I was recently contacted by a Year 12 student at Xavier College in Gawler, SA (had to google that one!), who asked if i'd help with his research project by answering a few questions.
It was refreshing to have the opportunity to not only review my own inner operating system on sustainable architecture, but also to assist in the development of future thinkers & movers in the world who are (from anecdotal evidence at least) increasingly showing a keen interest in the well-being of their planet and the way we live.
Here are the questions (in italics), and my answers...
What are some environmental benefits of Sustainable Architecture?
First, a little definition:
Sustainability: the concept is an ancient one, although it's resurgence in the last few decades has made it seem to be a new idea. It's basic definition as "the capacity to endure" needs to be viewed from a wholistic point of view, in what is often referred to as 'the triple bottom line' - economic, social, environmental (physical). If systems / ways of doing/making/being are unsustainable, they will eventually collapse. It should be noted that to be sustainable a system must also be dynamic and capable of learning - what is sustainable now may be unsustainable in years to come, as new realities about the environment are learned.
Architecture: The etymology of the word derives from the Greek meaning "superior building" and is again, far from new as you're well aware. So, architecture can be seen as the embodiment of our very best examples of humanity's built response to the world we inhabit, going beyond the simple needs of shelter to encompass the higher aspects of a society.
Since our built environment, our economic system and our society all depend on each other, if one or more is not sustainable (ie. incapable of enduring), they will ultimately bring about the other's demise.
There are many benefits, but here are the first 7 I can think of:
the recent renaissance of the concept of it (in popular culture) has raised the issue - and therefore the level of discussion & awareness - on what is sustainable in our built environment
the building of sustainable architecture also achieves the above point, but goes beyond it by making actual examples that can then be tested (in contrast to theories, which are 'a dime a dozen' until they can be tested and proven)
it can bring people into close contact with their natural environment, even in the middle of a dense city
it is socially-affirming, allowing easier interaction between people without intervention of dangerous / undesirable influences such as toxic waste, noise, cars, violence etc...
allows us to make the best use of our natural resources, whether for building, energy production, or growing food, by aiming to reduce/re-use/re-cycle waste
increases our sense of well-being, often in more than one way (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) by enabling structures, spaces and processes that are life-affirming
it goes some way (depending on the project) towards respecting the needs of future generations (see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_generation_sustainability) and ideally leaves the site in a better state than it was found, and/or gives more back to the earth & community than the previous use of the site did
What do you consider to be the most important benefits of sustainable architecture and why?
The most important benefit by far is that it will allow our civilisation the chance to evolve toward a harmonic state of existence, provided that our social-cultural and economic systems also become sustainable. The reason 'why' this is important is self-evident. If you have the chance, read "Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed" by Jared Diamond
How economically viable are sustainable concepts in architecture? i.e. In your opinion, are the costs involved with using sustainable materials and processes warranted.
Economical viability must of course be assessed in the first instance on economic terms, but to remain faithful to sustainability this must always be within a wholistic context.
So, yes, the so-called 'costs' are warranted, because becoming sustainable in all respects is an investment in our own survival. The cost-benefit analysis of doing this vs not doing it have been proven/discussed many times over. (for example: http://thegreenmarket.blogspot.com.au/2011/04/cost-benefit-analysis-of-sustainable.html)
Do you think 'green living' is the way of the future both here in Australia and overseas?
Absolutely. Without 'green living' or what could generally be termed a sustainable lifestyle, there will be very little 'future' left for us to enjoy.
How do you incorporate sustainable concepts into your designs?
At the very basis of all my designs are some very simple principles:
Consideration of the 3 primary aspects of sustainability: social, economic, environmental
'Passive solar' design principles (I won't go into too much detail - google it and you'll find some good articles. I wrote one for PRW newspaper)
Permaculture principles of David Holmgren
Are sustainable materials readily available?
It's a tricky label: "sustainable materials" - materials are not, in themselves, sustainable or not (except for obvious things like toxic substances) - some materials are of course more durable than others, but it has at least as much to do with the life-cycle (the path of gathering, production and disposal) of a material, and of the use of the material in a particular system.
I consider your use of the word 'materials' to include 'commercially products', so to answer your question - Yes, and increasingly so. Markets are learning fast and many companies are seeing the benefits in offering materials & products that can be environmentally considered sustainable, or that help contribute toward sustainable building systems, even if their raw materiality is not considered completely 'sustainable' (such as plastic rainwater tanks, solar photovoltaic panels etc..)
Some sustainable materials are difficult/expensive to source because they have been over-exploited by previously unsustainable methods, such as indigenous hardwoods. With time and proper resource management policies (among other factors) many more materials can be considered sustainable.
What projects have you been involved in where sustainable architecture was
involved?
Unfortunately, most projects I've been involved in to-date have been through other practices I've worked for, none of whom have been practices that overtly push for sustainable design (although I'm now in negotiations to work with a practice that does - Breathe Architecture). None-the-less, each one has, at the very minimum incorporated passive solar design principles, which help to moderate the environment in and around the building, reducing it's energy use, and increasing value for the occupiers, without making a big thing about it being 'sustainable' - it's just sold as good design, and is actually the easiest way to achieve at least a 6-star energy rating that is now a requirement under Australian building regulations.
My own practice - Studio G Architecture - is relatively new, and has only had 1 project to-date (as-yet un-built due to economic situation & local town-planning politics!), which incorporated a number of sustainable features including 168 sq.m of green roofs (approx 40% of the total site area), rainwater tanks, extra thermal insulation above the building code required levels, less cars (4 car spaces instead of 6, as it was within 2 min walking distance of train & trams), use of water sensitive landscape design etc.. The project is located in Goodman St, Brunswick.
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