MIAMI—Architects traditionally have relied on heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to achieve building efficiency requirements. But the capabilities of these systems are maxed out in terms of gaining efficiencies. So to make buildings even more efficient, you will have to look elsewhere.

That's one of the messages Al LaPera, a Tampa-based senior energy performance consultant for TLC Engineering for Architecture, is trumpeting as new energy codes emerge with stricter regulations. In part one of this exclusive interview, LaPera shared wisdom on how the codes are changing. Now, he's offering insight into what developers need to do differently.

GlobeSt.com: What should owners and developers do differently?

Lapera: Owners and development companies that meet the code requirements without undue expense or delay will be those that work with a cohesive design team that includes architects and engineers, working together to fully integrate the design. An integrated team works cooperatively in the decision process for the types of building materials used, the building shape and even how the building is positioned.

The key to achieving the required goals is energy modeling throughout the process, from simple “shoebox” modeling in the beginning to detailed models as the design progresses. Not doing this could prove to be very costly.

Architects and engineers working together can help create the most energy-efficient plan from the start. Working only with an architect to figure out the building size, shape and orientation could risk having to make major changes to the building design, wasting time and money.

As an example, one of the efficiency increases is a requirement to use thicker roof insulation. Integrating this into the overall design requires adjustments to other design details. 

GlobeSt.com: What kind of design changes will we see?

Lapera: One big change is that buildings will be required to have daylight harvesting systems, which are internal sensors that monitor the amount of sunlight in a room and adjust the internal lighting, reducing artificial lighting and the associated demand on HVAC systems. Daylight harvesting has previously been an optional feature, used when working towards LEED certification and lower energy consumption. Integrating daylight harvesting in the design increases the building efficiency in many ways. 

Under the new code, the window-to-wall ratio is capped at 30 percent, with a special allowance to 40% if the building has a substantial amount of daylight harvesting. Buildings will need higher quality glass that reduces the heat produced by the sun. Also, buildings will need to be oriented with long walls to the north and south, reducing the amount of the building that's exposed to harsh sunlight from the east and west.

GlobeSt.com: How much will this cost?

Lapera: The exact impact is unclear, but after talking with other experts, I believe building costs will increase by 5 to 10% Cost increases will depend on what the original energy efficiency goals were for a particular building. Companies that already had high goals for energy efficiency for their buildings won't see as significant a cost increase. But those who have viewed efficiency as a low priority will probably see more extreme increases.

However, in some cases, savings in other areas of the building may offset the added costs. As an example, using higher-quality glass will be more expensive, but it will save money on the size of the building's air conditioning systems.

GlobeSt.com: What kind of design changes will we see?

Lapera: One big change is that buildings will be required to have daylight harvesting systems, which are internal sensors that monitor the amount of sunlight in a room and adjust the internal lighting, reducing artificial lighting and the associated demand on HVAC systems. Daylight harvesting has previously been an optional feature, used when working towards LEED certification and lower energy consumption. Integrating daylight harvesting in the design increases the building efficiency in many ways. 

Under the new code, the window-to-wall ratio is capped at 30 percent, with a special allowance to 40% if the building has a substantial amount of daylight harvesting. Buildings will need higher quality glass that reduces the heat produced by the sun. Also, buildings will need to be oriented with long walls to the north and south, reducing the amount of the building that's exposed to harsh sunlight from the east and west.

GlobeSt.com: How much will this cost?

Lapera: The exact impact is unclear, but after talking with other experts, I believe building costs will increase by 5 to 10% Cost increases will depend on what the original energy efficiency goals were for a particular building. Companies that already had high goals for energy efficiency for their buildings won't see as significant a cost increase. But those who have viewed efficiency as a low priority will probably see more extreme increases.

However, in some cases, savings in other areas of the building may offset the added costs. As an example, using higher-quality glass will be more expensive, but it will save money on the size of the building's air conditioning systems.