The Sustainability of Green Architecture
By Michele Kadison
The new generation of architects-to-be seem to be much more interested in the advancement of Green architecture than their counterparts of yesteryear. As corporations seek ways to reduce their carbon footprint through more conscious attitudes towards design, the future looks promising for new attitudes towards architecture that supports sustainability.
With sustainability as the goal, it is important to understand what this really means. The idea of something being “green” does not necessarily mean a carbon neutral design. On the other hand, a sustainable situation is one that survives within the positive contributions of the environment, meaning it does not rely on non-renewable materials and cannot pollute.
Many universities are now offering sustainable design courses within their architectural programs. More and more, students are demanding these courses as they look to change the old paradigm and help move the world forward towards an ecologically sound future. At the Art Institute of Chicago, courses that fall into a category called “The Green Zone” are being offered to architectural students, with focus on energy efficient design. Some architectural schools are also offering LEED courses (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), which allow students to become certified in this category once they graduate.
Green architecture is not necessarily a new phenomenon. Back in the 1970′s a small group of architects were already creating passive solar buildings using natural sunlight and ventilation. This approach is no longer considered radical or fringe as clients become more interested in finding a connection to the natural world by including such elements as green roofs in their architectural specifications.
Historic preservation programs are also becoming more prevalent as existing structures are being retrofit to comply with a reduced carbon footprint. The famed Empire State Building in New York City has recently been converted to a more energy-efficient model, which certainly sets a precedent for future green makeovers all over the world.
