The term “Green Building” is defined by the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive as “the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use energy, water, and materials and reducing building impacts on human health and the environment.” Although sustainable architecture has been around for decades, it has recently re-emerged as climate change and environmental impact become more widespread in media and practice. Currently, the construction industry is responsible for almost 40% of the world’s carbon emissions. Before you retreat into underground bunkers or hop on the next ship to Elon Musk’s Mars colony, let me inform you that there’s hope–progress is being made. Thanks to the emergence of several innovations and technologies, both architectural and governmental institutions are looking for a greener future.Â
- The Coolest Hippie Ever (Patrick Blanc)
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Patrick Blanc is a French botanist who is the modern innovator of Vertical Gardens and Green Walls. His vertical gardens are designed using polyamide/metal frames and an irrigation system. Vertical gardens have been known to reduce the temperature of cities because they are better at absorbing heat than the surrounding concrete. One issue that has arisen is that a handful of companies are implementing vertical gardens purely as a marketing ploy, meaning that they are more aesthetic than sustainable and contribute no real advancements–but when correctly installed, vertical gardens have a variety of benefits. Vertical gardens not only require less water, but they can use recycled water (the water from sinks and showers) directly from the building in which they’re located. Blanc believes that just like natural selection, the most effective and sustainable vertical gardens will persist–an optimistic outlook moving forward. Below is Blanc’s work in Spain’s Glen Villa Art Garden.
- Building Sustainably
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If we look back at the civilizations, the first human societies that relied solely on the materials and environment around them were arguably far better at sustainable architecture than we are today. Green roofs go as far back as Mesopotamia and the Ancient Greeks incorporated passive heating and cooling into their homes (making me wish the Greeks designed my dorm building to avoid the unholy levels of heat). Today, the goals of construction are typically to use more sustainable materials and to consume less water, energy, resources, and time while producing less waste and emissions. Sustainable materials that have been integrated include bamboo, recycled steel, reclaimed wood, and eco-bricks. Construction companies have developed ways to conserve water through rainwater harvesting and low-pressure water fixtures. As these developments become more advanced, ideally they will then become less expensive and will be part of everyday practice in construction.
- In With the New, In With the Old
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Yes, big steps are being made for the buildings of tomorrow, but what about the buildings today? The most common (and easily solvable) issue with older buildings is the windows. As indoor air conditioning was developed, windows were about aesthetics and not heating/cooling which drove up energy consumption significantly. By replacing or resealing windows in older buildings, energy consumption can be reduced without gutting the entire building. Another method that decreases energy consumption is replacing outdated heaters, cooling systems, and pumps with more efficient ones. This is not just a task reserved for companies–changes can be made in your own home as well. Houses built before 1980 don’t often have sealed attics, so sealing them as well as installing smart thermostats can reduce energy and your utility bill. I am among many broke college students who don’t own a home, so maybe tell your parents about this one instead.
There is still a long way to go until we reach an amazing level of sustainability, making it easy to feel discouraged. Finding good news and positive breakthroughs goes a long way; discoveries on how to build a more sustainable future, through big and small efforts, are being made every day. Although you may not be a homeowner, a French botanist, an Ancient Greek or even work in architecture, it is important to know what steps are being made within the industry. We have to live somewhere. It is vital that we choose to live sustainably, for ourselves, and for those who come after us.Â