Why should we build a "Green" Building?

The Environment:
Buildings have a big impact on the environment, - they consume 40% of the world's energy and materials, 25% of the wood harvested, and 17% of our water.

Human health:
Our buildings also have a big impact on us, - most of us spend more than 80% of our time indoors. People complain of health problems due to poor indoor air quality, and allergies due to the chemicals in some building materials and finishes. The glare and flicker associated with certain lighting systems may strain the eyes.

SOURCE: Worldwatch Institute, Paper 124, 1995.

ARTICLE to read:

"The environmental movement has thus far failed to significantly reduce our
over-reliance on petroleum, partly because too many post-'60s
environmentalists openly espouse a socialist hostility to capitalism -- an
economic system that is in fact the foundation of modern democracy and the
engine of social mobility, empowering women and racial and ethnic minorities
alike. Surely the Green Party (for which I voted in 2000) must rethink its
fundamental premises."

READ THE STORY HERE

There are two books I was reminded of today that I believe helped me develop into an architect. They are books from my childhood but still relevant:

Goodnight Moon

The Dot and the Line

Eric was just appointed to the Board of Directors for ADPSR (Architects, Designers & Planners for Social Responsibility).

He has been a member for several years and is looking forward to getting even more active within the group. It is part of our firms ongoing commitment to education, both ours and our clients.

California's power problems are not the direct result of competitive markets, but rather of a lack of robust competition. Read the real story here.

This was one of my favorite books when I was in school:

Art Forms in Nature
by Ernst Haeckel

Low Country Guidance is a cross media design group specializing in designing physical and digital environments that enable communities to enthusiastically and effectively communicate.

CHECK OUT THEIR SITE

Eric Hunting has written a wonderful introduction on the Idea(l) of Organic Architecture. It is a wonderful and easy to read description of what we are trying to accomplish.

You can view the article here:
The Nature of Form: A Layman's View of Organic Architecture

This took me literally one minute to do.

Sponsored by the Center for Biological Diversity- Biodiversity Activist e-activism campaign, it's a free fax message to the decision-maker about protecting endangered species in the Southwest.

This is what the Internet should be used for -- mass voicings of public opinion directly to the policy makers. If you have time, click on the link below to find out what is at stake and send a message directly to the relevant decision makers.

CLICK HERE