Getting the best possible performance out of a building requires more planning up front than a normal construction or renovation project. Setting a target for performance is the first step.

WHAT IS BUILDING PERFORMANCE?

When we talk about setting targets for the performance of a building, we're talking about energy efficiency - how the building uses and conserves energy. This performance will depend on a number of things:

• CLIMATE and LOCATION
  • Buildings in cold or hot climates will use more energy for heating and cooling.
    
  • Wind, rain, snow and ice will also affect performance.
    
  • Varying lengths of day and night will affect energy use for lighting and other appliances.
    
• BUILDING ENVELOPE
  • Poor insulation and air sealing will require more energy for heating and cooling
    
  • Leaky windows, doors and other openings will allow warm air to escape in heating seasons, causing HVAC systems to run more often to compensate.
    
• ELECTRICAL and MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
  • Appliances like ovens, refrigerators, washers and dryers may not be energy efficiency rated.
    
  • Heat loss is the by-product of most electrical appliances and power systems, which may tax cooling systems in summer months.
    
  • Air leakage in HVAC systems may contribute to overall energy use.
    
  • Lighting systems may be using inefficient fixtures or bulbs.
    
• OCCUPANT BEHAVIOUR
  • At-home and away-from-home patterns affect overall energy use.
    
  • Use of appliances and electronics with stand-by power function can be a drain on energy systems.
    
  • Constant ventilation is required to manage interior moisture levels from occupant behaviour, plants and pets. Inefficient buildings will require more energy dedicated to ventilation.
    
• EMBODIED ENERGY OF MATERIALS
  • The energy required for extraction, processing and manufacturing of building materials must be factored into the performance of a home.
    
  • Materials that require low energy to create and materials that last for a long period of time are better for construction and renovation.
    
  • Exotic materials or complex systems may be more energy intensive.
    
  • Transport of materials from point of manufacture to point of use must be factored into their embodied energy rating.