A training course titled High-performance Building: Balancing Energy Performance and Overall Cost, organized by BuildingLab on December 3 and 4, 2026, is designed to help architects and construction teams make informed decisions when comparing different levels of building performance and justifying these choices to project owners. The course focuses on finding a balance between energy efficiency and cost, rather than prioritizing performance at any expense. Designing a high-performance building involves more than just incorporating the latest technical solutions, as each decision—regarding the building’s envelope, equipment, or construction systems—has long-term consequences on initial investment, energy use, maintenance, and operating costs. The challenge is to identify the most relevant factors based on the specific needs and resources of the project. The training enables participants to understand the various cost components of a building and apply overall cost reasoning from the early design stages. By comparing different performance scenarios—such as RE2020, high energy performance, passive buildings, and BEPOS—participants learn that these labels represent different goals and levels of investment. Using estimates, real-world examples, and comparative scenarios, they are taught to evaluate the economic impact of various technical choices and identify areas where the main costs and savings are concentrated. The course covers a range of topics, including investment, operating, and maintenance costs; principles of overall cost reasoning; different levels of energy performance; key technical levers and their economic impact; the consequences of design and construction decisions; comparing scenarios based on project constraints; balancing initial investment and long-term savings; and creating persuasive arguments for project owners. A practical exercise involving constrained budget arbitration allows participants to apply the knowledge they gain. The decisions made during the early design phase significantly influence a building's future performance. However, these choices can be difficult to justify if the expected benefits are not clearly weighed against the required investment. This training does not aim to turn architects into economists or thermodynamicists but provides them with the necessary references to engage effectively with engineering firms, compare different options, and present choices that are based on both technical and economic factors. The course is led by Aymeric Prigent, a sustainable construction engineer and trainer with the French Straw Construction Network. His experience allows him to provide a comprehensive view of energy performance, envelope design, and the economic balance of projects. The training is based on real examples, experience feedback, comparative scenarios, and practical exercises. The sessions will take place on December 3 and 4, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a total duration of 7 hours split into two sessions. The course will be conducted online via Teams. The cost is 490 € HT, which includes access to replays, teaching materials, and a 7-hour named certificate. Funding may be available through the FIF PL or OPCO, depending on the participant’s situation and the financier’s approval. The training is intended for architects, project managers, energy and environmental engineering firms, construction economists, public and private project owners, and professionals involved in energy performance decisions. A general understanding of buildings and energy performance principles is recommended, but no specific prerequisites in construction economics or passive building are required. The training is included at no extra cost for BuildingLab subscribers, who pay 990 € HT annually for access to all training sessions, replays, conferences, and a document database for twelve months. Registration and additional information can be found via the provided links. BuildingLab is the training and knowledge-sharing platform of BE BACK MEDIAS, an independent training organization certified by Qualiopi. It supports architects and construction professionals in evolving their practices and mastering the regulatory, technical, economic, and environmental challenges they face. For more information or to register, participants can contact Valérie Cheyban at 06 80 84 32 29 or via email at v.cheyban@bebackmedias.com.