HomeASTA: Pattern 1

Pre-Design Patterns and Recommendations

1. Goals – Setting priorities for the project

Practically speaking, it's impossible for every home built to include every desirable environmental feature. In part, this is because some features or materials are only appropriate in certain climates or design styles. Also, different objectives sometimes may be in conflict with one another. For example, ventilating a house to improve indoor air quality reduces its energy efficiency somewhat. Yet both indoor air quality and energy efficiency are worthwhile goals. Similarly, budget considerations may rule out the choice of some materials or technologies.

That doesn’t mean that environmentally responsible construction isn't possible; it simply means that coordinated planning is vital. It's important to define priorities at the beginning of a project, so that the design and construction team can make consistent choices and deliver a house that meets the agreed-upon objectives. Prioritizing goals helps to streamline the decision-making process during both the design and construction phases of the project. Some of the considerations that should be prioritized are: energy efficiency, waste reduction, resource conservation, first cost, operating cost, and indoor air quality.