"To ensure efficient use of energy, the building was designed to harvest natural light, heating, and cooling. Facing the ocean, the office wing has no air conditioning and instead relies on flow-through ventilation with operable windows and transoms. Daylight harvesting is coupled with a lighting plan that incorporates energy-efficient fixtures and bulbs along with controls for motion and ambient light.

"The operable windows in the office wing have a mechanical interlock (a small sensor in the frame) so that, upon opening, the heaters in the offices are automatically turned off. "
— Donald Bren School, 'About Donald Bren Hall'