 20006
Design for Energy
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Affordable Housing and Sustainable Design: The Goals Are Aligned
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Green building is not just for those with means.
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Lighting Design for Health and Sustainability: A Guide for Architects
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A report providing architects guidance on how to design sustainable lighting that supports health and wellness while reducing energy use.
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Can Commercial Kitchens Go Electric?
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An all-electric commercial kitchen offers potential energy and carbon savings over using natural gas, but making the switch can be complicated—and even controversial.
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The Next Four Years
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The Biden-Harris administration may be the most important ever relative to the environment.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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An Affordable Heat-Pump Water-Heater Retrofit
Product Review
AirTap is an affordable heat-pump module that can be retrofit onto a conventional electric or gas water heater. The unit has a first-hour rating of 42.5 gallons, an efficiency of 240%, and a GAMA-tested energy factor of 2.11.
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Photovoltaics and Their Environmental Performance
Product Review
Renewable energy systems, particularly photovoltaic (PV) panels, have come under attack for using toxic materials and having a high carbon footprint. The truth is more complicated. -
An Award-Winning Energy Management Outlet
Product Review
RAB’s Lightcloud Outlet enables wireless monitoring and control of plug loads while allowing for demand response and other energy-saving scheduling.
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Drying Hands in the Age of COVID-19
Product Review
Electric hand dryers have a lower carbon footprint and save resources compared to paper towels, but COVID-19 has changed how we view these products.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Get to Know Your Grid
News Analysis
With electrification on the rise, understanding the source of your project’s power is essential. -
Fighting for Environmental Justice with “Smart” Surfaces
News Analysis
Asphalt and concrete are at the root of many sustainability issues and associated inequities. The Smart Surfaces Coalition is looking to change that. -
Ed Mazria: An Interview with the AIA Gold Medal Winner for 2021
News Analysis
We spoke with Ed Mazria, AIA Gold Medal winner, about everything from the 1970s energy crisis to the current climate crisis—and heard a message of hope.
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How Climate Commitments Are Transforming Design
News Analysis
2030 commitments are not easy to meet, but we spoke to three architecture firms that are progressing.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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The Universal Low-Carbon Building Standard Avoids RECs and Unnecessary Complications
Op-Ed
RECs and carbon offsets lack credibility, and grid interactivity adds unnecessary complexity. That's why this standard leaves them out.
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Want to Love the Future? First, Figure Out What It Looks Like
Op-Ed
Bringing forth a habitable planet will require energy, ambition, and purpose. What will fuel this work? Not data and doomsaying—instead, imagination.
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What’s up with LEED v5? Coffee Talk Follow-up and Recording
Blog Post
Our guests reply to the Qs we didn’t get to during our July 26 event. Plus, here’s the recording if you missed it, and USGBC will host several v5 update sessions at Greenbuild.
Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Smart Glass- A Panel Discussion
Webcast
Arm yourself with knowledge about the potential uses and drawbacks of smart glass, and consider whether the products have improved enough to be used in your next project!
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The BuildingGreen Guide to Building Product Certifications and Ecolabels
Special Report
This BuildingGreen publication provides a no-nonsense guide to the world of green building product certifications to help designers, purchasers, manufacturers, and others in the industry to focus on what is significant and relevant so that market forces can work and the industry can focus on bigger issues.
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The Contractor’s Commitment: Lessons from the First Year
Webcast
The new “Contractor’s Commitment to Sustainable Building Practices" calls on firms to practice green building on the jobsite and beyond.
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We Must Decarbonize Existing Buildings by 2050—but How?
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Curbing carbon emissions requires that we address our vast stock of existing buildings. Here’s how to make the case and get it done.
