In our current era, where mold prevalence in homes (see: Understanding Mold in Buildings: Importance of Moisture Management and Building Hygiene) and the looming climate crisis demand urgent attention, integrating building science into every step of the construction process has become imperative. Yet, there exists a disconnect between mainstream construction practices and the proven, research-based principles of building science.

Why High Performance Matters

The decision to opt for high-performance building varies depending on where you stand in the project. Developers may seek to future-proof their investments or capitalize on green building tax incentives. Builders aim to mitigate liability concerns by employing top-notch methods, while homeowners prioritize relief from allergies, year-round comfort, energy savings, and reducing their carbon footprint.

Let's explore these points and more.

* For definitions of key high performance terms, reference our guide: Unlocking High Performance Building Key Terms.

Buildings: Our Third Skin

Before we dive into the science jargon, let's underscore a fundamental principle: buildings are for people. Americans spend a staggering 80-90% of their time indoors, making buildings akin to our third skin. However, there's a widespread misconception about what we should expect from our buildings. They should not only keep us safe but also ensure our health and comfort. Unfortunately, the prevalence of sick buildings highlights the urgent need for a holistic approach to building design.

The Building Envelope: The Core Focus

High-performance building zeroes in on the building's envelope—the critical interface between indoors and outdoors. It's not about aesthetics or interior furnishings; rather, it's about optimizing areas like roofs, floors, exterior walls, windows, and doors for maximum efficiency and resilience. See our guide on the five principles of high performance building here.

Future-Proofing Investments

Building Longevity: Water intrusion, whether from rain or condensation, is the primary culprit behind a building's premature deterioration. High-performance building tackles this issue head-on with meticulous weather detailing and thermal bridging solutions, ensuring the building remains dry—a key factor in its longevity.

Future Building Codes: As building codes evolve to align with current building science, structures constructed today may fall short of future energy standards. Proactive measures now can future-proof your investment against impending regulatory changes. A building that is built to current code standards is technically the worst building that someone is legally allowed to currently build.

Future Appraisal Standards: The future of real estate appraisals will heavily favor a building's energy efficiency. The Appraisal Institute, which is the leading association of professional real estate appraisers, has released The Green Addendum, which provides a consistent system for documenting and valuing home energy information. The addendum is constantly evolving and will likely be a mandatory part of inspections in the future.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

With weather extremes on the rise, resilience becomes paramount. High-performance buildings keep occupants safe against adverse conditions, greatly extending the time that a building stays warm during below-zero power outages and maintaining clean air during heavy forest fires.

Thermal Comfort: Feeling at Home

The human body can only handle a 7ºF temperature difference from one side of the body to the other before feeling discomfort. Most of us are used to living with this discomfort, especially when near windows or doors. Having consistency in temperature helps ensure that occupants stay cozy year-round, allowing the nervous system to relax and promoting a healing environment.

Indoor Air Quality: A Breath of Fresh Air

The World Health Organization states that household air pollution is the 3rd most significant cause of ill health. High-performance buildings boast superior ventilation systems that filter out pollutants, ensuring clean, healthy indoor air for occupants. From cooking fumes, to airborne allergens, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) from furniture, cleaning, and beauty products, these systems eliminate harmful contaminants that can impact our long term health over time.

Cost Considerations: Investing in Health

What is the cost of not going to the gym? What is the return on investment of eating organic food? What is the return on investment of having an airbag in your car? Hopefully you never need to use the airbag… but you would pay for it because it is a safety standard that is built into the system.

Unfortunately our construction safety standards, as far as what we are willing to put up with in the safety of a building, are currently much lower. So how do we value the built environment? What is the cost of not paying attention to how your building is performing? Remember, buildings are for people.

Conclusion

High-performance building isn't just about meeting current standards; it's about setting a new benchmark for excellence. By prioritizing health, resiliency, and sustainability, we not only benefit current occupants but also leave a positive legacy for future generations. After all, buildings are for people, and it's time we build with their well-being in mind.

To learn the key concepts of performance building, see our guide: High Performance Building: A Beginners Guide to the Five Fundamentals.

The Benefits of High-Performance Building: A Science-Based Approach to Design and Construction