Report from Berkeley. [Summary of 1975 summer study at LBL on Efficient Use of Energy in Buildings]

Energy conservation should not be confused with a reduction of living standards. A study program was organized to address the question of improving the efficiency of buildings (''passive mode'') regarding energy use, for heating and cooling, and yet maintain building quality. Buildings are extravagant consumers of energy; strategies for maximum energy efficiency are not well understood. In commercial buildings, most of the primary energy is electricity, of which at least one third is for lighting; sensible use of day lighting can significantly reduce this load. Recommended ventilation standards are often unnecessarily high; in regions with long intermediate seasons, natural ventilation allows energy to be saved--provided there is not too much traffic noise. In residential buildings, heating is the major consumer of energy; whole-house performance is often inaccurately understood, particularly concerning internal ventilation, ''natural'' energy storage, and the effects of single- or double-glazed windows. Orientation has a significant effect. A computer model has been developed, allowing detailed displays of heating performance and energy consumption. Long-term economic implications of design decisions can then be assessed.