Lighting loads are the energy used to power electric lights; they make up nearly a third of US commercial building energy use, but for residential buildings they are generally only 10 - 15%.

When deciding which lighting products to use, look at the efficiency products. More efficient light sources and fixtures not only reduce lighting loads, but also reduce cooling loads for the same visible brightness.

The acoustical environment of a project is typically given little or no attention during project planning and design. Besides focusing on a project's functionality and aesthetics, building acoustics is so often given low priority because it competes for limited project dollars with a number of other project goals.

Though there are differences in the acoustical codes/requirements depending on what type of building is being built, several common noise problems affect all occupancies:

• Too much outside noise
• Too much noise from adjacent properties
• Lack of sound control within the space itself

To achieve a satisfactory indoor acoustical environment, be aware of what is going on in the surrounding outdoor area. Determine what else is planned for the site in the future. Avoid high noise areas, otherwise significant remediation measures may be needed to return the interior sound environment to an acceptable level.

AIR - flows from high pressure to low pressure. This is important to remember because this is the basic principle behind wind ventilation and stack ventilation.

Wind provides natural ventilation and usually cools buildings and people because it accelerates the rate of heat transfer. As an asset, wind can help facilitate natural ventilation and passively increase occupant comfort – think of a nice breeze on a hot day. As a hindrance, wind can drive moisture and water up through small gaps in your building envelope, resulting in potentially devastating consequences if not properly controlled.

HEAT - Buildings constructed with concrete use less energy for heating and cooling compared to buildings constructed with lighter weight materials.

The inherent energy efficiency of concrete construction derives from concrete’s thermal mass properties. Concrete acts like a heat “sponge,” which absorbs heat energy and thus moderates indoor temperatures and peak heating and cooling loads.

Energy modeling, or energy simulation, is a method for predicting the energy consumption of a building. The analysis considers the building’s numerous thermal characteristics including the materials of the walls and rest of the building envelope, the size and orientation of the building, how the building is occupied and operated, and the local climate.

Water use generally refers to municipal potable water use on a site. It includes the use from fixtures (faucets, toilets, sinks, etc.), the use from equipment (dishwashers, etc.), and the exterior use for landscaping. Good system design and good specification of products can easily reduce water use by 50% or more.

There are several ways to get the most out of every drop: water-efficient fixtures and equipment, water-efficient irrigation and landscaping, recycling water so it can be used more than once, and capturing rainwater. You can also purify the water with living machines or advanced septic systems.