Enrichment Reading # 2Q-4
Name: Alonzo L. Thomas Date: 2/5/09
Name of Article: What’s New in Green Design?
Name of Author: Peter J. Arsenault
Name of Publication: Stantec Architecture, Inc.
Date of Publication: 2007
Summary
Everything is new in green design. Old buildings, new buildings, government buildings, municipal facilities, airports, and public transportation systems are among the many LEED certified projects being recognized for their positive contributions. The AIA has adopted position statements to promote sustainable design and resource conservation to achieve a minimum reduction of 50% of the current consumption level of fossil fuels used to construct and operate buildings by the year 2010. The U.S. Conference of Mayors voted unanimously to approve the resolution “Adopting the 2030 Challenge for All Buildings.” The immediate energy reduction of all new and renovated buildings to one-half the national average, with increased reductions of 10% every five years so that all buildings designed by the year 2030 will be carbon neutral. “USGBC is a community of leaders working to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated. We envision an environmentally responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.” USGBC’s tool for accomplishing this goal is the LEED Green Building Rating System. Federal Government offers a tax incentive for constructing energy efficient commercial buildings. Sustainability is no longer an option, but the only real solution as part of good, responsible building design.
What I learned?
I learned that there is an actual initiative and time frame in which to buildings should be carbon neutral. I kind knew people wanted at point to have all buildings carbon neutral, but I did not know there initiative to have it done by 2030. That is amazing because I know a lot about all things green and must people have said that we would have initiatives like like this...