Buildings are getting tighter from both the regulatory and the consumer-demand side. As energy codes get steeper, and as consumers expect more sustainable options, architects and builders face new challenges for meeting these standards and expectations without opening the door to unintended consequences. Indeed, the building industry has seen many unintended building failures since we started putting insulation into walls in the 1930s. The good news is that we have learned plenty from them.
Scientific research, best practice guidelines and certification systems can help you sidestep building failures while delivering high-performance buildings. Add inexpensive solar panels to the mix, and buildings that produce as much energy as they use are actually within reach.