Every aspect of the EERC was planned with the greatest energy efficiency possible. The building was designed to maximize the use of daylight without heat gain. Instead of skylights, a cupola was built into roof. Unlike skylights, which lead to significant heat gain, the cupola lets in sunlight from its vertical windows, while providing shade from direct overhead sunlight. The EERC uses only Energy Star appliances.
Landscaping contains native plants, which require very little maintenance.
Recycled content construction products were used, and when they were not available, sustainable materials such as wood from certified forests were used in their place. The SEI welcomes visitors to its facility to teach them about sustainable building practices. The SEI also conducts seminars and training sessions, maintains a library, and publishes a newsletter. Reducing energy consumption is presented as a multi-faceted undertaking, for which the EERC demonstrates many successful solutions. The Southface Energy Institute wanted a facility that would act as a showcase of energy-efficient construction for homeowners and businesses.