How Multi-Disciplinary Teams Can Improve the Sustainable Design Process and Project

As engineers, we have been solely responsible for many designs, plans, and projects, relying on input and assistance primarily from other engineers and technical experts. New, sustainable design initiatives demand a more innovative and inclusive approach to the design process. Enter the American Public Health Association's "Joint Call to Action for Healthy Communities" (APHA JCTA)! On the outset, one may wonder what health has to do with sustainability…. the answer is everything! After all, the right project done right will be one that empowers the users and contributes to their good health when using it. This paper will address the importance of utilizing multi-disciplinary, diverse, and inclusive teams to arrive at the most innovative and sustainable solutions to our country's infrastructure needs. This will be done by assimilating information from the APHA JCTA's initiatives, and case studies, following the group's vision and mission: vision: improved public health outcomes in all communities enabled by engaged and proactive members of the built environment and health professions; mission: to promote healthier, more equitable communities by empowering our members to make health a primary consideration in their practice and collaborate across built environment and health professions. I will endeavor to show why this is the only way to plan projects that will meet the needs of several generations of users in the most environmentally, socially, and economically responsible manner.