Passive design is an integral part of energy-efficient architecture. Sophisticated building systems also contribute to this end. But what role do materials play in enhancing a building’s energy-efficiency?

“Material selection is one of the earliest opportunities to influence how a building performs,” says Tejbeer Singh, Principal Architect & Founder, Expressionist by Tejbeer Singh. “The objective is not simply to select materials that look appropriate but to understand how they behave within the climate and construction system.”