Stories from Practice Case Study Narratives

Six Case Studies of Carbon Neutrality (Orinda City Hall, Chartwell School, Tillamook Forest Center, Stephen Epler Hall, The Gerding Theater, and East Portland Community Center) describe the design intent, construction, and processes to operate these notable early green buildings. Trained students conducted focused interviews with practitioners from architectural and engineering firms on the design process and strategies that delivered buildings that meet carbon neutrality. Performance outcomes were measured by using a nationally implemented set of investigative protocols that focus on particular design strategies. Examining the results of post-occupancy performance offers practice a means to “close the loop” of design lessons learned in building design. This information is valuable to design professionals, educators, and students for discussions of the design process and design strategies necessary to meet the 2030 Challenge.