Preserving Our Natural Resources Through Design, Maintenance, and Commissioning
So many teams focus on first cost - the cost to design and construct a facility. User demands often take precedence over O&M considerations, as does the architect's creation of a visual environment. The sacrificing of service and maintainability for visual or space programming is contrary to the principles of green design and sustainable development.
While we must all live within our budget, we must do so in a balanced approach. The great architectural statements that incorporate daylighting and solar control features for increased energy efficiency are of little value if the building exterior cannot be maintained or the occupants are subjected to poor indoor environmental conditions.