Integrative Process
It’s the close collaboration between singer and songwriter that yields the best songs. The building industry is like that too: the best results are achieved when those who determine success are there to influence the project during its creation.
Depending on the design project, that could include the owner, contractor, trades, or even key product suppliers. Some complex issues are forcing this type of interdisciplinary collaboration to happen organically—like the health and transparency documents that are getting product manufacturers and design teams talking.
Here we’ll highlight processes and structures that break down the siloes between the disciplines—without letting things devolve into chaos.
Integrative Process
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Know Thy Client: 9 Un-Green Strategies for Delivering Better Buildings
Feature Article
Making all your projects high-performance means getting in touch with what your client really wants and checking “green building” at the door.
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Go with the Flows: The Promise and Peril of Hygrothermal Modeling
Feature Article
Tools modeling heat and moisture flows in building envelopes, such as WUFI, offer vital information for architects and engineers-but their misuse can do harm.
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Three Imperatives to Create the Future of Green Building
Feature Article
The industry will be in a better place a decade from now if we master these skills.
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Energy Modeling: Early and Often
Feature Article
For the biggest energy and cost savings, model early in design and model often, say the experts.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Tuning Today’s Building Designs to Tomorrow’s Climate
News Analysis
A new modeling tool, WeatherShift, helps designers see how designs today can account for comfort, resilience, and energy needs decades down the line.
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Cost Premium of Net-Zero Not Far from LEED Platinum
News Analysis
Finding cost premiums as little as 5% over LEED Platinum, a new report highlights how D.C. can incentivize net-zero and Living buildings.
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Drexel Study: Green Globes Cheaper, Less Rigorous Than LEED
News Analysis
LEED cost 15% more than Green Globes certification on the dual-certified Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building, according to a study released by GBI.
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New Revit Plug-In to "Tally" Building Life-Cycle Impacts
News Analysis
The new tool aims to help architects with whole-building LCA calculations for LEED v4 right along with their BIM process.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Three Imperatives to Create the Future of Green Building
Feature Article
The industry will be in a better place a decade from now if we master these skills.
-
Energy Modeling: Early and Often
Feature Article
For the biggest energy and cost savings, model early in design and model often, say the experts.
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Getting Flame Retardants Out of Foam Insulation
Feature Article
In an effort to eliminate the use of halogenated flame retardants, building code changes are being proposed by a group of fire experts, architects, chemists, and environmentalists.
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Integrated Design Meets the Real World
Feature Article
Proponents of integrated design say that it results in higher-performing buildings at lower costs than the conventional design process. But real world obstacles can derail or limit integration. We offer tips from experts to keep things on track.