Towards a System Analysis and Integration Framework for Early Design Trades in Sustainable Building Design

The design and implementation of net-zero energy and water commercial buildings is a high-performance alternative to traditional structures. The complexity of engineering and architectural design strategies required to achieve post-construction net-zero standing requires an integrated design approach, utilizing an array of novel sustainable building design technologies. Here, we document the schematic design timeline of the Oregon Sustainability Center (OSC), a 150,000 ft2 net-zero energy commercial “smart” building slated for construction in Portland, Oregon. The design of the OSC is constrained around guidelines described in the Living Building Challenge (LBC), a building standard for sustainable, net-zero energy and water design in modern construction. This paper identifies the primary OSC design considerations, mechanical subsystems required to achieve these goals, as well the various stakeholders associated with the project. A correlation between stakeholder influences on design decisions is mapped demonstrating the relevance of peripheral effects on the design process. The intent of this case study documentation is to work toward an integrated approach to sustainable building design based on the goal of making critical design decisions strategically during the design process, conserving both financial and temporal resources. An integrated design framework for net-zero energy and water subsystems will assist in creating replicable sustainable building designs.