The obstacles to a high performing building are legend, but those barriers can now be surmounted. A new performance-based procurement process, developed and successfully executed at NREL's Research Support Facility, targeted and achieved an EUI of 35 kBtu/sf/yr while keeping costs in check. Owners expect the energy performance of new construction or major renovation projects will meet or exceed expectations in design; however, they’re frequently left with less savings and increased operations and maintenance expenses. This session will explore how to empower owners to achieve high performance buildings while controlling costs and how to establish a measurable energy performance requirement in your next project.