Clearly, each profession requires new tools to realize a competitive advantage. Patagonia's energy efficient systems should pay back in one to three years. These green buildings are also an example of how enlightened clients can practice environmental stewardship and good business at the same time. The site planning and organization allowed most of the existing trees to be retained. This maximizes the opportunity for natural ventilation and daylight harvesting through extensive shaded operable glazing and light shelves at the north and south elevations.
Lighting equipment is dimmed by photosensors to maximize the energy savings from daylighting.
Ventilation also provides a night flushing cycle to cool the building's exposed thermal mass, and improve indoor air quality by diluting pollutants that build up during the day. The night flush cycle is 100 percent outside air. This daylighting and lighting strategy combined with an energy efficient mechanical system and naturally ventilated areas reduce energy consumption by 30 percent below the already stringent Washington State Energy Code. Interior and exterior material selections throughout were screened for environmental considerations, indoor air quality and life cycle costing considerations. The site planning and organization orients the building to southern exposure focusing views towards the adjacent Truckee River.