What is the best building in the world?

A High Performance Building

Firstly, let’s define what a high performance building is, according to the High Performance Building Council definition “high performance building” is a building that integrates and optimizes all major high-performance building attributes; including energy efficiency, durability, life-cycle performance, and occupant productivity.

My simple definition of a high performance building is;

Based on the above image which explains what is a HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDING (HPB) There are no cars that posses all the criteria of a High performance building. One will immediately think that a HPB will be extremely expensive, well with the research that I conducted; proves that HPB is a feasible structure especially over the Life cycle of a building. For instance, a HPB consumes very little energy and natural resources including water. Furthermore, the building is designed to run fully on renewable energy (wind & or solar) and the excess energy produced are sold to a local electricity company.

So who designs a High Performance building? Certified professionals in the fields of building science, sustainable design and building performance. Currently major Architectural, Engineering and Construction firms focus on HPB designs to achieve LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design. (For more information go to http://www.usgbc.org/leed) These professionals are highly trained in doing complex building simulations based on climate adaptations, building performance analysis, integration of structural systems and material selection (just to name a few). This highly technical feat is accomplished by utilizing both top-notch B.I.M (building information modeling) intelligent model with simulation tools and site investigations.

Studies also revealed that HPB when compared to a similar “Regular” building of similar size and function results in:

Lower operating costs and increase asset value

Conserve energy, water and other resources

Be healthier and safer for occupants

Qualify for money-saving incentives, like tax rebates and zoning allowances

High security

Thus, owning a High performance building is an achievable goal once you hire the right professional. Moreover, it might be the best thing you do for your personal wealth, health your family and our environment.