Learn how an integrative process in LEED identifies system synergies to increase building performance while reducing costs. Expert answer for the LEED Green Associate exam.
Table of Contents
Question
An integrative process involves stakeholders identifying overlapping relationships, services and redundancies among systems. What does this result in?
A. Reduced performance and reduced costs
B. Increased performance and reduced costs
C. Reduced performance and increased costs
D. Increased performance and increased costs
Answer
When done effectively, this process results in:
B. Increased performance and reduced costs
Explanation
An integrative process is a collaborative approach that involves all project stakeholders in the design and decision-making process from the beginning to the end of a project. It aims to optimize the performance, environmental, social, and economic outcomes of a project by considering the interrelationships and synergies between various building and site systems.
By identifying overlapping relationships, services and redundancies among systems, an integrative process can result in increased performance and reduced costs, as it can create more efficient, effective, and innovative solutions that meet the project goals and requirements.
For example, an integrative process can help to reduce the energy demand of a building by integrating passive design strategies, such as building orientation, envelope design, daylighting, natural ventilation, and shading, which can also improve the indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort.
An integrative process can also help to reduce the material and water consumption of a project by reusing existing resources, selecting durable and low-impact materials, and implementing water-efficient fixtures and systems, which can also reduce the waste generation and environmental impact of the project.
An integrative process brings together key stakeholders to analyze the relationships and interactions between different building systems. By identifying areas of overlap, shared services, and potential redundancies among systems, the integrative process aims to optimize the building’s design and construction.
The integrative approach allows the project team to find synergies and efficiencies that boost the overall performance of the building. For example, strategically placing windows to maximize daylight can reduce lighting loads, which in turn decreases cooling requirements since less heat is generated by light fixtures. This integrated solution improves energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
At the same time, the integrative process helps eliminate unnecessary redundancies and avoid over-sizing systems. Continuing the example above, fewer light fixtures and a smaller cooling system would be needed, reducing upfront construction costs. Ongoing operational costs are also decreased thanks to the optimized, efficient design.
So in summary, by thoughtfully considering the interplay between systems, an integrative process enhances building performance while minimizing costs, making it a key strategy in sustainable design and construction under the LEED rating system.
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