energy design approach, designers can
cost-effectively lower building operating costs while improving
workers' comfort and boosting productivity.
The integrated energy design process helps building owners and
designers to economically reduce building operating expenses, while
improving comfort and productivity for the building's occupants.
Some buildings designed following this process consume less than
half the energy of conventionally designed buildings.
As described in this publication, integrated energy design
requires practitioners to follow a six-step process:
- Make a commitment to the integrated design process
- and back up that commitment by giving the project team the time
and resources needed to see the process through.
- Identify integrated design strategies that will
reduce lifetime costs while also improving occupant comfort.
- Conduct a whole-system analysis that treats the
building as a complete system, taking into account interactions
among all of the building's systems.
- Base design decisions on lifecycle economics,
emphasizing the full lifetime value of proposed building
improvements.
- Follow through, so that the integrity of planned
improvements is maintained throughout the construction
process.
- Check your work - by verifying that the building
lives up to expectations once the project is completed.
