IPc1: Integrative Process – Above Green

Intent

To support high-performance, cost-effective project outcomes through an early analysis of the interrelationships among systems.

Requirements

Beginning in pre-design and continuing throughout the design phases, identify and use opportunities to achieve synergies across disciplines and building systems. Use the analyses described below to inform the owner’s project requirements (OPR), basis of design (BOD), design documents, and construction documents.

Discovery:

Energy-Related Systems

Establish an energy performance target no later than the schematic design phase. The target must be established using one of the following metrics:

kBtu per square foot-year (kWh per square meter-year) of site energy use
kBtu per square foot-year (kWh per square meter-year) of source energy use
pounds per square foot-year (Kg per square meter-year) of greenhouse gas emissions
energy cost per square foot-year (cost per square meter-year)

Perform a preliminary “simple box” energy modeling analysis before the completion of schematic design that explores how to reduce energy loads in the building and accomplish related sustainability goals by questioning default assumptions. Assess strategies associated with each of the following, as applicable:

Site conditions. Assess shading, exterior lighting, hardscape, landscaping, and adjacent site conditions.
Massing and orientation. Assess how massing and orientation affect HVAC sizing, energy consumption, lighting, and renewable energy opportunities.
Basic envelope attributes. Assess insulation values, window-to-wall ratios, glazing characteristics, shading, and window operability.
Lighting levels. Assess interior surface reflectance values and lighting levels in occupied spaces.
Thermal comfort ranges. Assess thermal comfort range options.
Plug and process load needs. Assess reducing plug and process loads through programmatic solutions (e.g., equipment and purchasing policies, layout options).
Programmatic and operational parameters. Assess multifunctioning spaces, operating schedules, space allotment per person, teleworking, reduction of building area, and anticipated operations and maintenance.

AND

Water-Related Systems

Perform a preliminary water budget analysis before the completion of schematic design that explores how to reduce potable water loads in the building, reduce the burden on municipal supply or wastewater treatment systems, and accomplish related sustainability goals. Assess and estimate the project’s potential nonpotable water supply sources and water demand volumes, including the following, as applicable:

Indoor water demand. Assess flow and flush fixture design case demand volumes, calculated in accordance with WE Prerequisite Indoor Water Use Reduction.
Outdoor water demand. Assess landscape irrigation design case demand volume calculated in accordance with WE Credit Outdoor Water-Use Reduction.
Process water demand. Assess kitchen, laundry, cooling tower, and other equipment demand volumes, as applicable.
Supply sources. Assess all potential nonpotable water supply source volumes, such as on-site rainwater and graywater, municipally supplied nonpotable water, and HVAC equipment condensate. Analyze how nonpotable water supply sources can contribute to the water demand components listed above.

Implementation:

Develop a Project Team Letter. Provide a dated letter on the letterhead of the Integrative Process Facilitator that summarizes the team’s integrative process approach and describes the difference that this integrative approach made in terms of improving project team interaction and project performance.

Describe the approach developed by the project team for engaging a clearly defined and manageable integrative design process beginning in pre-design and continuing throughout the design phases.
The letter must include a separate summary for each issue area analyzed by the project team, describing how the analysis informed the design and building form decisions in the project’s OPR and BOD and the eventual design of the project. Describe the most important goals for each issue area and provide clear guidance on how to evaluate the project’s impact on the selected goals.

The creation of this letter should be a team effort facilitated by the Integrative Process Facilitator. The letter must be signed by all principal project team members and made available to key stakeholders including, but not limited to the owner(s), facility manager(s), tenant(s), and community members. Describe how the letter was distributed to these stakeholders and/or made publicly available.