All the consideration that you are listing are valid, however, it is more important to analyze the project with the weather, orientation, budget, etc. Energy modeling can give you the best strategies in terms of energy saving but you there is no project with infinite budget, so my advice is to do an energy study and see where you have to put your money in order to generate the maximum benefit. For example, if you project is in a cold weather there is not point to invest in a high efficiency and expensive cooling system. A well designed façade could help to reduce thermal loads and increase daylight so you better invest in a lighting control. I don’t know if I answer your question but for me before putting money and in system and energy strategies I prefer to understand where the energy is going and how much.