Many project teams now encourage all design players to develop green goals and strategies collaboratively by holding eco-charettes during a project's design phase.  This approach allows the project to be viewed as an integrated entity, rather than as a series of systems working in isolation. 

The most successful and innovative green designs--ones that combine enhanced environmental performance, architectural and engineering elegance, and improved project value--integrate the skills and experience of all players at the concept level from the very beginning, before any major design decisions are made.   

Using eco-charrettes creates an Integrated Design Process (IDP) that integrates well-proven approaches into a systematic, comprehensive process.  An IDP does not contain radically new elements, but differs from a conventional design process in that:

• the client takes a more active role
• the architect becomes a team leader, rather than the sole form giver
• the structural, mechanical and electrical engineers take an active role at early design stages

When carried out in a spirit of cooperation, an IDP results in a design that is highly efficient with minimal (and sometimes zero) incremental capital costs.  It also reduces long-term operating and maintenance costs.

Schedule an Eco-Charrette
Our CITY Green Building staff can assist you in structuring eco-charettes and creating an IDP.  They're also equipped to connect you with technical and financial assistance from the many green building programs offered by the City and other organizations.  To get started, contact our Multifamily Expert today.