INTEGRATE 2030 COMMITMENT GOALS INTO EACH PROJECT

1. Use an integrated design process to include sustainability holistically from the earliest stages of the project. In addition to operational energy, consider how project siting, embodied CO2, indoor air quality, water usage, material selection, restorative offsets, and community engagement could be improved through design decisions. Start each project with an eco-charette that includes the client and consultants. Share our 2030 goals with the client and all team members.

2. Establish an explicit energy performance goal with the client at the beginning of each project.

3. Build a library of sustainable design strategies for both new and existing buildings.

a. Outline best practices.

b. Create standards for internal Quality Assurance (QA) on project documents with sustainability “checklist” for all projects.

c. Create standard specification for low-carbon materials and building systems.

d. Create a graphic library of air-barrier continuity details, thermal breaks, insulation, etc.

4. Conduct document QA on sustainability measures at each phase.

5. Prioritize energy goals to all stakeholders (contractors, consultants, and owners) at every phase of the project, including during the bidding/negotiation phase to ensure that sustainability project goals are on track.

6. Evaluate our design approach periodically to confirm that it meets the established performance goals.

ADOPT A DATA-DRIVEN APPROACH TO DESIGN

1. Establish an EUI baseline for current projects using the AIA 2030 Challenge Zero Tool. Set firm targets for reduction in Predicted Energy Use Intensity (pEUI).

2. Use in-house energy analysis software throughout the design process to determine alternative paths to achieving sustainability goals.

3. Create a system of in-house incremental thresholds to serve as a guide in attaining energy reduction targets on each project. Revisit and refine this system annually.

4. Apply low/no cost passive design strategies to achieve maximum energy efficiency using the 2030 Palette as a resource.

5. Explore design options for building systems to identify the most effective strategies for energy reduction by: a. Using in-house energy analysis software for all projects b. Engaging consultants to create energy models for larger projects

6. Implement strategies to reduce the amount of fossil-fuel based energy (GHGs) in each project.

7. Provide guidance and customized recommendations on the above alternatives to each client and for every project.

8. Incorporate on-site and/or off-site renewable energy to meet the percentage of remaining energy demands as required by the 2030 Commitment thresholds.

9. Engage in iterative energy modeling throughout the design process to understand the interactive effects of various design decisions and to assess progress toward meeting the EUI target.

10. Evaluate building user-experience through post-occupancy surveys and discuss results with owner.