This paper presents an evaluation tool for assessing the durability, adaptability and energy conservation of existing buildings and new building designs - the DAEC Tool. The tool is one of the outcomes of the research project, "Sustainability of Buildings Durability, Adaptability and Energy Conservation". The paper examines the issues which were the basis for developing the metrics, and the application of the DAEC Tool in the evaluation of selected higher education buildings and a new building design for a community hospital. The paper explains how the DAEC Tool can be used in building design and building management.