High-performance building” is a broadly used term that describes a well designed, efficient, and environmentally friendly facility. These buildings are intended to operate with all the mechanical, structural, electrical, and building use systems working in concert to deliver an environment that is safe, secure, efficient, and able to function smoothly according to its purpose as an office building, laboratory, hospital, retail store, bank, etc.
The road leading to the construction of high-performance buildings has been a long time in the making. These buildings are becoming more of a mainstream reality due to advancements in technology, standards, design, innovations in commercial products, and the hard work of many talented individuals, committees, and associations across multiple industries and government agencies.