Building envelope design is a major factor in determining the amount of energy a building will use in its operation. By serving as a thermal and moisture barrier, the envelope determines how effectively the building can utilize heating, cooling and lighting resources.

Prioritize insulation measures if you are on a fixed budget. The most common approach is to identify the building envelope spots where the most heat loss/gain will occur and invest your money there. Also, keep in mind that you’ll want to do now what you can’t do later. 

Heating and cooling are the largest energy drain in post frame buildings with climate-controlled spaces. If you plan to cool and/ or heat all or even a part of your building, you will want to make educated decisions about purchases and installations.