Understanding Energy Consumption Behavior

The Role of Guide Specifications in Technology Diffusion

Architectural project specifications make it possible to translate an architectural design vision into an actual structure. These project specifications are, in turn, typically based upon guide specifications—templates that help determine basic construction characteristics but are not project-specific. These guide specifications play a significant role in codifying the accepted practice of a design firm (or in some cases, a major institutional client.)

Despite their importance in determining energy consumption criteria, and their potential to achieve significant improvement in energy efficiency, guide specifications have received almost no attention from the energy policy community. This research project analyzes the process by which guide specifications are developed or changed, how organizations incorporate guide specifications into project designs, and how energy efficiency criteria can most effectively be incorporated in guide specifications.