Introduction

Evaluating a technology for performance considerations is a critical part of specifying what products and systems will be used in your project. How the technology performs will ultimately determine whether you have met the objectives of the project. For example, if you want to replace your appliances and want to achieve some energy savings in the process, you might be able to find a cheap clothes washer somewhere that will certainly wash your clothes, but the chances of your actually experiencing any energy savings as a result of that newly purchased equipment are slim to none. If you invest in an ENERGY STAR-certified clothes washer (which also happens to be eligible for some rebates), however, you would have assurance (through testing) that the washer would not only clean your clothes but would also increase your energy efficiency. Likewise, if you are looking for quality and durability as performance characteristics in an innovation, you may find the lowest cost option does not necessarily meet your performance expectations.

Performance is a broad category that may vary widely depending on the technology under consideration and the context in which it will be installed. Specific attributes you look for will depend on a variety of factors, such as the local climate, the type of occupants or needs of residents, new construction versus existing, desired life expectancy, and, of course, any requirements associated with a funding source. In short, evaluating a technology for performance also requires you to consider both the economic and feasibility considerations of the project as well. As we have mentioned throughout this course, all three of these considerations are critical to the success of a project.