Rather than isolated collections of components, buildings are integrated systems that interact with their environments. Through effective energy use,“whole” buildings levy the smallest possible environmental impact, while enhancing their users’ comfort and productivity. The federal government can shape consumer demand for whole buildings through coordinating its building-related activities into a “whole building policy.”

• INTRODUCTION
• PART I: The Technical Nature of Buildings
  • How Does a Building Use Energy Inputs?
  • How Can Inputs Be Reduced from Within a Building?
  • How Can Inputs Be Reduced from Outside a Building?
• PART II: The Need for Long-Term, Stable Federal Involvement
  • The Significant Energy Use and Environmental Impacts of Buildings
  • The Significance of “External” Building Energy Economics
  • The Nature of the Buildings Industry
• PART III: The Evolution of the Whole Buildings Policy Framework
• PART IV: Recommendations for an Integrated Federal Whole Buildings Policy
  • Establish the Whole Buildings Framework as a Cornerstone of Policy
  • Fund Collaborative, Fundamental, and Applied Research
  • Support Accurate Estimation and Verification Efforts
  • Embrace Training and Education
  • Stimulate Demand Through Awareness
• PART V: Conclusion

Abstract