LEED BD+C &
THE INTEGRATIVE DESIGN PROCESS
The final project synthesized research, climate analysis, precedent studies of LEED-certified buildings, and a comprehensive certification strategy for a fictional new construction project.
The work began with the assignment of a United States city with a distinct climate and cultural context, evaluated using the following criteria:
- walkability
- bikeability
- natural surroundings
- public transit
- sustainability initiatives
- recent environmental issue
- climate
That information was evaluated to determine how place-specific factors should shape sustainable design decisions. Climate-responsive strategies were then developed for a new single-family home, outlining practical features that would make the design environmentally sound within that region.
Building on this foundation, a site was selected and a new building typology was proposed. LEED strategies were mapped category by category, and the LEED BD+C scorecard was used to calculate a targeted certification level, translating sustainability goals into measurable design actions.
Once the class was complete, I sat for—and passed—the LEED Green Associate credential exam.
Click HERE to see the full project.
ANNE ARUNDEL COMMUNITY COLLEGE SUMMER 2025
ACH 242 ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS FOR DESIGN . 8 WEEKS
Professor Brandi Shepard . InDesign
“Liz, your proposal for The Concord Gallery is thoughtful, well-organized, and grounded in climate-responsive, sustainable design. You demonstrate a clear grasp of LEED criteria and applied them in ways appropriate to both the regional climate and the functional demands of an art institution. Overall, this is a strong and professional submission… very well done!”
– Professor Brandi Shepard, Environmental Systems for Design
