The notion of sustainability is becoming more of a preferred approach rather than an option in current design achievements. Sustainable design strategies are being put into practice in hopes of LEED recognition along with environmental greatness. Routes that have been proven a success have used the Integrated Design Process (IDP) to plan and execute a project with maximum sustainable features. IDP is a “Collaborative process that focuses on the design, construction, operation and occupancy of a building over its complete life cycle…The IDP requires a multidisciplinary design team that includes or acquires the skills required to address all design issues flowing from the objectives” (Perkins and Stantec). As summarized in the Roadmap for IDP, the process is comprised of seven different phases; Pre-Design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documentation, Bidding & Construction Commissioning, Building Operation, and Post-Occupancy. Based on the type of occupancy, specialized team members are chosen strategically to partake in either all or a few of the phases. The occupancy for question in this case is that of a hotel.

For starters, the core team will come together and begin Phase 1 of the IDP. Generally the core team is comprised of the client, architect, landscape architect, mechanical, structural and electrical engineer. However, for a wider scope in perspective, other specialists such as a contractor, building operator, ecology and energy specialist may be present.

Arguably, the most important part of this phase is choosing the site or base building. Given the nature of occupancy, as a hotel is mostly frequented for tourism or business, it will be beneficial for it to be near large city centers. The close proximity would minimize the use of automobile transportation as most attractions are within walking distance. However, another way to maximize sustainability is to have the hotel located near public transportation. Having easy access for patrons to use the train or subway would increase convenience, while reducing the output of pollution. Similarly, strategically placed paths for walking or bicycling would encourage patrons to make use of them when weather permits.

DuPont. Sustainable Design: Corian. 2012. Website. 5 November 2012.
HOK. South Korea's First LEED Certified Hotel. 2012. Website. 6 November 2012.
LEED. "LEED Green Building Rating System Version 2.0." March 2000. Clean Air Counts. PDF. 5 November 2012.
Perkins, Busby and Will Stantec. "Roadmap For The Integrated Design Process." 2011. Metro Vancouver. PDF. 5 November 2012.

Existing buildings that can be renovated or retrofitted can also minimize the environmental impact that a new construction might create. Not only is this route more sustainable, the design could be quite beautiful with the juxtaposition of old and new construction. Similarly, brownfield sites may also be a good option as its use will prevent from using other untouched land.

In this phase, a designer (if present) should begin thinking about choices for materials and finishes, and what impact each may have on the specific goals for the project. As the team gets acquainted with one another, and the client is on board with the Pre-Design discussions and a vision is created, they are then able to move on to Phase 2, Schematic Design.

The goal of this phase is for the team to come up with a design concept. “It is the phase for thinking “outside the box,” for exploring innovative technologies, new ideas, and fresh application methods in working towards the broad goals and objectives set out in Pre-design. “Schematic Design allows experts from all disciplines to analyze the unique opportunities and constraints of the building site and to collectively explore synergies between disciplines and with neighboring sites. While it is important to keep the scope of investigation broad, goals and objectives must be firmed up. Schematic Design alternatives should be developed based on a synthesis of the entire team’s skills and knowledge.” (Perkins and Stantec).

According to the IDP Roadmap, in this phase, the core team is joined by an energy specialist, cost consultant, and certification coordinator to name a few. A designer (if present) should be analyzing with the team on how they want daylight to affect the design, and how the building should be used to maximize daylight exposure. In addition, the designer should pick up on how the client wants to the space to feel, and the experience the patrons will have.

Moving onto Phase 3; Design Development, ideas are chosen and finalized. A design concept is successfully achieved and is presented to the client for approval. “All architectural, mechanical and electrical systems are assessed for their expected performance and impact on all other systems as well as on the goals and targets.” (Perkins and Stantec). Within the concept, all the specialized individuals have come up with the best possible sustainable solutions for their specific sector of knowledge. The following are a few sustainable recommendations:

In terms of making the hotel more sustainable, the main issues on where problems are created and where money is most wasted has to be evaluated. To begin with, on average, every guestroom has electrical power running at all times throughout the room whether the room is being occupied or not. Patrons tend to leave televisions on along with lights, to make the room seem occupied while they are away, or from carelessness. A change that many resort type occupancies have already implemented is only supplying one key card to the room; when the room is occupied the card is inserted into a slot by the door which then activates the power supply to the room. When patrons leave they simply remove the key to shut off power and reduce wastage to the room. As with many sustainable solutions, the cost for these changes might be expensive up front, however, they lead to savings in the long run.
In addition, designers might face problems when choosing materials and finished for a hotel for a few reasons. Firstly, they need to draw a line between what looks good, to what is built to last. They must choose materials that can be exposed to often careless end users without the worry of destruction. At the same time, designers must choose colours and finishes that are timeless. It is not economical for a hotel to change its look every few years to remain current. Sustainable materials have come a long way since its first introduction; more aesthetically pleasing products are being put onto the market. For instance, granite countertops are strong and beautiful; although it comes from nature it is considered a nonrenewable resource. Instead, what can be used is Corian, it is both durable and renewable. It is stain proof, heat proof, ‘with low VOC content, and has proven to be extremely safe as surfacing materials for over 40 years, with minimal impact on indoor air quality. In addition, these nonporous surfaces do not promote the growth of mold and mildew when properly cleaned’ (DuPont). Corian can be used on both vertical and horizontal surfaces; therefore it’s proven to be a very versatile product.
Another sustainable product to consider is Interface carpet tile. Carpet tiles make for quick fixes and can eliminate the cost of having to replace an entire carpeted area. As precaution, especially for high traffic areas like with a hotel, extra tiles are preordered by precaution and can be peeled off and replaced when needed. Another nice feature about carpet tile is that they can be customized, for example, the carpet can be branded with the hotels logo or signature. In addition, when considering wall coverings, the possibilities are endless. Designers can choose from wallpaper made from recycled matter to paint that emits little to no VOC’s.
Lighting can play a big role in energy savings if chosen properly. When strategically designed, some rooms may not need to the use of interior daytime lighting as the natural light will suffice. However, when lighting is needed, although costly up front, the industry it turning towards high efficiency LED light systems, which would be an excellent option. LED bulbs can last a very long time in comparison to incandescent or fluorescent fixtures used in most hotels. In addition LED light fixtures consume less energy to operate.
However on a larger scope, sustainable measures can be made for energy consumption in the design of the building itself. Different sources of energy can be used such as wind turbines or solar panels. Although costly, they create a constant source of renewable energy. Green roofs are becoming more widespread, as a simple green initiative which has the power to radiate heat into the building. Slab to slab glazing creates a perfect source of natural light along with warming up a space. HOK, a leading design firm with a firm situated in Toronto, designed the first LEED certified hotel in New Songdo City in Korea. What was unique about their design was their ability to maximize natural light with glazing all over the façades, but by being able to control the natural radiation and temperature emitting from it. Landscape architects could implement storm water collection systems for reuse elsewhere. Sustainable changes are endless, which is why Phase 2 and 3 are vital for brainstorming and solidifying these ideas.
Phase 4, Construction Documentation, is developed based on the concept and ideas that were finalized in the previous stage. All previous team members as well as specification writers are present to make sure nothing has been overlooked. In this phase, designers can make sure that all sustainable features have been properly checked to avoid any confusion for the contractors.
The following phase is Bidding, Construction and Commissioning. Here is where all the hard work that was specified on paper has transformed into the fully finished, sustainably brilliant, well design building. In this phase designers can follow contractors closely to make sure their work complies with sustainable efforts. Next, the sixth phase is Building Operation, here designers along with team members need to bring the building operators up to speed. For a successful handover, all operations must be explained and demonstrated with the vast knowledge that was gained in the prior phases.

The final phase is Post-Occupancy, the team doesn’t stop working here. They have an obligation to “observe and maintain operations, measure and verify, re-commission, and preserve building performance evaluations. The post construction portions of the process provide feedback loops, which facilitate continuous optimization of the building’s performance.” (Perkins and Stantec) Lessons learned from this phase have the ability to positively influence future builds by the team and firm.

As mentioned previously, through the seven phases discussed, the Integrated Design Process has the ability to bring together a strong team, and create a highly sustainable building; a hotel in this case. The ideas suggested above are merely suggestions, the possibilities in design today are endless.