Energy efficiency is determined long before mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are discussed. Early architectural decisions—such as massing, orientation, window-to-wall ratio, and envelope performance—can lock in a building’s energy use before any systems are selected. By viewing energy efficiency as a design challenge, not a technology problem, architects can significantly influence building performance when changes are most impactful and cost-effective.

While Energy Use Intensity (EUI) targets and the AIA 2030 Commitment are widely discussed, energy performance is often perceived as the responsibility of engineering consultants. In reality, many of the most consequential energy decisions are embedded within the architectural design itself, often before consultants are hired. Rather than treating energy modeling solely as a late-stage code compliance requirement, this program explores its value as a design tool during concept and schematic design. A practical framework—reduce demand, optimize systems, then incorporate renewable energy—is introduced to demonstrate how sequencing design decisions can prevent oversized systems, higher first costs, poor long-term ROI, and occupant discomfort.

The course also addresses common misconceptions, limitations of rules of thumb, and the appropriate use of energy modeling to support informed architectural decision-making.