States that new concepts in knowledge engineering promise to bring the full power of computer tools to the energy designer's assistance. One such approach from the field of artificial intelligence is to use a knowledge base to provide advice to the designer on energy issues while simultaneously supporting the normal design activities directed at other fundamental building issues. Describes research progress towards a knowledge-aided design environment (KADE) for energy-efficient building design that implements such a concept. The system will provide advice relative to design parameters for energy-efficient building envelopes, energy-efficient lighting, solar control and other climatic parameters. The project is in the second year of a three year effort.

KEYWORDS: Designing, computers, energy conservation, buildings, research, expert systems