This paper introduces the IEA Annex 57 case study method, consisting of a format fordescribing individual case studies and an evaluation matrix covering all case studies. Samplecase studies are used to illustrate the method and the evaluation matrix through a firstpreliminary analysis. In compiling and evaluation existing, transparent case studies we havetaken a stakeholder perspective. By so doing it is intended to identify fordecision makers thekey issues affecting EE/EC in buildings. Analysis in this paper focuses on one of the six casestudy themes, building design strategies for EE/EC mitigation and references cases coveringe.g. material selection, building shape, construction stage strategies and strategies to handlethe trade-off between embodied and operational impacts in net-zero emission building design.