August 17, 2017
Integral Group’s mission is to accelerate the shift towards environmentally responsive design by making sustainable buildings and communities. One net zero/net positive building at a time is awesome but won’t get us where we need to be to reverse the effects of climate change. Through our consulting practice, we focus on low carbon and resilience…
August 3, 2017
As a proposal coordinator at a deep green engineering firm, I have picked up a lot of technical knowledge over the years – why a tight building envelope is important to sustainability, what an air source heat pump is, and even what the commissioning process really entails – but I’m always excited for the opportunity…
July 7, 2017
The public release of Fitwel at the end of 2016 prompted Elementa Consulting Principal, Edward Garrod to become the first Fitwel Ambassador outside of North America. Elementa Consulting are the UK arm of international ‘deep green engineering’ practice Integral Group. As soon as Integral Group became a Fitwel Champion in early 2017, Garrod challenged his…
June 15, 2017
Many of our initial zero net energy buildings revolved around a few key design goals: eliminate the compressor and keep it all electric. At the time, this resulted in pushing the limits of cooling tower systems, making cold water at night, using warmer temperature water (55F to 60F) through chilled beams, radiant slabs, or displacement systems.…
June 9, 2017
District energy systems are becoming increasingly common, particularly in North America. Traditionally, district energy systems have provided heating options only, but increasing global temperatures have given rise to the demand for campus-scale systems that can provide heating as well as cooling options. Integral Group is leading the industry with innovative solutions and approaches with the…
June 8, 2017
At Integral Group, we make every effort to guide our clients towards their greatest potential in sustainable design. Throughout California, there is major buzz around Zero Net Energy (ZNE) buildings. The Vision of Zero Net Energy For some, ZNE is about saving energy, avoiding carbon emissions, and balancing the energy used on a site with…
September 20, 2016
Kevin Hydes, CEO of Integral Group, was invited alongside an intimate group of global leaders and champions to a special reception celebrating the 10th anniversary of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group. Many of those present are mayors of the world’s megacities who are leading the battle against climate change, working closely through collaboration and sharing…
April 22, 2016
We’re very excited to see over 150 parties heading to the UN headquarters in New York on Earth Day to sign the Paris Agreement into effect, we only needed 55 for it to be ratified, this overwhelming support on the day the agreement opens up for signatures is an amazing next step. The world is…
March 11, 2016
The launch of Elementa’s COP21 Insights Paper took place at our 4th Annual Ecobuild Lunch and is now available to download. Through this paper we are seeking to increase engagement and encourage action to reverse climate change. The window of time to mitigate and halt irreversible climate change is rapidly closing. It is our belief…
December 18, 2015
The climate negotiations (COP21) in Paris were a vital turning point in the global commitment to limit climate change below extremely dangerous levels. The UK Green Building Council catalyzed and consolidated private and public sector action to ensure a positive outcome from COP21. These commitments will lead to significant collective reductions in greenhouse gas emissions,…