SUSTAINABILITY FINAL
What is China's role in U.S. recycled plastics and how has it changed in the last several years?
-2015 = China and Hong Kong took 1.6 million tons of our plastic recycling (much of plastic ended up being contaminated or non-recyclable, had to be landfilled in China) -2017 = china shut doors to all but cleanest plastics
What are some ways Auburn University is addressing food waste issues?
-AU campus food pantry--> provide non-perishable food items to aid AU students struggling with food insecurity
List some ways Auburn University addresses sustainability in policy, planning, and administration
-Auburn University Sustainability Policy -campus and landscape master plans -LEED building requirements -stormwater management
sustainability issues with transportation
-consumes 26% of the world's energy produced and is responsible for 23% of the world's energy-related greenhouse gas emissions -air pollution, water pollution, biodiversity loss, major contributor to global warming through carbon dioxide emissions, burn's most of the world's petroleum -
mixed-use development
-housing is mixed with other land uses including schools, shops, businesses, restaurants, and entertainment -more varieties of activities = fewer numbers of automobile trips required -appropriate housing is available for people with diverse lifestyles and ensures that affordable housing is available for everyone
"cradle to cradle" waste management design
-identifies 2 separate metabolisms - biological and technical --nutrients recycle continually
What are some ways to reduce food waste?
-improving infrastructure for storage, processing, and transportation -national food waste targets and policies
What are some of the negative impacts of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch on the environment?
-killing of marine life -garbage blocks sunlight from algae -harmful chemicals in the water--> effecting food chain -air and water pollution
productive landscapes and productive agriculture
-landscapes can: ---provide food ---provide clean water ---provide wildlife habitat ---provide carbon sequestration ---provide soil remediation ---provide microclimates ex. Shanghai Houtan Park/ The Algae House, Germany
describe how cap and trade can encourage industries to reduce their GHG emissions.
-limits set on emissions (standards are calculated for each facility) -power plants that emit less than the standard earn 'credits' --> can be purchased by power plants who exceeded the standard ------creates an incentive for firms to reduce their emissions and be able to sell rather than purchase pollution quotas (the more expensive carbon is, the more attractive other sources of energy will be - full cost accounting)
top 10 big ideas in built environment
-metaphor switch -city as an ecosystem -urban agriculture -rating systems -productive landscapes, productive agriculture -novel ecologies and urban wilds -resilience -environmental justice -scenario planning and master planning -adaptive reuse
heating and cooling in Hot, ARID, climate zones:
-minimize windows -light-colored, thick walls for thermal mass -avoid daytime ventilation when hot -nighttime flushing w cool evening air -sometimes = add surrounding courtyards and water features for cooling
what are the stages of the production lifecycle that we do not see?
-mining -trees (deforestation) -transport -factory -production -packaging
Which factors or assets of New York City's highline inspired people to adaptively reuse the space?
-naturally growing flowers and trees and plants inspired architects to reuse the space -use a volunteer system to help with upkeep and have different kinds of plants to match the building around it
Organic design of the built environment
-nature = biggest inspiration -reduces negative impacts on environment and utilizes natural surroundings using nature as biggest inspiration--> -improving building performance by reducing negative impacts on the environment -utilizes natural surroundings--> resembles nature
reductionism view
-object oriented -parts are of greater importance than the whole -breaking things down into their parts and focusing on the parts rather than the whole
buildings as consumers
-old paradigm -buildings drawing (perceived) abundant energy -single direction of flow--> resources abundant
if you were going to design a "green" building in Auburn, what are some specific factors you would need to take into account?
-ordering local materials for job site -know about the local resources/ usable or no usable -know the land and what resources are available and safe to use in this environment
pros of composting organic waste
-organic waste sent to landfills decomposes and produces 18% of US methane gas emissions--> BETTER TO COMPOST -in composting, organic materials are broken down and decomposed from soil microorganisms (fertilizer for gardens) -a good way to divert food waste from landfills
obesity trends in the USA
-over 1/3 of US adults are clinically obese, nearly 2/3 are overnight or obese (obesity is increasing in the US every year) -in 2017, not a single state had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%; in 1990 no state was above 15%
heating and cooling in temperate climate zones:
-passive solar heating in winter -passive ventilation and shading devices in summer -insulation (same buildings must provide both heating and cooling)
Design for Environment (DFE)
-practice of designing products and the processes for making those products in environmentally responsible ways -goals = --protecting environment, human health/safety, and sustainability of natural resources
How have street network systems evolved since the 1900s to the present?
-pre - 1900s: traditional grid (well-connected street network) -1930-1950: curvilinear loop and beginning of culdesacs -1950-present: conventional culdesacs (overall increased in number of loops and culdesacs, and decreased in number of access points, intersections, blocks, and length of streets--> development pattern connectivity decreased)
design for energy efficiency
-product manufacturing can be designed to use less energy
How do different protein sources rank in their GHG emission impacts?
1. beef 2. lamb. 3. crustaceans 4. cheese 5. pork 6. fish 7. poultry 8. eggs
How should one prioritize becoming more sustainable in our everyday lives?
1. how likely you are to succeed 2. feasibility of the action (societal barriers) 3. expected benefits
What are the 4 main ways of waste disposal in the U.S.?
1. landfills 2.incineration 3. composting organic waste 4. recycling
Name a few of the EPA's Smart Growth Principles
1. mix land uses 2. create walkable neighborhoods 4. create a range of housing opportunities and choices 8. provide a variety of transportation uses
active cooling
A type of cooling process for forced-air cooling.
in what stage of the production lifestyle is waste generated?
ALL STAGES
leed silver
50-59 points
Where does Auburn and AU's recycling go after it leaves Auburn?
Pratt Industries in Columbas, GA--> world's largest privately held 100% recycled paper and packaging company
cross ventilation
allows air to flow from one side of space to another--> moving air picks up heat from the building and its occupants and flows due to pressure differences generated by wind (the faster the wind speed = the greater the cooling potential)
How can individuals and businesses make those 'Rs' more attainable?
awareness and by doing it and setting an example for others
rating system - transportation
conduct a transportation survey
rating system - human experience
conduct air quality testing and the occupant survey
congestion occurs again
congestion--> process starts over
LEED AP
credential arms you with advanced knowledge in green building as well as expertise in a particular LEED rating system -LEED AP Building and Construction -LEED AP Operations and Maintenance -LEED AP Interior Design -LEED AP Neighborhood Development -LEED AP Homes
sidelighting
daylight that comes in through windows in a vertical wall
toplighting
daylight that comes into a room from above (skylights)
daylighting
daylight: use of natural sunlight or daylight for illumination in order to reduce or eliminate electric lighting--> lowers a building's energy consumption and is a part of passive solar heating design--> less heating is required in winter and daylight is cooler than electric heating--> less mechanical cooling is required in summer
How can architects and engineers meet the needs of their clients (who demand new or specialized spaces) while staying true to the basic idea of adaptive re-use? What is a specific example?
design buildings in a sustainable way but also pleasing to the eye -ex. the highline
city as an ecosystem
ecosystem = community of living organisms in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment (like air, water, mineral soil, etc), interacting as a system -ecological urbanism -rigs to reefs
What is E-waste?
electronic waste (computers, cell phones, tvs, refrigerators, etc.
What are specific examples of applying ecological thinking to an urban environment?
environmental justice--> fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people
metaphor switch example
evolution of the street
Give an example of cradle to cradle practices in action.
ex = corn-based compostable fabric used in the Mirra chair = biological nutrient ex = plastic used in the Mirra chair = technical nutrient
adaptive reuse
existing building stock--> the most adaptive buildings are the ones that already exist ex. D.I.R.T studio, URBN ex. HILLWORKS, Prattville Mill
LEED Green Associate:
ideal for professionals newer to sustainability and LEED, as well as product manufacturers, students, real estate professionals, and contractors
leachate
liquid that forms when rainwater and liquid from food waste penetrate through a landfill, dissolving pollutants along the way
environmental racism with landfills, incineration, composting, and recycling
location of landfills and incinerators are closer to low-income areas -low- income areas may not have as easy access to recycling or composting of organic materials
pros of landfills
long term storage of waste -once landfills are closed and capped with clay, they are covered with topsoil and repurposed
What is Zero Waste?
looks at every material as a resource that can be used again
industrial ecology
material and energy flows through industrial systems, shifting them from a linear mode to a closed loop model -closed loop food webs--> output from one industry is input for another and materials are reused
"cradle to grave" waste management design
materials and resources following a one-way trip from production to disposal
What is an example of some reforestation efforts?
"Great Green Wall of China"
Describe 3-4 components of the Sustainable City of the Future
- daily needs are conveniently located = increase accessibility - neighborhood and community = sense of place, interactive species - walking is a pleasure for everyone = safe, enjoyable, and comfortable pedestrian environment - bicycling is safe and comfortable = network of bike paths and infrastructure, integrated with transit
sustainability issues with cutting down trees (deforestation
-15% of global carbon emissions each year result from deforestation -can cause climate change, soil erosion, fewer crops (loss in biodiversity- has eliminated habitat for millions of species), flooding, increased greenhouse gasses -destruction of homelands -economic = costs $4.5 trillion a year
What demographic factors and resource issues make urban areas an important focus for sustainability efforts?
-CITIES IN CURRENT FORM = NOT SUSTAINABLE--> FOSSIL FUELS, CLIMATE CHANGE, RESOURCE DEPLETION, -BUILDING IN US GENERATE 46.7% OF ALL GHG EMISSIONS managing urban areas has become one of the most important development challenges of the 21st century -cities in current form are not sustainable= fossil fuels, climate change, resource depletion -buildings in the US consume: ---74% of all electricity ---40% of all energy produces ---40% of all raw materials used ---30% of all waste ---generate 46.7% of all greenhouse gas emissions--> greater than transportation or industry
Give examples of cities that engage in smart growth planning, and describe what they are doing.
-California, Maryland, Oregon -Californias AB 32--> Global Warming and Solutions Act of 2006) -SB 375--> Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2006)
What are some trends in transportation emissions, in terms of which types of transportation cause the most emissions?
-LDV's (personal vehicles)--> emits 2/3 of transportation CO2
USGBC certifications:
-LEED Green Associates -LEED AP -LEEd
What are some measures architects or engineers could take to ensure that their building designs are "green?"
-LEED certificate -Making sure the building is net positive in energy, water and waste -build small--> no bigger than necessary -orient building to take maximum advantage of sunlight and micro-climate -Minimize waste water and run-off, and manage stormwater in ways that mimic nature
What markets are available for recycled materials in the area?
-Pratt Industries, Columbas, GA (paper, cardboard, plastics) -Mohawk Industries, GA (plastic bottles) -Shaw Industries, Dalton, GA (plastic bottles)
Provide some examples from lecture of what college campuses are doing to lower their carbon footprints.
-Stanford = decrease greenhouse gas emissions, energy intensity, domestic water use, and landfill waste -NC Chapel Hill = net zero water, zero waste to landfills, and net zero greenhouse gases -Auburn University = decrease electricity emissions, decrease funded travel emissions, 15% cap in growth in on-campus stationary combustion emissions, decrease in other campus emissions, 10% cap in growth in commuting emissions, and 0% change in campus fleet emissions
congestion
-TRAFFIC
What is Full Cost Accounting?
-The more expensive carbon is (based on its high environmental cost), the more attractive other sources of energy will be (e.g., renewable energy sources)
Describe characteristics and advantages of Complete Streets
-accomodate cyclists, pedestrians, and public transportation riders, along with motor vehicles -walkers and bikers feel comfortable using these streets -improve the safety, convenience, efficiency, and accessibility of the transportation system for all users -more walkable communities--> no more than 2 travel lanes btwn curbs (separate lanes for parking and bike travel)
sustainability issues with factories
-air pollution -toxic waste disposal -water contamination -responsible for nearly 2/3 of emissions responsible for climate change
cons of incineration
-although it reduces landfill waste, ash must be landfilled which can contain heavy metals, dioxins, and other toxic pollutants -CO2 and adds to global climate change -dioxins -environmental justice issues since incinerators are usually built in low-income communities
heating and cooling in cold climate zones:
-block winter winds -promote solar gain and heat storage -window orientation, thermal mass, and insulation are important
list some ways Auburn University addresses sustainability in operations
-buildings -locally-sourced food -transportation
regenerative buildings:
-buildings as consumers, buildings as conservators, buildings as contributors
Describe how family planning can help to reduce carbon emissions.
-can reduce CO2 emissions by 59.6 gigatons -benefits to planet = side affects
How do cradle to cradle practices integrate the concepts of circular economies, Design for the Environment (DFE), and industrial ecology?
-circular economies--> is continuously recycling nutrients -design for the environment--> proposes that we "design" with the environment in mind, considering all phases of the product life cycle -industrial ecology--> materials and energy flows are conceived as "metabolisms"
sustainability issues with production
-climate change -eutrophication -acid rain -depletion of biodiversity -drains nutrients, land area, energy, and water -pollution -working conditions, job satisfaction, worker health and well being
describe how a carbon tax can encourage industries to reduce their GHG emissions.
-companies pay a tax when they buy fossil fuels (price is based on how much carbon is in the fuel) -in order to reduce the fees, utilities, business and individuals attempt to use less energy derived from fossil fuels (the more expensive carbon is, the more attractive other sources of energy will be - full cost accounting)
What does an eco-industrial park do?
-complex of industrial facilities attempting to reduce waste and pollution, efficiently share resources, and help achieve sustainable development -OUTPUT FROM ONE INDUSTRY IS INPUT FOR ANOTHER, AND MATERIALS ARE REUSED -increasing economic gains while improving environmental quality -APPLIES INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
cons of composting organic material
-compost can get contaminated -certain types of compost can attract rats and rodents
How can we better manage our refrigerators and air conditioners to reduce their environmental impacts?
-containing chemicals--> stop global warming -prevent from leaking in first place = keep nearly 90 gigaton of Co2 out of atmosphere -the chemicals used in our refrigerators and A/C units trap 1000x more heat than CO2-->containing them is essential to stopping global warming. -If we prevent refrigerants from leaking and switch to using cleaner chemicals, it would be like keeping nearly 90 Gigatons of C02 out of the atmosphere. (1 gigaton = 400,000 olympic pools)
pros of using rooftop solar energy to reduce GHG emissions
-cost of rooftop panels dropping--> advances in PV technology -in rural areas can increase access to affordable, clean electricity--> tool for eliminating poverty
Why is refrigerant management an important priority for reducing GHG emissions?
-cost-effective -beneficial to society ---if we prevent refrigerants from leaking and switch to using cleaner chemicals--> keep a lot of C02 out of the atmosphere. ---reduces: CO2, the cost, and expected savings
product longevity
-creating high-quality designs that people will want to keep-->more durable, can be upgraded, or easy to repair -designs that are timeless and less likely to pass out of style and made of durable materials. -some influences on product life are cultural: before = more sharing of products; today = each individual/household has their own everything
buildings as conservators
-current paradigm -independent buildings drawing minimal resources -single direction of flow--> resources conserved
how would you plan for lighting elements?
-daylighting -sidelighting -toplighting -clerestory windows -light shelves
Why/how is North Carolina quickly becoming a solar energy leader?
-declining costs of solar -private-sector leadership--> Apple, Facebook, and Google data centers advocating for renewable energy options -65% tax credit will decrease installation cost by 50% -Renewable energy goals = 12.5% renewable by 2021
design for detoxification (healthier materials)
-designers work with materials with as low an environmental impact as possible--> requires understanding their material chemistry and life cycles in detail
sustainability issues with packaging
-dispose in landfills, increasing resources needed for packaging, plastic, increasing greenhouse gas emissions -soil degradation, water pollution, solid waste pollution, toxic chemical pollution,
What are some of the "low hanging fruits" (i.e. the easy ways requiring little effort) of becoming more sustainable in our everyday lives?
-eat less beef -drive less -waste less food -consume less plastic -recycle and compost when you can -research where your clothing comes from -VOTE
What are various types of ways that you can alter your own lifestyle to make it more sustainable? In what ways would each of these actions contribute to a more sustainable world?
-eat less meat -walk/bike/transit more than driving a car around campus -turn off lights and unplug electrical outlets when leaving/use natural light from the sun -be water wise--> turn off sink while brushing teeth, take fast showers, etc -cut down plastic waste--> dont use plastic water bottles or straws, etc. -recycle
What are some problems caused by traffic congestion?
-effects quality of life -2012 = congestion delays cost the average commuter about 41 hours of delay per year -2012 = travel delays--> 3 billion gallons of fuel wasted -2012 = 7 billion extra hours in car -2012 = costing $160 billion
buildings as contributors
-emerging paradigm -inter-dependent and connected buildings exchanging resources -multi-directional flow--> resources generated
Describe characteristics and advantages of Walkable Communities
-encourage people to walk to school, work, or around their neighborhood -allow most or all of one's daily needs to be met on foot--> provides independence -goals = make walking a national priority, design communities that make it safe and easy to walk for people of all ages and abilities, and promote walking where people live, learn play, and work
What types of changes could Auburn University make to reduce our campus carbon, energy, and water footprints? What types of changes are the university already making, in terms of specific plans, policies, and actions?
-energy: (largest portion of AU carbon footprint) ---increase efficiency of utility production and distribution systems ---improve performance and efficiency of University building systems ---increase use of energy saving or energy efficient technologies and operational practices ---increase energy awareness and energy conservation efforts by all AU faculty, students and staff -carbon: ---increase understanding and awareness of climate change, and the impact of campus operations and behavioral choices on campus emissions that contribute to climate change ---increased participation from the campus community in creating and implementing solutions to reduce campus emissions ---expansion of climate issues and emissions solutions into the campus curriculum -water: (campus hot water = direct GHG emissions) ---reduce emissions associated with water infrastructure by aggressively targeting water reduction measures ---stormwater management plan for Auburn's campus ---reduce water use and stormwater runoff changes already being made: -AU Water Conservation Plan -Auburn Climate Action Plan -Campus and Landscape Master Plans -Sustainability Policy -University Strategic Plan -Stormwater Management -LEED Buildings Requirement etc.
what are some sustainability benefits of enhanced street connectivity?
-enhanced bike and pedestrian travel; and transit -environmental health -dispersing traffic--> reducing reliance on arterial roads for all trips
what are some characteristics and benefits of compact city development?
-focuses on higher density, mixed uses, and better connectivity -help lower overall community infrastructure costs by pulling land uses closer together
What are some of the issues of plastics to sustainability?
-hard to recycle -contains toxins -land, water, and air pollution, -social = toxic chemicals leach out of plastic and enter our blood and tissue--> can cause birth defects, cancer, immune diseases and disorders, (created from fossil fuels)
What are some sustainability benefits of wind energy?
-proliferation of wind turbines, dropping costs, and heightened performance -no fuel costs or pollution -reducing ongoing costs will soon make wind energy the least expensive source of electricity -wind energy potential of Kansas, North Dakota, and Texas would meet the energy demands of the whole U.S. -windfarms have small footprints
heating and cooling in Hot, HUMID, climate zones:
-promote evaporation and breezes -increase shade -use lightweight materials that do not hold heat instead of thermal mass -have roofs with large overhangs for shade -have windows that can be open at all times to promote air flow
How do different protein sources differ with respect to cost to the consumer?
-protein sources that have lower GHG emissions also have lower cost (besides certain nuts and fish)
pros of recycling
-provides improvement over landfilling and incineration -often the first contact with environmental health -uses less water and energy; releases less pollution and CO2 than producing the same materials from virgin sources
cons of recycling
-recycling always requires energy inputs and machinery -losses occur at every stage -materials can never be 100% recycled
design for dematerialization (less material)
-reducing the amount of material--> reducing amount of energy and packaging
systems level thinking view
-relationship oriented -the whole cannot be understood by isolating and understanding the parts -useful in addressing complex situations--> helps understand situation systematically -helps us see connection btwn elements and situation
design for reuse (revalorization)
-revalorization = getting new value examples: --patagonia = you can return clothing too worn to be reused and the fiber can be processed into new clothing
What are 5 characteristics of a sprawling city development pattern?
-scattered development - lack of continuity -commercial strip development -low density development -automobile centric development -lack of mixed use
Provide some examples from lecture of what various city climate plans are doing to address climate change concerns.
-set concrete, specific, attainable goals that can guide policies -raise awareness, create a culture -waste and materials management -clean water and land -energy use and supply (transportation)
What can / is being done to address some of these issues with e-waste?
-some take back programs allow consumers to return electronics to manufacturers for recycling when buying new ones -can motivate manufacturers to address e-waste problems during the design phase -most US states have legislation mandating e-waste recycling
List some ways Auburn University addresses sustainability in engagement
-student and employee orientation -monthly sustainability digest -staff profesional development
What are some major sustainability issues that the city of Auburn should address, and why?
-transportation, green space, waste, energy, sustainable vendors use, etc. --> contributing to GHG emissions and carbon emissions--> addresses and fixing these issues will help Auburn become a more sustainable city
metaphor switch - systems view
-universe as a living system -relationship oriented -the whole cannot be understood by isolating and understanding the parts
the metaphor switch - mechanist view
-universe as a machine -object oriented -parts are of greater importance than the whole
pros of incineration
-waste to energy (WTE) = dispose solid waste with incineration--> use resulting heat for electricity -reduces landfill waste
how does food waste enhance global warming?
-wasted food = responsible for 8% of global emissions -GHGs are generated at every stage in food waste
cons of landfills
-when leaks form in landfill liners, leachate can contaminate surrounding soil and eventually penetrate into groundwater -gas given off = 50% CO2, and 50% methane ---landfills produce 1/3 of the methane emitted in the US and are the single largest methane source
Describe how prioritizing the education of girls around the world helps to reduce carbon emissions?
-women with more education = fewer and healthier children, actively manage their reproductive health--> higher wages and greater upward mobility = economic growth -One of the most powerful levers available for avoiding emissions by CURBING POPULATION GROWTH
What does "We are still in" declaration refer to? Who are the "we" in this declaration?
-working together to take forceful action and to ensure that the US remains a global leader in reducing carbon emissions and reversing global warming -we = US governors, mayors, businesses, investors, faith groups, colleges, and universities
How does transportation rank, in terms of its contribution to all types of CO2 emissions?
2016--> transportation = 2nd highest CO2 emissions by economic sector and 1st highest CO2 emissions by end-use sector
Explain or give examples of the standard waste hierarchy (the 3 'Rs')
3R's = reduce, reuse, recycle -reduce = a form of prevention--> preventing waste from being generated in the first place, the most preferable strategy -reuse = as a way to minimize the generation of waste -recycle = what is left is the lowest priority
leed certified
40-49 points -OIT building
leed gold
60-79 points
leed platinum
80+ points
Describe or diagram some characteristics and benefits of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System
BRT has dedicated right of way for buses (bus-only lanes) -combines some of feature of buses and subway systems--> frequent service, large capacity, dedicated travel lanes, traffic signal priority, and quick passenger loading and unloading from accessible, platform-level doors
Which was the first city in the world to build BRT?
Curitiba, Brazil
What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? location?
GPGP = huge patch of litter in the North Pacific Ocean -plastic floats along for hundreds of miles until trapped in circular ocean current--> plastic does not dissolve, it is broken down into smaller pieces -toxic chemicals from PCBs and DDT cannot dissolve but are absorbed by the plastic--> fish and other animals eat them and die (become part of food chain) -larger pieces = deadly to bigger sea animals -more than twice the size of Texas
LEED certification:
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design -certification provides third-party verification that a building's design, construction, and operation will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, use water and energy efficiently, minimize environmental impact, promote social equity, and promote economic viability
What is the 4th 'R' mentioned in class that would provide a more sustainable approach to waste?
RETHINK.. at the beginning -how can we stop producing so much waste in the first place?
What has been the impact of China's changing role?
US now sending plastic waste to Malaysia and Vietnam
new capacity
bigger roads are made and lanes are added
How is the industrial model of the world different from how matter moves through the biosphere?
biosphere = matter moves in continuous cycles (waste from one organism is food for another) industrial model = the movement of matter is linear (we move materials into the waste stream when we can no longer find ways to use them)
net zero buildings
building with zero net energy consumption -the total amount of energy used by the building is equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site ex.NREL Research Support Facility, Golden CO
rating systems - waste
choosing a waste audit or tracking waste production
night ventilation
flushes heat accumulated during the day and draws in cool night air from outside
How was the Great Pacific Garbage Patch formed?
formed gradually as a result of ocean/marine pollution gathered by ocean currents --> currents move debris together toward center and trap it.
What is a "green building?" Define and provide examples.
green building = a healthy building that minimizes negative impacts on the environment and are environmentally responsible, profitable, and a healthy place to live and work (high-performance building) -uses free sources of energy and water that are available around it = sunlight, wind, and rain ex. The Crystal, London, UK ex. Pixel Building, Melbourne, Australia
urban agriculture
growing of plants or raising of animals within and around cities and towns and can be practiced by commercial farmers, community Gardners, or backyard gardeners -example: Greensgrow Farm in Philadelphia--> commercial urban farm on the site of a former abandoned steel plant remediated by the EPA in the 1990s
What is Smart Growth?
helps protect natural environment and helps make communities more attractive, economically stronger, and socially diverse (reaction to sprawl)
why is street network connectivity important?
helps reduce volume of traffic and improves livability in communities
cons of using rooftop solar energy to reduce GHG emissions
installation costs can be 50% of a rooftop system
productive landscape
integrating plants, gardens, trees, greenery into cities where land the land isn't being used or not being used properly ex. on medians, on sidewalks, etc
sustainability issues with mining
involves removing mass quantities of soil and rock from the earth, processing it using CHEMICALS, and depositing the remains in large piles -the processed crushed rock including wastewater washes into streams and lakes and pollutes them -social = force people from home and land, prevent some people from access to clean land and water, impact on health
passive cooling
natural ventilation to replace some or all of the demand for mechanical air conditioning -air, wind, etc.
What are some of the benefits of non-native / messy landscapes?
non-native species = species living outside its original (native) distributional range --> arrived there by human activity (deliberate or accidental)--> ex = Homo sapiens ---benefits: more efficient at exploiting nutrients and other resources / ornamental
novel ecologies and urban wilds
novel ecologies = new communities being created which are not managed by humans (every ecosystem has been a novel ecosystem in the past--> species and habitats change continuously throughout history of life) ex. rambunctious garden, Emma Marris ex. Ferrous Park, SSA + D.I.RT. studio
Diagram ways that street connectivity can be improved in suburban developments with cul-de-sacs.
put in roads between cul-de-sacs to connect them--> reduce time and distance; won't reduce traffic on busy streets--> just don't have to drive on busy streets to get to other culdesacs near you
What is the difference between an ornamental vs. productive landscapes? Which is Auburn University? How could AU landscape change to be more productive?
ornamental landscape = decorative/ aesthetically pleasing productive landscape = productive and helps w sustainability
How can reforestation help reduce GHG emissions?
planting new trees can reduce the amount of CO2 in the air -can help restore what erosion has damaged--> major strategy in fighting climate change
Give an example of a city that has implemented the urban growth boundary
portland
Diagram the "vicious cycle of congestion" by creating a feedback loop.
positive feedback loop: -congestion--> pressures to increase capacity--> new capacity--> lower friction to mobility--> urban sprawl incited--> growth in length and number of movements--> congestions (CONTINUES AGAIN IN SAME PATTERN OVER AND OVER)
pressures to increase capacity
pressure to make more lanes, bigger roads
lower friction to mobility
problem not solved
How can product design play a role in waste management?
product design can help decrease the amount of waste we produce and use
rating systems
rates system on how sustainable they are using LEED certified, LEED silver, LEED gold, LEED platinum each rating system has a checklist designers use to evaluate their projects -checklists for LEED BD+C, LEED O+M, LEED for Homes divided into 8 categories: ----location and transportation ----sustainable sites ----water efficiency ----energy and atmosphere ----materials and resources ----indoor environmental quality ----innovation ----regional priority *LEED ND = different--> addresses social issues= affordability, diversity, community participation, visibility for people of all abilities: ----smart location and linkage ----neighborhood pattern and design ----green infrastructure and buildings ----innovative in design ----regional priority
living building challenge
rating system that intends to move beyond LEED platinum toward buildings and sites that are truly regenerative and sustainable
What is technical nutrient cycling?
recycles indefinitely -will not biodegrade or become part of an ecosystem-> remain within a closed loop technical cycle--> circulating within industry and not allowed to contaminate biological systems
living buildings
regenerative--> they generate sufficient benefits to the buildings site, to the projects community, and to the environment at large to offset any negative impacts that the project may incur - must have achieved: net positive energy, net positive water, and net positive waste
What is an urban growth boundary, and its purpose?
regional boundary set to control urban sprawl by mandating that the area inside the boundary be used for urban development and area outside be preserved in its natural state or used for agriculture
What is biological nutrient cycling?
returns to the biosphere through biological decomposition --> biodegrade and become food within biological cycles
What is an example of soft (vs. hard) infrastructure in resilient design of the built environment?
soft infrastructure example: culture, governance, social patterns, etc. hard infrastructure example: (physical) buildings, utilities, infrastructures, etc.
resilience
the capacity of a system to ABSORB DISTURBANCE whiteout shifting to an alternative state and losing functions and services -maintain diversity = maintain resilience -allows systems to rebuild themselves, adapt, and absorb disturbance while maintaining basic function ex. The Bib
environmental justice
the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. ----racial minorities bear a disproportionate share of the nation's environmental bads, while having access to only a small sliver of the environmental goods ex. Union Town, Alabama
Why is adaptive reuse one of the most sustainable approaches to urban development?
the most sustainable building are the buildings that already exist--> adaptive reuse = not knocking down those buildings, but using them for a sustainable/environmental effort in urban development
passive solar heating
the sun is the only energy source and the building itself is the system--> no energy use, resource consumption, or greenhouse gas emission beyond what was used in constructing the building -2 fundamental elements = south-facing windows and thermal mass
How can you tell if a given piece of plastic can go in the recycling bin?
the symbol and number
design for disassembly
to reuse/ recycle materials, product assemblies must be disassembled (strategy = reduce the number of different materials) -separable parts = preferable (snap on parts)--> otherwise difficult to separate (glue, bolts, nails, etc)
sustainability issues of E-waste
toxic materials in e-waste (beryllium, cadmium, mercury, lead, zinc)--> impacts on human health and ecosystems
rating systems - energy
tracking energy consumption
rating systems - water
tracking water consumption
connection between obesity and transportation systems
transportation = not many people walking or biking, lazy--> get fat -In 1969, about 50% of kids walked/biked to school, in 2009 only 13% did; while car share jumped from 12% to 45%
urban sprawl incited
uncontrolled expansion of urban areas
what are transit deserts?
urban areas that have numerous transit-dependent residents, but poor transit service -transit-dependent people = unable to drive not by choice, but because they have disabilities, too young, too old, or to poor -presence of transit desert is affect by: --how far a person must walk --the time it takes to access transit --the safety or comfort of getting there
What is New Urbanism? pg. 215
urban designed movement focused on the elements of a neighborhood that make it attractive and successful, with a strong sense of community (closely related to smart growth) ---principles: -compact neighborhoods -walkable neighborhoods -mixed-use neighborhoods -transit-oriented development -highly connected street networks -human-scale buildings -range of housing types and affordability levels
ecological urbanism
urbanism that is sensitive to the environment ex. hunter point, NYC (ipe boardwalk, special soil, adding in plants and greenery on streets, basins for water collection, etc)
light shelves
used on the SOUTH walls of many buildings to bounce light rays deeper into rooms--> usually white in color for reflectivity
stack ventilation
uses rising heat in the building itself to create a stack effect--> warm air rises and then exits through high-level vents
active solar heating
uses the sun's energy to heat water in a solar collector -most often used for bathing, cooking, dishwashing, or laundry
clerestory windows
vertical openings near the roof--> provide a way to bring indirect light from above and let it reach deeper into a room
compact development
walkable--> tended to have a radius of a quarter-mile or a distance of half a mile across from edge to edge -daily needs should be supplied within a 5 minute walk
reclaiming waterfronts
waterfronts = natural assets that are valuable, but limited and non-renewable -reclaim them and use them to their ability and nurture them ex.WaterFront Park, Portland
Are these transportation emissions increasing?
yes, increase in cars = increase in emissions
how can society encourage zero waste by industry?
zero waste requires changes in policies and laws--> take away subsidies = without subsidies, material prices would reflect their true costs reused or recycled products would be able to compete in the marketplace on a level-playing field
