This seminar was given on November 18, 2008 as part of the MITEI Seminar Series. Abstract: To address growing concerns about energy supply, carbon emissions, and the workplace, buildings are increasingly asked to meet higher and potentially more complex levels of performance e.g. net zero energy, sustainable and green, healthy and comfortable workplaces, grid-friendly, etc. Are these goals achievable or illusory? To what degree can they be achieved today in practice; and what innovation (technology, process, financial) is needed to fully reach these aggressive performance levels in the future? About the Speaker: Stephen Selkowitz is Department Head, Building Technologies Department, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where he manages 70 technical staff in a building science R&D program encompassing Windows and Daylighting Systems, Lighting Systems Research, Simulation Research, Commercial Building Performance, Demand Response Research and High Tech Buildings.