Towards high-performance buildings for thermal resilience and health

Climate disasters and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events significantly challenge the ability of buildings to maintain safe and comfortable indoor environments. High-performance buildings (HPBs) are primarily promoted for their energy efficiency, focusing on minimizing energy consumption and reducing carbon emissions. However, this narrow focus can overshadow the need for thermal resilience and environmental health, leaving building occupants vulnerable to evolving environmental challenges. It is crucial to expand the design focus of HPBs to include these aspects to enhance their sustainability and adaptability to severe weather. To address this gap, we formulated ten critical questions aimed at integrating thermal resilience and health considerations into HPB design. We convened a panel of 23 experts from the U.S. regional affiliate of the International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA-USA) at SimBuild 2024 to effectively explore these questions. This panel included architects, engineers, and researchers from academia, national labs, and industry, who participated in moderated discussions. Their diverse perspectives and expert insights have enriched our understanding and led to a comprehensive examination of how HPBs can be optimized for both sustainability and occupant well-being in a changing climate. This paper presents the consensus and ideas generated from these discussions, providing a multifaceted approach to designing buildings that are both energy-efficient and resilient to climate-induced stressors.