The energy design process for designing and constructing high-performance buildings.

States that the design team must set goals in order to successfully achieve high-performance, low energy buildings. The energy design process can help to achieve the desired effect, beginning in the predesign phase and continuing through to commissioning and occupation. A good understanding of various strategies, the setting of aggressive energy targets and employing computer simulations all contribute to the process. After the building envelope has been optimised, the mechanical/electrical/control systems can be designed. After construction, education of owner/occupiers in the operation of the building is also an essential element, as is providing good documentation. The article uses a real high-performance building, incorporating daylighting, passive heating and cooling, improved thermal envelope and photovoltaics, to demonstrate the process.