There is no single approach to designing a high-performance, highly sustainable building. It’s not something you can just buy and hang on the side of a project, and there is no magic recipe, silver bullet, or one-size-fits-all solution. Sustainability is a broad concept that can be—and is—interpreted in many ways. In addition, the systems and processes that can lead to high-performance buildings are complex and get very technical, very quickly.

For a building to be truly sustainable, it has to be integrated from the start of the project goals. If you have a strategy from the outset, you can meticulously design the details, ensure that the construction supports the vision, and then use and operate the building in the manner that will optimize its sustainable attributes. That said, there are some basic steps designers can take to help a project achieve its sustainability goals.

We often create a Sustainability Charter for each client, which becomes the document that summarizes the high-performance aspirations of the project. By outlining the path forward, ultimately, this acts as a litmus test for its success. The Charter outlines the vision, goals, and measurable metrics to achieve those goals—the specifics of which are then tracked throughout the design and construction process. Goals are both generally stated and backed up with specific, measurable targets for each element.

Take an Integrative Approach to Design

Creating a Sustainability Charter is a great first step, but finding a way to implement the goals identified in the Charter is where projects can get tricky. To fully explore, challenge, expand upon, and confirm goals are being met takes input from multiple experts—often in an iterative fashion. Instituting an integrative design process increases the potential to meet or exceed these goals.

Even with a well thought out Charter and a truly integrated process spanning design through construction, a large part of a project’s success relies on the operations and maintenance of the finished building. This emphasizes the importance of including the owner’s team early in the process. During the design phase, some thought should be given to the makeup of the owner’s facilities team, their capacity to utilize the systems being designed, and the existence of the expertise that will be needed to operate the building—this may require significant training that will coincide with the turnover of the building.

Utilize Certifications to Augment Your Goals

Discussions about sustainability in design and construction often center around a particular certification. However, most certification systems are not structured to provide guidance on the possibilities and goals of a specific program or site. Certifications strictly specify a point-based system for measuring the sustainable qualities of a completed project, creating a common language for discussion of the subject.

While certifications serve a purpose and have been broadly adopted, we believe it is important to center sustainability conversations on the individual client, program, and building occupants. Any certification is a byproduct of good design, further confirming the project’s achievements.

To get there, stick to the plan: Lead with your values, take an integrated approach, design your way through the details, and use and operate the building to its sustainable potential.