Short answer

When designing for sustainability, think holistically about energy, water, and waste as interconnected systems rather than isolated concerns, and develop integrated portfolios of solutions.

Field: Resource Management
Source: US Army Corps of Engineers: Engineer Research and Development Center (Knowledge Core) (2014)
Method: Portfolio Development and Strategy Integration
Evidence: Strong effect

A comprehensive portfolio of strategies, technologies, and approaches can effectively integrate energy, water, and waste management to achieve net-zero resource consumption. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2014 study published in US Army Corps of Engineers: Engineer Research and Development Center (Knowledge Core). Using Portfolio development and strategy integration, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing for sustainability, think holistically about energy, water, and waste as interconnected systems rather than isolated concerns, and develop integrated portfolios of solutions.

Study

Resource ManagementHigh ImpactStrong effect

Integrated Net Zero Portfolio Achieves Resource Efficiency at Fort Leonard Wood

A comprehensive portfolio of strategies, technologies, and approaches can effectively integrate energy, water, and waste management to achieve net-zero resource consumption.

US Army Corps of Engineers: Engineer Research and Development Center (Knowledge Core) · 2014

Key Findings

01An integrated approach to energy, water, and waste management is crucial for achieving Net Zero goals.
02Cost-effective strategies and technologies exist to significantly reduce resource consumption.
03A portfolio approach allows for synergistic benefits across different resource streams.

Application

Design takeaway

When designing for sustainability, think holistically about energy, water, and waste as interconnected systems rather than isolated concerns, and develop integrated portfolios of solutions.

How to apply

When undertaking a design project with sustainability goals, conduct an audit of energy, water, and waste flows, and then brainstorm and integrate solutions that address all three areas simultaneously.

Project actions

01Consider the life cycle of materials and products in relation to waste generation.
02Investigate renewable energy sources and water conservation technologies.
03Explore opportunities for waste-to-energy or material reuse within your design.

Method & Evidence

AimTo develop an integrated portfolio of cost-effective and mission-appropriate strategies, approaches, and technologies to help Fort Leonard Wood implement its Net Zero strategic vision for energy, water, and waste.

MethodPortfolio Development and Strategy Integration

ProcedureThe project involved analyzing existing resource consumption (energy, water, waste) at Fort Leonard Wood, identifying potential strategies and technologies for reduction and optimization, and then integrating these into a cohesive portfolio aligned with Net Zero objectives.

ContextMilitary Installation Resource Management

Variables

IV["Implementation of integrated strategies and technologies"]

DV["Resource consumption (energy, water, waste)","Cost-effectiveness"]

CV["Installation size and operational requirements","Existing infrastructure"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Focus on integration across multiple resource streams.
+Emphasis on cost-effectiveness and mission appropriateness.

Limitations

The specific technologies and costs may vary significantly depending on the scale and location of the design project.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of the findings would depend on the accuracy of the baseline data and the effectiveness of the implemented strategies. Validity is supported by the focus on real-world application and measurable outcomes.

Think critically

How might the 'mission-appropriate' aspect of the strategies influence the selection and implementation of Net Zero solutions in different organizational contexts?

Design Principles

"Integrated resource management systems should be designed to maximize synergistic benefits across energy, water, and waste streams."

This research demonstrates a holistic approach to resource management, moving beyond single-issue solutions. By considering the interdependencies between energy, water, and waste, design practitioners can develop more robust and cost-effective sustainability strategies for complex systems.

What This Means for Your Design

To be super sustainable, you need to think about how energy, water, and trash all work together, not just one at a time. Creating a plan that includes solutions for all three can save money and resources.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of integrated resource management in your design project's rationale or evaluation criteria.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The development of integrated resource management portfolios, as exemplified by the Net Zero initiative at Fort Leonard Wood, highlights the critical need for designers to consider the synergistic relationships between energy, water, and waste. This approach moves beyond isolated solutions to create comprehensive strategies that enhance overall resource efficiency and cost-effectiveness, a principle directly applicable to the design of sustainable systems.

Source

US Army Corps of Engineers: Engineer Research and Development Center (Knowledge Core)

Fiscal Year 2013 Net Zero Energy-Water-Waste Portfolio for Fort Leonard Wood

journal · 2014

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about integrated net zero portfolio achieves resource efficiency at fort leonard wood?: When designing for sustainability, think holistically about energy, water, and waste as interconnected systems rather than isolated concerns, and develop integrated portfolios of solutions. Evidence: US Army Corps of Engineers: Engineer Research and Development Center (Knowledge Core) (2014).
Why does "Integrated Net Zero Portfolio Achieves Resource Efficiency at Fort Leonard Wood" matter for design?: This research demonstrates a holistic approach to resource management, moving beyond single-issue solutions. By considering the interdependencies between energy, water, and waste, design practitioners can develop more robust and cost-effective sustainability strategies for complex systems.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing for sustainability, think holistically about energy, water, and waste as interconnected systems rather than isolated concerns, and develop integrated portfolios of solutions.
What were the main findings?: An integrated approach to energy, water, and waste management is crucial for achieving Net Zero goals.. Cost-effective strategies and technologies exist to significantly reduce resource consumption.. A portfolio approach allows for synergistic benefits across different resource streams.
What research method was used?: Portfolio Development and Strategy Integration.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2014 journal from US Army Corps of Engineers: Engineer Research and Development Center (Knowledge Core).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When undertaking a design project with sustainability goals, conduct an audit of energy, water, and waste flows, and then brainstorm and integrate solutions that address all three areas simultaneously.
What are the limitations?: The specific strategies and technologies may need adaptation based on the unique context and constraints of different installations or organizations.