The concept of high performance buildings has evolved from an initial focus on energy to a broader focus, spearheaded by the AIA Committee on the Environment, on the full range of sustainable/green design strategies. We are now at the beginning of a new phase in this evolutionary process: going “beyond green” to create facilities that integrate an even more comprehensive range of design objectives into high performing, “whole” buildings. Such buildings will be sustainable and accessible, architecturally stimulating, cost effective, functional and operational, respectful of historic resources, productive, safe, and secure. Although achieving such high levels of integration may seem daunting, several tools and initiatives are under development at the national level to help make such buildings a reality. This panel presentation will describe these tools and resources.

   Learning objectives:

• Discuss the latest developments in creating anew comprehensive high performance building standard authorized by Congress to help architects create this next generation of buildings
• Identify the most compelling features of the Whole Building Design Guide Web site, a comprehensive online resource for architects interested in designing high performance facilities
• Review a comprehensive case study that demonstrates high performance objectives