Page 212 - Green Building Through Integrated Design

188 CONCEPTUAL AND SCHEMATIC DESIGN

stop that train from leaving the station. Therefore, taking as much time as needed to
think through all these questions is critical to setting the project direction on a sus-
tainable track. The motto for sustainable design at this time might be “don’t go charg-
ing ahead with designing, take time to think, study, analyze, and discuss).”

Conceptual and Process Questions

At this point in the project, the team should be comfortable enough with the integrated
design process to begin answering and following questions.

1 To what degree do we want the building to be conspicuously “green,” with environ-
mental strategies on display, as opposed to having them operate quietly, behind the
scenes?
2 Could the building educate others by making the green features more obvious, such
as the use of photovoltaic solar panels or a green roof, or by opening up the inter-
nal workings of the building, to show systems such as an “enthalpy wheel” for
energy recovery in operation?
3 What are the marketing benefits of such obvious green features to the client organ-
ization?
4 Is the entire team committed to an integrated design process? Is someone clearly in
charge of the process? Have all team members signed a process document, com-
mitting themselves and their organizations to going forward as a group?
5 Have we considered a “sustainability forum” or “eco-charrette” to assist in con-
ceptual and schematic design? Who will be invited to such a forum?
6 Have we considered a LEED-oriented design charrette to facilitate achievement of
the green goals of the project?
7 If we’re renovating an existing building, can we maintain at least 75 percent of the
area of existing building shell (excluding window assemblies)?
8 For existing buildings, can we maintain at least 95 percent of the area of the exist-
ing building shell and at least 50 percent of the volume of nonshell portions (inte-
rior partitions, flooring, ceiling)?

PLATINUM PROJECT PROFILE
Chartwell School, Seaside, California
A private organization that helps children overcome learning disabilities, the
Chartwell School serves children aged 6 to 14. Located in the California coastal
climate zone of Monterey Bay, the Chartwell School followed the protocols set by
the Collaborative for High Performance Schools, in addition to the LEED
Platinum requirements. A 30-kW photovoltaic system produces 53,000 kilowatt-
hours of electricity per year and offsets the production of 27 tons of CO annually.
2