Glazing and façade systems have very large impacts on all aspects of commercial building performance. They directly influence peak heating and cooling loads, and indirectly influence lighting loads when daylighting is considered. In addition to being a major determinant of annual energy use, they can have significant impacts on peak cooling system sizing, electric load shape, and peak electric demand. Because they are prominent architectural and design elements and because they influence occupant preference, satisfaction and comfort, the design optimization challenge is more complex than with many other building systems.

Façade designs that are cognizant of the fundamental synergistic relationships between the façade and lighting and mechanical systems have the potential to deliver high performance over the life of the building. These "integrated" façade systems represent a key opportunity for commercial buildings to significantly reduce energy and demand, helping moving us toward our goal of net zero energy buildings by 2030.

This website describes the objectives and tasks related to a collaborative research and development (R&D) project, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and the California Energy Commission Public Interest Energy Research (PIER). The project focuses on the remaining significant untapped near-term opportunity to capture large savings in the commercial building stock by:

• targeting voluntary, design-based opportunities derived from the use of better design guidelines and tools, and
• employing more efficient glazings, shading systems, daylighting systems, façade systems and integrated controls.