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The integrative process turns early choices into data-driven commitments. Short, iterative analyses—shoebox energy/daylight models and a basic water balance—reveal which massing best reduces loads (solar gains, LPD impacts, ventilation drivers) and outdoor water demand (planting/hardscape implications). With evidence in hand, the team updates the Owner’s Project Requirements (EUI, peak demand, indoor/outdoor water budgets) and the Basis of Design, then embeds these in specifications: enclosure performance, sequences of operation, metering/trend points, and acceptance criteria. This preserves performance through value engineering because substitutions must meet published targets. Choosing form on first cost alone often forces bigger plants and higher OPEX. Vendor-first approaches fracture systems thinking and constrain architecture. Waiting until CDs forfeits low-cost opportunities. Early, lightweight simulations paired with enforceable targets keep both cost and performance on track and simplify later LEED documentation.