Sustainable Architecture
Adaptive re-use of building components and materials. Lower the contribution to land-fills. In the design / manufacturing process replace “cradle to grave” with “cradle to cradle”.
Energy Conservation by reducing the need for energy. Super-insulated structures require less mechanical equipment for heating and cooling, and thereby less energy.
Energy Conservation through utilization of non-fossil fuel technologies. Proven renewable energy sources currently in use include geothermal, solar thermal, solar photovoltaic and wind generation. These technologies generate electricity and provide heating and cooling in a more environmentally-friendly way.
Environmental Conservation through the use of responsibly harvested, manufactured and recycled materials and through the use of non-toxic, healthier building materials and components. These materials help to reduce the presence of off-gasing volatile organic compounds.
The Green Approach
In my years of practice, I have come to see some very profound developments as they relate to the field of Architecture. When I first started in my profession, everything was mostly about look and style. Technology was limited and energy was cheap. With the huge developments in information technology, architecture has been greatly influenced by developments in building science, engineering, and communications. As the world got smaller, we began to see that our resources are indeed limited and irreplaceable. Sustainability and energy efficiency are paramount to the built environment, and architects should play a leading role in furthering these necessary components on both a local and global scale.