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A powerful picture, representing environmental racism.
Hey all,
Since my poster presentation in this week, I thought I’d do a final blog to tie up any loose ends. Although my research was suppose to go a bit longer, I felt that I hit a lot of the important topics related to sustainable design. So first of all, I wanted to address an interesting question that was asked throughout my blogging experience. In my first blog I bragged about how “green” centered our university’s architecture program is and how they really press sustainable design and the LEED certification program. Afterwards, someone asked me whether the engineering or construction science programs encourage the same ideals. As a psychology major and only my boyfriend being in the architecture program, I had no idea. Yet one fabulous night at the bars brought together a large group of my friends and luckily, one of my guy friends is an engineering major. Somehow the LEED program was brought up and I was amazed at how much hostility he had toward this seemingly positive and progressive curriculum. It was after I asked him why he hated the system so much it became very clear how differently each major is educated throughout college and the political and economic reasoning behind it.
My friend told me that the LEED system (and I quote him) “is a big pain in the ass for engineers.” He explained that the LEED system merely added random expensive additions to buildings that not only made it harder for engineers to design around but required more expensive materials; therefore making the budget and building process a mess. He also went on to say that his entire education has been set on learning how to do things the cheapest and most “efficient” way possible…, “without all this sustainable mumbo jumbo that doesn’t really make that much of a difference; people just want to look good with the LEED certification.” To add to this, I asked if they learned anything about “green” or earth-friendly practices. He told me that the program offers ONE class about sustainable design but it’s an elective. Additionally, when I mentioned environmental racism, he laughed and asked with disbelief, “What is the heck is that?! Are you serious? That term actually exists?!”
I was amazed. Here’s a VERY educated young man in our nuclear engineering program (a senior) and he hasn’t even been taught the basics about the POSITIVES to sustainable design or the serious issue of environmental racism. This is disturbing folks. It was then when I started to wonder, is this just a prime example of patriarchal politics and economics at work? Omitting important issues such as environmental racism (that affects women and children most frequently) and denying the benefits of LEED certification has to be part of some creepy, hidden plan or agenda! A capitalistic, consumer-focused, patriarchal plan perhaps? If our very own educational institutions are developing future engineers who do not understand or maybe just do not care where their mechanical and nuclear wastes are being disposed of, then what progress are we making?; especially when engineers are getting paid almost double compared to architects and laborers. I explained to him the long-lasting benefits of LEED certification and how it ultimately helps our economy and environment. I also told him all about how pollution, waste, enclosures, and exploitation are all most often directed to marginalized people such as the poor, people of color, and women and children. I told him to look it up since he didn’t quite believe me. I was then jokingly called a hippie. Cool.
Although I was bummed at first, afterwards my boyfriend made me feel better by explaining how and why engineers have been trained to think and design that way. He made an excellent point by saying, “You can really tell what majors are in school to learn how to help people and which are here to make a quick buck. I guess it’s up to us green architects and ecofeminists to keep fighting the good fight, huh?”
Perfectly said.
Overall, I think I’ve learned so much about how sustainable design is not only related to making buildings more efficient and helping out the environment; I feel that it’s connected to so much more. A well designed building with LEED certifications not only helps save energy, it’s beneficial to our economy, beneficial to those who work in or around the buildings, can influence aesthetic beauty, contain spiritual connections, and show respect to nature. As my story above illustrates, I have learned so much and have gained a deep respect for sustainable design. Heck, I’m getting into debates about the topic at bars with my friends! I just hope our society runs with this “green” trend and embraces sustainable design because then we can attain sustainable living!
I hope you all enjoyed the pictures and new information. Thanks for all the comments and interest! See you at the poster presentation on Thursday!
Aesthetic Appeal: The Lucida: Upper East Side Condominiums, registered for LEED certification
Hey everyone,
For this entry, I’ve decided to take a slight turn from the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable design and focus on the aesthetics of sustainable building. For some time now, many people have conjured up this idea of green buildings as well… ugly. Why might that be? Well, fist of all – the first few examples of environmentally “responsible” designed buildings were ugly! Many of the earliest models of sustainable design were focused primarily on performance; nothing else. Now this is understandable when a new movement is trying to figure itself out and the buildings are being slapped with random solar panels and building materials. Additionally, these experimental buildings were first designed by brilliant technological engineering types rather than artistic designers and the more innovative technologies, materials, and systems were not yet available.
I think it is important to stress that aesthetic design and beauty of a building is always an issue with any architect or designer. This is often because in every architecture school creativity, aesthetic appeal, and inspiration are taught to drive passion about particular projects or ideas. By doing so, beautiful and often bizarre buildings bring people from all over the world to take pictures and ponder their beginnings. Eiffel Tower, St. Louis Arch, Notre Dame… anyone??
Since the green movement is young, misunderstanding of many of the principles and technologies of sustainable design has perhaps limited its success aesthetically. So for that reason, schools all over the world are adopting the principles and teachings of sustainable design into their design practices! And as I have shown you the pictures of various LEED certified buildings throughout my blogs, more successful buildings are emerging with not only high performance and earth friendliness, but beauty! Most of the buildings are very attractive due to their large clear windows that allow natural light and the bright lush plants that grown around, in or on top of the building. The shapes, angles, and materials often look sleek, connected, and friendly. These qualities have only recently been developed but are drawing people to the idea and look of sustainable design.
Some (extra eco-friendly people) might ask why beauty is even necessary if it’s helping the environment. According to McLennan (2004), he explains that beautifully designed buildings that elicit an emotional response are likely to be respected in their use and be maintained and repaired as necessary. He claims, “It is the most beautiful of buildings that typically gets saved from the wrecking ball.” Therefore, beauty is necessary. Overall, beautiful buildings become a sort of muse for individuals, a result that is essential to the sustainable design philosophy that teaches people to reconnect to their environment. A building that is built to change with the seasons and weather patterns can be beautiful and help connect people to these processes as well. Also, as I discussed in my earlier blogs, sustainable buildings often promote productivity. The same is true in that a beautiful building can increase functionality and productivity overall. Attraction and interest can compel people to learn more about the places we inhabit and in this way can lead to helping more people connect to their surroundings. By connecting to our surroundings, we grow and connect with our communities and most of all, nature!
Peace
Here’s a fun cartoon “green” school image. Notice the solar panels, natural lighting, recycling, green-roof, and open space!
Hey guys,
So throughout this blog, I hope to touch more on the economic aspects of sustainable design. To makes things a bit clearer, I plan on connecting money/economic issues to LEED certification. Since my last blog explained the various requirements and point systems of the LEED system, I thought it would be interesting to share some facts about the positive financial impacts of sustainability in relation to the LEED program. First off, if you’re at all interested in the LEED program, its success, requirements, and projects, check out the U.S. Green Building Council’s website at http://www.usgbc.org/.
As I touched on in my last blog, if becoming LEED certified or simply building in a sustainable manner is so awesome, why isn’t every business or institution doing it? Well kids, that’s where the money issue comes into play. On the same note, many people often ask, how much does green building cost and how does it compare to conventional construction? The real answer is that it depends. The four primary factors that matter when asking about the cost of sustainable building include:
1. “How green is the team?” You may have to pay more for more qualified architects and builders, but it will make your project run smoothly and ultimately be more efficient.
2. “Where is the site and what is the project type?” Details such as climate and site can contribute greatly on whether certain systems can be incorporated or not needed all together due to weather patterns and therefore will change costs.
3. “What is the economic criteria or baseline that the costs are being compared against?” If costs are being compared up against a building that’s nothing similar to a sustainable building’s requirements, costs will increase.
4. “How green is the project?” Back to LEED certification. It will take a considerable financial investment to be as green as possible. Yet that is an INVESTMENT. Costly yes, but pays off in the end through efficiency and productivity!
In real life context…
It has been shown that significant potential economic benefit of sustainable design is linked to the effect on human health and productivity. So in other words, sustainable design leads to various healthy design practices like more natural light, safer materials, natural air ventilation, and recycling. This ultimately increases human health and productivity; this then, breeds economic growth. The author of the book, The Philosophy of Sustainable Design, Jason McLennan explains that, productivity gains in green buildings often make up or exceed additional upfront costs of green building within the first year or two. Additionally, several other related benefits have been reported. According to the Rocky Mountain Institute: “Green buildings typically sell or lease faster, and retain tenants better, because they combine superior amenity and comfort with lower operating costs and more competitive terms. The resulting gains in occupancies, rents, and residuals all enhance financial returns.” It’s also been shown that better indoor air quality can improve health and productivity and reduce liability. The EPA estimates that building related U.S illnesses account for $60 billion of annual productivity lost nationwide! A wider study valued that loss as high as over $400 billion! That is insane folks!
On the same line of health and productivity, I thought it would be important to touch on how a sustainable or green building could really make a difference in our lives possibly at a future workplace or home or even our children’s lives in the very school they attend. Let’s give schools a little context. More than 55 million students and more than 5 million faculty, staff, and administrators go to school every day. More than 20% of America’s population that spends about six hours a day in a school building! In 2007, over $35 billion tax dollars will be spent on K-12 construction. It’s the largest construction sector of the economy. Typically schools are built to meet code, and nothing more. They have poor ventilation, poor lighting, and far too many of them are simply old, requiring expensive maintenance and upkeep just to keep the doors open.
Yea, so what? It’s an important topic because buildings have a huge impact on the environment. They tax our resources, they contribute to global warming, and most of all they are where we spend as much as 90% of our time! (All info from http://www.usgbc.org/)
But if we build our buildings green, we can have a huge impact. According to a study by Capital E, green building saves at least 30% in terms of energy, reduce carbon emission by 35%, reduce water use by 30-50%, and save costs on waste of 50-90%. Beyond their energy, water, and natural resources conservation, they create less waste and are healthier and more comfortable for the students and faculty. Green schools deliver lower energy and water bills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and expose fewer students to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins, along with lowering incidence of flu, colds, and asthma. In addition, green building environments have been shown to increase overall success in school in relation to grades and test scores!
Sustainable building (especially schools) is a great example of the various things we’ve discussed in class. I see this as a different type of environmental justice. Not only are we trying to be kinder and gentler to our earth and surroundings but we are trying to provide our children and those younger than us, a better learning and growing environment (ultimate justice!). Yet, I think it is important to take notice that this whole LEED system is a bit classist (elitist) don’t you think? It does require some of a financial sacrifice and so far, only those schools and buildings in rather wealthy areas of the world are attaining LEED certification.
What do you think?
Later amigos!
This is the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Headquarters. It’s mentioned in my blog. The very first Platinum certified building!!
Hey all,
So in this blog I would like to discuss the LEED certification program. I think that by explaining the LEED program, everyone can get a better understanding of the concrete methods organizations, architects, engineers, and even businessmen/women are taking to better our living conditions through sustainable design.
First of all, the LEED program was developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) in 1993 (McLennan, 2004). This council started out as a small, non-profit organization in Washington D.C. and its main goal was to bring acceptance of sustainable design issues, materials, and technologies into mainstream development. Currently, the USGBC is a nationally accredited organization made up of sustainable leaders from all sorts of institutions (even from universities and product manufacturers); how refreshing it is to hear something positive!
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The LEED rating system is basically a way to rate the “greenness” of buildings through points. The rating system is divided into four levels or “shades of green.” They include Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
I’ll quickly tell the point values and difficulty of each level. Then I’ll list some of the sustainable options that are worth “points.”
* Certified, 26-32 points: This is pretty easy to attain; just a few minor changes in the design process and slight additional cost.
* Silver, 33-38 points: This is usually considered the boundary of where typical decent construction meets green design. Significant attention is dedicated to sustainability and costs usually rise. Most buildings in the U.S. right now that fights for a LEED certification end up with a Silver rating.
* Gold, 39-51 points: Requires a firm commitment to sustainable options. This level is often difficult for many builders because everything has to be integrated in a sustainable manner.
* Platinum, 52 + points: VIP baby! Hard to get to into this joint :) But really, it’s very difficult to attain. The first building to achieve platinum rating was the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Headquarters.
The points received are based on the following categories:
Energy and Atmosphere
Water Efficiency
Materials and Resources
Indoor Environmental Quality
Sustainable Sites
Innovation
Many changes are required under each category to receive LEED points. For example:
Protect and Restore Habitats (within 100 feet of any wetlands; within 50 ft of water; no building on prime farmland); Brownfield Redevelopment; Public Transportation Access; Bicycle Storage and Changing Rooms; Certified Wood; Low-Emitting materials (carpets, agrifiber products, paints, adhesives); Thermal Comfort inside and Ventilation; Building Reuse; Recycled Content; Regional Materials ; Indoor Comfort and Lighting.
All of these things are possible and more architects are striving to become LEED certified. Despite this, many people are hesitant because LEED certification often requires a rather large cost increase. Yet it is important to realize that this is an investment. Over time, the sustainable building will SAVE lots of money due to its efficiency!
As you can see from the changes listed above many have been discussed in our readings such as public transportation access, recycled content, and Brownfield redevelopment. All of these changes have been suggested to work our way to not only a more sustainable building but a more sustainable planet.
Sorry this was so long guys. Thanks for stickin in with me!
I’ll try to upload various pictures of sustainable or LEED certified buildings each week. This one is the Deramus Education Pavilion in Kansas City by BNIM Architects. Enjoy!
Hola amigos!
So I thought I would start out this blog with a really great quote from Jason McLennan, the author of the primary book I’m using. He says:
“My past has taught me two important lessons; that we have an amazing capacity to damage the habitat of all living things while building our own, but we also have an ability to heal it through good design.” Mmmmmm I like it!
With that fantastic quote in mind, I think I would like to touch on the spiritual and philosophical aspect of sustainable design. Ultimately, sustainable design IS a philosophy and philosophy is closely related to how various religions are shaped and formed. For example, the Taoist tradition founded in China is a belief system that explains the Tao as a “way of life that sustains you, guides you, and leads to innumerable rich experiences” (McLennan, 2004). Many people live their lives according to these simple principles. And just as with the Taoist tradition, most philosophies have basic principles and concepts that underlie its overall sphere of knowledge. These philosophies can be spiritual in nature or be the catalysts for great political and economical movements… Karl Marx, anyone??
The sustainability movement is very similar to these belief systems! By no means is it a religion but it does stress a moral code of responsibility and a way to lead a change in behavior, possibly to even change life on earth. Two primary core beliefs have emerged from the sustainability movement and I thought they were very similar to almost a religion. Ha, let’s call them the 2 core beliefs of our very own “sustainable design church” 
So I’ll share them with you:
1. That our lifestyles, technologies and sheer numbers are having a negative impact on the environment, putting at risk the viability of the planet to support our continued existence, and the existence of many of the animals and plants that we hare the world with.
2. That we have a responsibility, as caretakers or stewards of the earth, to craft our societies and the technologies in it in a way that allows for the continued survival of our species and those that we share it with – regardless of their perceived direct value to us.
(McLennan, 2004)
I really like these values and they make perfect sense in relation to ecofeminism. For that it is our responsibility to allow continued survival of our species and those we share our earth with regardless of our perceived value toward them aka nature, animals, land, water, etc.
On a similar note, sustainable design has 6 major principles. These principles overlap with those of sustainability in general but govern how sustainable design is carried out and used. I’m sure that my later blogs will touch on these principles once again, but for now I’ll just list them.
1. Respect for the Wisdom of Natural Systems (Biomimicry Principle)
2. Respect for People (Human Vitality Principle)
3. Respect for Place (Ecosystem Principle)
4. Respect for the Cycle of Life (“Seven Generations” Principle)
5. Respect for Energy and Natural Resources (Conservation Principle)
6. Respect for Process (Holistic Thinking Principle)
Aren’t all of these just great?? All of the principles are very spiritual in nature and also press the Holistic viewpoint, just as we discussed in class; aka, thinking of the whole picture in our thoughts and actions.
That’s all for now folks and thanks for tuning in!
Hey everyone,
For my project I’ll be taking the ‘informed citizen’ route and letting you guys know more about sustainable building and design. All of this is rather new to me but since my boyfriend is getting his masters in architecture at the moment, it’s all I hear about! Apparently “our university” (anonymity purposes – ha!) has really focused on teaching and promoting sustainability in their architecture program, so that’s really great. First of all, I just want to make sure everyone is on the same page and understand what “sustainable” really means. It basically means making something last longer and have less of an impact on the earth. Many people argue on the true meaning of sustainability and insist that “economic” systems are in large part what people are trying to sustain. And yes, as I will explain in later blogs, this is true but beneficial. In relation to sustainability, I’ll most frequently be referring to sustainable design. This is also called “green design,” “eco-design,” or “design for environment.”
According to the primary book I’ll be using, called The Philosophy of Sustainable Design, sustainable design is: an art of designing physical objects and the built environment to comply with the principles of economic, social, and ecological sustainability. The cool thing about the book I’ll be using and quoting a lot is that it’s written by a green architect activist by the name of Jason Mclennan that lives in Kansas City! So it’s pretty neat to know he’s one of the founders of green architecture from our very own area! His book is awesome in that it’s perfectly outlined to guide me through the various areas I will be exploring in relation to sustainable design/building such as: cultural, economic, spiritual, political, and artistic. During this process, I hope to touch on the LEED rating system that initially got me interested in this. This system is used by architects and others involved in the building process to develop a more sustainable building and make less of an impact on the earth. All and all, I think this is a wonderful topic to connect to class for the reason that we discuss sustainability often and some primary ecofeminist ideas are connected to sustainability. For example, the idea that equality among women, men and nature are essential to sustaining balance and healthy living. Therefore, equality and sustainability are linked!
Note: the pic above is of the Discovery Center in Kansas City. It’s LEED certified and awesome! To learn more about it go to: URL: http:// www.mdc.mo.gov /areas/kcmetro/discovery/info/index.htm
Peace! Hika45 (Hika’s my kitty’s name… I love him if you can’t tell)
