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Investigating the Relationship 

of

Charrettes and LEED Certified Buildings

A Graduate thesis research project by Katherine Ann Pettit

Institute for the Built Environment        Brian Dunbar, Director

Department of Manufacturing Technology and Construction Management

Colorado State University

The charrette process has been identified by leading green builders as a productive tool to be used in the design and      construction of sustainable buildings. The design charrette has taken on many forms - some professionals convene multiple hour brainstorming sessions while others engage in rigorous week-long design studio exercises.  Regardless of the form, more professionals in the green building industry are beginning to understand that such an integrated approach enhances the project team’s ability to synergistically design and construct integrated buildings, save money and infuse key stakeholders in the design process. This research project is investigating various charrette processes, successful methods of integrating charrettes into green building projects and, specifically, the effects charrettes have had on LEED certified buildings.

The results of this study will assist the green building industry in understanding the role that charrettes have played in LEED certified buildings, the benefits and challenges of the charrettes conducted and the potential effect that charrettes have had on certification.  The presentation of this study will begin to identify the level of influence the charrette process has in green building and help pave the way for an understanding of the most effective design methods to use in producing successful green buildings.