OBJECTIVE:
· The condition of the environment today is a major concern for humanity. Pollution has caused great harm to the our natural environment and thus our own civil environment, more then we know, so much so that it is now imperative for us to get away from our wasteful and carefree existence to a more sustainable way of life. It is our carefree lifestyles and liberal use of energy that we are faced with a situation today, where ozone depletion, the steadily increasing amounts of highly radioactive spent fuels, global warming, mass pollution, acid rain and other such damaging phenomena are causing grave concern around the globe. We must rise to the inalienability of a neo-biological civilization. Architecture needs to change its role in recognition of ecology. Ecological resources used in cities are not resources but they are our relatives. Cities are in kinship with Ecological Code. We can no longer throw things (resources), away as there is no "away". Cities, as extended organisms of humans, must be held responsible in a world of nature, akin to nature, and held responsible to the future generation who will inevitably pay for the decisions we make today. A more climatic and responsible approach towards architecture and building coupled with the use of alternate systems of energy will certainly reduce energy consumption in buildings and resultant damage to the environment. At the same time awareness about the use of climatic principles of architecture and their utility in reducing energy consumption and consequently cost, has to be increased. Thus the reasoning for my decision to be a more sustainably informed architect. For a more in-depth view of the reasoning behind the need for green architecture you can visit: http://www.metropolismag.com/html/content_1001/grn/
· I studied and passed the LEED 2.0 certification in March 2002. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. LEED provides a complete framework for assessing building performance and meeting sustainability goals. LEED emphasizes state of the art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Through LEED I was able to learn about several aspects of environmental design and build a library of knowledge on the subject that I hope use to bring to the table of any Firm I may be employed by. I have studied the design off several Eco-friendly buildings here in Oregon and Washington, participated in several lectures, workshops, and conferences on the subject, and am eager to contribute to the cause.
· I have realized not only the importance of sustainable design but also sustainable living. Within the past year I've doubled my percentage of recycling while reducing my "thow-away" in half, changed my shopping habits, ride my bike to work, reduced my energy consumption in half, and switched my electricity to renewable wind power. I've also become an active member of The Northwest Earth Institute and The National Resources Defense Council.
Background
photo : Mount Hood
by David MacDonald
GREEN LINKS:
http://www.ortns.org : Oregon natural step network, sustainable code of ethics
http://www.gggc.state.pa.us : Governor's Green Government Council
http://www.ecotimber.com/ : FSC Certified wood, reclaimed wood and alternative wood products.
http://www.aurousa.com/index.php : Environmentally Responsible Paints, Stains, Finishes and Adhesives.
http://www.uni-solar.com/ : Solar power products.
http://www.greenroofs.com : Information on garden roofing
http://www.seventhgen.com : Consumer Education
http://www.newdream.org/ : Tips for living Greener
http://www.tombender.org/ : Articles on Environmental Design and Sustainable Living
