Happy Earth Day!

Let's make Earth Day every day!

(photo via University of Wyoming)

Dwell: March Issue

The phone rings, it's my best friend. We're both gushing over Dwell's March issue. It's all about sustainable design in Australia and New Zealand. Two of our favourite topics!  They seem to have it pretty well figured out, and some of the innovations/design coming from the Land of Oz are just phenomenal. So, why are they leaps and bounds ahead of us? The magazine suggests it's out of an imminent necessity there, as opposed to a want to find other resources here. Along with other factors such as isolation, egalitarianism, economic prosperity, and an outdoor lifestyle. We should have the same sense of urgency here as they do Down Under. It's ridiculous for sustainable design to be a mere stamp on a blueprint, and not a true goal to be followed through with. JayRay's last post about the fallacies of LEED hits the nail on the head. This isn't something we should be cutting corners or only heeding so that you get the recognition for LEED design. All this had me revisiting the magazine articles. How is it another country is getting this right, when we are just as capable and have all the technology needed to do so? We, as citizens,  need to start asking ourselves some serious questions. 

If you're looking for a little more food for thought, here is the issue from Dwell that is dedicated entirely to this subject. 

To LEED or not to LEED?

This has been a debate that I as an intern architect and as a sustainable individual struggle with professionally. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. There is a huge trend in the architecture industry and in related fields that pushes for sustainable design. LEED is currently the foremost standardized system that certifies buildings on various levels from silver up to platinum. And building professionals can get accreditation as a LEED professional showing they are knowledgable about the system. It is definitely a push in the right direction, but the problem is the system is not regulated enough. Many design professionals cut corners to achieve more points that in turn achieve a higher LEED certified rating. Looks great on paper, but doesn't always achieve a truly sustainable building; sometimes it is worst and more costly than without using the system. Here is an article that talks about this issue in more depth.
In the end, I am definitely someone who advocates sustainable design and a sustainable way of life, but I am not quick to jump on a bandwagon that doesn't quite perform to the best that it should. I think all architects should design sustainably without following a checklist to achieve points that may not even apply to a particular project. We should be taught these techniques in school or in the work-place, but unfortunately that isn't always the case. For now, it seems that LEED is the catalyst to achieving a sustainable built world. Hopefully with the current overhaul this year, the system will improve soon.