The University of North Carolina, Asheville selected the O’Brien Atkins Architecture firm to assist them in the design of their New Science Building. The University stated early in the design process that energy and environmental considerations were critical; in fact, the University felt strongly that the project should use the nationally-recognized LEED Green Building Rating System to document and quantify their energy and environmental initiatives. With this directive in mind, the O’Brien Atkins recommended a one and a half day ‘Greening Charrette’ as an efficient way to quickly address the LEED system. The charrette (an intensive, focused brainstorming session involving a wide variety of experts) would provide an effective means to identify realistic and cost-effective sustainable measures that the new facility could implement.
The charrette’s stated focus was to incorporate environmental excellence and high performance, guided by the LEED Green Building Rating System, in the design of the University’s New Science Building. Approximately 55 individuals from various backgrounds and fields participated: the University (faculty, personnel, students, administration, etc.), the community, state agencies and private companies. Four distinct environmental design areas — site and water, energy, materials and indoor environmental quality — were addressed in detail.
This case study provides a great model for conducting charrettes for a high performance projects. It also goes into great detail about steps taken to plan and develop the charrette, as well as follow-up and next steps.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a building rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to measure energy efficiency. It provides a standard for environmentally sustainable construction.The ability or potential of a physical body to do work. The most common forms of energy are heat, light, mechanical (moving parts), and electrical.
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