A more publicly used building has the advantage of exposure and recognition, helping to educate its users by example. A commercial structure sometimes has a larger budget that can easily include sustainable amenities that are beyond the grasp of the average homeowner. This could include larger and more efficient systems within the building or higher quality materials that the occupants can see and touch. In some ways, a non-residential building is a true test of sustainability when it can withstand the heavy use of increased user traffic.

Examples:

• Educational Buildings: classrooms, dormitories, cafeterias, etc.
  
  
• Retail:older buildings are often reused for retail over and over, maintaining the original shell and upfitting the interior as the use changes
  
  
• Office:the energy use of an office is often increased due to the demand for consistent indoor climate