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.
-
2030 Culture: Six Selfish Reasons to Commit
Feature Short
2030 Commitment signatories are making progress on climate goals. Along the way, they’re also finding new ways to save time and money.
-
The Secret Math Behind RMI’s New Headquarters
Feature Short
Designing for net-zero energy and carbon in the nation’s coldest climate is not just a physics problem. There’s also the chemistry.
-
How to Use EPDs in Your Practice: Advice from Designers
Feature Short
Sure, you can just check a box for LEED v4. But the data can also inform your project, if you use it wisely.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
- Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
- Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
- You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
- Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
- Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
- You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
-
NAIOP Study Shows that Saving Energy Takes Know-How
News Analysis
A study commissioned by NAIOP argues that the 30%50% energy savings called for by many organizations is not cost effective, but critics say the study is full of holes.
-
Free Energy Modeling in Google SketchUp
News Analysis
With a new plug-in for Google SketchUp, Integrated Environmental Solutions offers free energy simulations for projects in the early stages of design.
-
The Challenge of Creating Living Buildings
News Analysis
As the first buildings attempt to meet the Living Building Challenge, the difficulties of designing and building to such a rigorous standard are becoming apparent.
-
Lawsuit Over Failed LEED Certification Settled
News Brief
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
- Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
- Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
- You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.
Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
- Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
- Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
- You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.