The fundamental strategy for energy conservation in buildings is to reduce total energy consumption. This is best accomplished by 1) Insulating roofs, walls, and foundations beyond local energy codes – ideally by 20-40% or more; 2) Minimizing air movement through all exterior surfaces with a continuous air barrier; 3) Installing efficient electric heating and cooling systems; and 4) Using heat recovery ventilation air systems to provide fresh air while recovering heating/cooling energy.

The exterior walls and roof of the Outdoor Center exceed code-required insulation requirements, measured by thermal resistivity (R-value). Walls are designed for R-42 of insulation, and roofs are designed for R-59 of insulation. To minimize infiltration, the Outdoor Center has tape around all window and door openings and an air barrier coating covering each plywood joint. The air tightness of the Outdoor Center was tested and was within the highest-rated 10% of any building in New England.