Short answer

Incorporate a hierarchical benchmarking system that links macro-level environmental goals to micro-level component performance to drive impactful design decisions.

Field: Resource Management
Source: IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science (2019)
Method: Case Study and Workflow Development
Evidence: Strong effect

Integrating top-down global environmental targets with bottom-up best-in-class component benchmarks provides a practical framework for designers to effectively reduce the life-cycle environmental impact of buildings. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science. Using Case study and workflow development, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Incorporate a hierarchical benchmarking system that links macro-level environmental goals to micro-level component performance to drive impactful design decisions.

Study

Resource ManagementHigh ImpactStrong effect

Dual Benchmarking: Bridging Global Environmental Capacity with Component-Level Design Optimization

IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science · 2019

Key Findings

01A dual benchmark approach can effectively guide designers in setting environmental performance targets.
02Combining global capacity targets with component-level best-in-class benchmarks facilitates efficient optimization of building environmental performance.
03The proposed workflow differentiates between material and design-related options for environmental improvement.

Application

Design takeaway

Incorporate a hierarchical benchmarking system that links macro-level environmental goals to micro-level component performance to drive impactful design decisions.

How to apply

When designing a new building or renovating an existing one, establish overall environmental targets based on global resource availability and then define specific performance benchmarks for key building components (e.g., walls, windows, HVAC systems) by researching the top 5% most efficient options currently available.

Project actions

01When setting environmental goals for your design, start by researching global resource limits or emissions targets relevant to your project's scale.
02Identify the most environmentally efficient examples of components or systems you plan to use and use them as your performance benchmarks.

Method & Evidence

AimHow can a dual benchmarking approach, combining top-down global environmental targets with bottom-up best-in-class component benchmarks, guide designers in optimizing the life-cycle environmental performance of buildings?

MethodCase Study and Workflow Development

ProcedureThe study proposes a workflow for applying a dual benchmark system. This system derives overall per capita environmental targets from global ecosystem capacity and establishes component-level benchmarks based on the top 5% best-performing elements. The approach was then demonstrated through a case study of a multi-family house.

ContextBuilding design and construction

Variables

IVDual benchmarking approach (top-down global targets + bottom-up component benchmarks)

DVEnvironmental performance of building design

CVBuilding type, function, geographical location, specific building components considered

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a structured and quantifiable method for environmental design decision-making.
+Connects macro-level sustainability goals to micro-level design choices.

Limitations

Finding reliable data for 'best-in-class' components can be challenging, and global environmental capacity figures can be subject to change and interpretation.

Reliability & validity

Reliability would be enhanced by using consistent data sources for global capacity and component performance. Validity is strong if the benchmarks accurately reflect actual environmental impacts and lead to demonstrably improved designs.

Think critically

How might the 'best-in-class' benchmark change over time, and how would this impact the long-term effectiveness of the dual benchmarking approach?

Design Principles

"Environmental performance targets should be cascaded from global capacities to specific design elements, utilizing best-in-class benchmarks for actionable guidance."

This approach translates abstract global environmental goals into actionable design targets at the component level. It empowers designers and clients to make informed decisions by providing clear performance benchmarks, facilitating the optimization of building designs for improved environmental outcomes.

What This Means for Your Design

Think of it like setting a family budget. You know how much money the world has for environmental impact (the global budget), and then you look at the best, most efficient ways to spend money on individual items like walls or windows (component benchmarks) to stay within that budget.

How to use in your project

1.Use this method to justify your environmental targets and design choices by referencing the dual benchmarking approach.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The design process was guided by a dual benchmarking approach, integrating top-down targets derived from global environmental capacity with bottom-up benchmarks based on best-in-class component performance. This strategy provided a clear framework for optimizing the life-cycle environmental impact of the building by setting specific, actionable goals for individual design elements.

Source

IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science

Using a budget approach for decision-support in the design process

journal · 2019

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about dual benchmarking: bridging global environmental capacity with component-level design optimization?: Incorporate a hierarchical benchmarking system that links macro-level environmental goals to micro-level component performance to drive impactful design decisions. Evidence: IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science (2019).
Why does "Dual Benchmarking: Bridging Global Environmental Capacity with Component-Level Design Optimization" matter for design?: This approach translates abstract global environmental goals into actionable design targets at the component level. It empowers designers and clients to make informed decisions by providing clear performance benchmarks, facilitating the optimization of building designs for improved environmental outcomes.
How can designers apply this research?: Incorporate a hierarchical benchmarking system that links macro-level environmental goals to micro-level component performance to drive impactful design decisions.
What were the main findings?: A dual benchmark approach can effectively guide designers in setting environmental performance targets.. Combining global capacity targets with component-level best-in-class benchmarks facilitates efficient optimization of building environmental performance.. The proposed workflow differentiates between material and design-related options for environmental improvement.
What research method was used?: Case Study and Workflow Development.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2019 journal from IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing a new building or renovating an existing one, establish overall environmental targets based on global resource availability and then define specific performance benchmarks for key building components (e.g., walls, windows, HVAC systems) by researching the top 5% most efficient options currently available.
What are the limitations?: The effectiveness of the benchmarks is dependent on the accuracy of global capacity data and the availability of comprehensive 'best-in-class' data for all building components.