Buildings are composed of systems: envelope, HVAC, lighting, furnishings, etc. They are also planned, designed, built, operated and managed by a series of professions: architecture, engineering, construction, facilities management, and a range of specialized sub-contractors. They must meet the needs of owners, operators, tenants, visitors and society. Buildings do so most successfully when these various systems, professions and needs are integrated rather than thought about and dealt with separately.
Visit SFTool.gov for more information on the Integrative Design Process.
The following resources provide more information
- The impact of high-performance buildings: This GSA study found that high-performance buildings save energy, save water, cost less to operate, produce less waste, and have more satisfied occupants compared with typical buildings.
- Green roofs: Extensive information on the benefits of vegetated/living/green roofs along with tips on installing and maintaining them, case studies, a list of GSA’s living roofs, and additional resources.
- Integrated design overall strategies: A broad discussion of systemic building strategies including integrative design, life cycle assessment, sustainable procurement and responsible business conduct.
- EPA region 8 headquarters demonstration project: GSA and its partners collaborated to study the extent to which EPA’s Region 8 HQ building was successfully meeting its high-performance design goals.
- Collaborative construction practices: A series of case studies of GSA building projects documenting the impact of integrated teaming strategies and collaborative practices on building performance.
- Collaborative strategies for project teams: Tips and information on applying collaborative practices to building project delivery, including keys to success, project roles and illustrative case studies.
U.S. General Services Administration