You want to build more efficient buildings. How can you use problem solving skills to make it happen?

1 Identify the problem

The first step in any problem solving process is to define the problem clearly and precisely. What are the goals and requirements of your building project? What are the current and future needs and expectations of your clients, users, and stakeholders? What are the environmental and social impacts of your building? What are the potential risks and opportunities? By asking these questions, you can narrow down the scope and focus of your problem, and avoid wasting time and resources on irrelevant or unrealistic solutions.

2 Gather information

The next step is to gather as much information as possible about the problem and its context. This includes data, facts, evidence, assumptions, opinions, and perspectives from various sources and perspectives. You can use different methods and tools to collect and analyze information, such as surveys, interviews, observations, benchmarks, audits, simulations, models, and case studies. The more information you have, the better you can understand the problem and its causes, effects, and implications.

3 Generate alternatives

Once you have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the problem, you can start generating possible solutions. This is where you can use your creativity and imagination to explore different options and scenarios. You can use techniques such as brainstorming, mind mapping, sketching, prototyping, and testing to generate and refine ideas. The key is to be open-minded and flexible, and to consider multiple criteria and perspectives. You can also learn from best practices and innovations in the field of environmental design, and adapt them to your specific context and problem.

5 Implement and monitor

The final step is to implement and monitor your selected solution. This is where you can use your project management and communication skills to plan and execute your solution. You need to define the scope, schedule, budget, quality, and resources of your project, and coordinate with your team, contractors, suppliers, and other parties involved. You also need to monitor the progress and performance of your project, and identify and resolve any issues or challenges that may arise. You can use tools such as Gantt charts, checklists, reports, feedback, and reviews to track and evaluate your project.

6 Learn and improve

The problem solving process does not end when you finish your project. You can always learn and improve from your experience and outcomes. You can use tools such as reflection, evaluation, and feedback to identify what worked well and what did not, and what you can do better next time. You can also use tools such as post-occupancy evaluation, life cycle assessment, and performance measurement to measure the actual impact and efficiency of your building, and to identify any gaps or areas for improvement. By learning and improving, you can enhance your environmental design skills and build more efficient buildings in the future.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?