The New Buildings Institute (NBI) and American Institute of Architects believe that the 20% to 30% reductions in commercial and high-rise residential building energy use based on this proposal are practical, feasible, and necessary. This proposal employs improvements to design practices and use of widely available products to improve energy efficiency. Many of the elements have been previously published in NBI’s Core Performance Guide and implemented in programs or codes at the local and state levels. Incorporating these enhancements in a model code will help move building practices and markets more quickly, addressing national concerns for energy and the environment in a pragmatic and cost-effective way.