The Green Challenge
Award-winning broadcast journalist Charlie Rose will moderate a panel discussion at North Carolina State University on Oct. 16 featuring design experts whose vision and projects incorporate sustainable design practices. The panel is presented as part of the university's Millennium Seminar Series, which is designed to engage, encourage and inspire NC State students throughout the academic year.
The panel will include NC State College of Design Dean Marvin Malecha (president-elect of the American Institute of Architects), noted architect Thom Mayne and public health expert Dick Jackson.
As a preview to the seminar, we asked Malecha for his views on the barriers to widespread adoption of sustainable design practices, which include the use of environmentally friendly building materials, reduction of construction waste, and compliance with energy efficiency standards. The dean challenges the building industry, government, homeowners and education leaders to take bold steps to promote the use of renewable energy that results in lower greenhouse gas emissions.
How important is it to improve energy efficiency in buildings?
People have to understand the connection between the energy that we use in buildings and our long-term energy outlook. Making a more efficient car solves a small part of our energy needs. The biggest problem is in our buildings: our homes and offices. Sixty percent of carbon emissions come from the energy we use to power our buildings.
People need to think holistically about their homes. Many homes are poorly built and insulated, and not wisely put together. We need to think of a carbon footprint that results in more efficient buildings - everything from the light bulbs we install to the equipment we use to do our dishes. It also means taking advantage of passive solar energy to reduce power usage, and thinking about the materials we use to build our homes.
We need to think in large enough and bold enough terms to really make a difference.
Does the building industry understand sustainability?
Educating design professionals is relatively easy - they take continuing education courses. The American Institute of Architects requires members to take energy management and sustainability courses, for example. In the larger community of homebuilders, it's not so easy. Builders are not necessarily architects. Educating that community is important.
How about educating the public?
Educating the public is vital. When people think about buying a house, they should know about the long-term costs. Most people don't know that the energy costs and lifecycle costs of a home is equal to the mortgage. We have to start demanding that home sellers and realtors list the energy management costs of a home when they put it on the market.
Does government have a role to play?
We have to support sustainability with legislation. Give tax breaks. Give people incentives to make wise energy choices. That's the way the American system works.
Why is it important to take a leadership role on this issue?
Oil is now $80 a barrel. I talked with a friend in the energy industry who says it will reach $800 a barrel some day. If we don't make changes today, how are we going to pay for our energy needs in the future? Most universities have not done enough to incorporate green technologies in their buildings. But if we're going to take a leadership role, we have to walk the walk. Much of what we do at NC State is on the cutting edge of sustainable design. We have to do even more.