Times call for Sustainable Measures

Can We Do Better in Our Sustainability?

By Vanessa Vanbeusekom, Guest Writer, 10-14-08

William Mcdonough wrote, “Imagine a world in which all the things we make, use and consume provide nutrition for nature and industry—a world in which growth is good and human activity generates a delightful, restorative ecological footprint.”

This thinking might seem far from our current reality. Is it really possible? William Mcdonough, a world renowned sustainable architect, is working to make it possible. One of his greatest accomplishments was creating the cradle to cradle concept. This idea rethinks how a product is made and how it can be designed to be remade into itself again and not slowly downgraded. It evaluates the process of how much energy and processing is needed to recreate the product. Many products on the market today are not developed to be recycled, recycling is an after thought.

In rethinking the way we design our built environment we need to find new solutions to provide energy. The highway wind turbine image and idea was developed by an Arizona State University student. This student’s study concluded each turbine could produce 9,600 kWh per year, which could power a city block for a year.

In this current economy it is important to pick the most cost effective strategies. Using the natural heating of the sun to heat our homes and offices is an easy tool for reducing costs and creating a healthier environment by providing users with views. As architects, it is our role to educate everyone about the available green options. The solar incentives credit package that was recently passed by Congress, provides a 30 percent credit for residential and commercial applications. This package makes active solar power a more affordable solution.

Architects are great problem solvers, we need to direct that talent at the environment. What creative solutions have we yet to use? Can a car repair shop that changes lots of oil be heated with that same used oil? Each solution needs to be adapted to the circumstances- this provides the ingredients for the creative, green design opportunities.

Each time we make a purchase we are choosing. If we thought more carefully about the products and companies we support through our purchases can our buying power help create the environment that which William McDonough and his ideologies preach. We can make a difference in our pocket books and with our environment.

Vanessa Vanbeusekom is a sustainable architect and owner of V2 Design an architecture practice in Bozeman, Montana that produces innovative and affordable spaces that inspires the creation of a better built environment. To contact Vanessa, click .

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