Lauren Phillips
Research Writing
February 18, 2008
Rough Draft
Designing for the Future
Imagine a world in which we had no worries about where the generations of the future will obtain the resources that are necessary for them to meet their needs. In this world, houses would be eco friendly and building materials would be easily replenished. Although a perfect world may not be possible, it is certainly possible to take steps toward making the planet a better place for generations to come. The concept of sustainable design is an “ideal” goal to help make this possible (Cole 2).
This type of design requires unique solutions for improving our welfare that do not come at the cost of degrading the environment or impinging on the well being of other people. Also, beyond respect for the quality of life for future generations, most interpretations of the term “sustainable” refer to the viability of natural resources and ecosystems over time, and to the maintenance of human living standards and economic development. This simply explains that sustainability encompasses more than just designing for generations to come, it includes designing to ensure a healthy, physically attractive, and biologically productive environment. (Vanegas 1)
When looking at the design and construction industries, many may have negative assumptions about this growing trend toward a healthier world. Views that the topic may
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be simply trendy come from these assumptions. For example, there has been a widespread perception that these buildings- though more attractive from an environmental and health perspective- are substantially more costly than conventional design (Kats 2). There are many studies showing that the benefits of sustainable or green design outweigh the drawbacks of converting to this way of designing. Many followers of this movement believe that by making changes in our lives and in the built environment there will be a big impact on the world around us. Recent global attention to this issue is forcing industries to study where they stand within the framework for sustainability (Venagas 1).
This paper will address the pros and cons of converting to sustainable design by looking at research that has been conducted in the past. Facts will be provided in order to prove that ideas concerning sustainable design will pays off in the future. First, there are three main components that comprise this issue that will be explained as an introduction and discussed throughout the paper. I will identify common misconceptions concerning this topic and provide factual information proving them to be untrue. In contradiction to looking at previous studies, I will also address the lack of studies discussing whether or not sustainable design has an immediate effect on the environment or if it simply provides long term benefits. I will look at this issue from the eyes of a consumer and explain how to follow the ideas of sustainable design. I will also give examples of some of the most sustainable buildings in the world in order to reach the reader and explain that the practices of sustainable design already exist and are proving themselves to be beneficial. I will also discuss how this issue will affect my life as an interior designer in
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the future and how others relate to the issue. In order to bring more interest to the paper I will also mention contradicting opinions dealing with this trend in the form of a literature review. Lastly, I will discuss my methodology for interviewing two designers, explain what I learned from this original research, and discuss my conclusion after doing my own original interviews and researching the topic. This will further explain the general opinion of insiders from the design industry on this issue. These interviews will show their real opinions of this topic and honestly discuss their opinions of the effort it takes to follow this industry trend. Also, it will clarify one common assumption that this form of designing may simply be a trend. In the end, the main goal will be to educate anyone reading the paper on the issue. I will hope this opens people’s eyes to the need for more education and political action to enforce the ideas of sustainable design. Without action, the improvements being made in the built environment will continue to come at a slow pace. With action, however, the possibilities are endless, and with pulling together change will be possible. In the end I hope to prove the benefits of converting to sustainability are worth the effort.
In order to make this paper unlike previous research, I will encompass all aspects of this issue. After reviewing research pertaining to sustainable design, there is an apparent lack of articles that encompass all aspects of the topic. Most seem to either criticize the issue, explain only a certain part of sustainability, or focus only on statistics. This paper will identify all of these parts making sustainability easy to comprehend by offering a complete definition of the topic. Also, it will include statistics to support converting to this form of design, and examples of buildings around the world that are
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sustainable. Furthermore, I will explain how a consumer or designer can approach purchasing any sustainable product. Lastly, I will include criticism about this topic in order to give the reader every opinion of the issue. I will do this by reviewing an article form the New York Times. By including all of this information in one piece of research, as no article has done that I found, I will prove to the reader that sustainability is achievable and important to the wellbeing of our environment.
Because this issue is so complex, there are many different angles from which to view the topic. These include the components that make up sustainable design, the pros and cons, new technologies, and research that has been conducted on this subject. In order to fully understand sustainable design, we must first look at the three main areas this issue encompasses.
Sustainability is a relationship, or balancing act, between many factors that are constantly changing (Vanegas 2). These factors fall into three main categories that include the social, environmental, and economic aspects of this type of design. When looking at the social end of things it is clear that this part focuses on the welfare of humans, and the ability to have the best life possible. The most important aspect of social sustainability is to ensure future generations have the tools and resources they need to survive and enjoy life, while being sure to not compromise the quality of life that people are experiencing today (Vanegas 3).
Next, the environmental aspect requires recognizing the limits of the environment (Vanegas 3). The natural resources of the planet have limits on the how much can be used and how quickly. For example, trees can regenerate themselves as long as enough are left
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to make this possible. Other resources, such as minerals are renewed at such slow rates that any use may exhaust the supply. This is why it is essential to minimize the consumption of resources. Also, eco systems play a role in the environmental factor of sustainable design. They must be kept in balance because they rely on one another. For example, just because trees may be grown in a contained managed forest, where only the chosen lumber would be grown, this does not mean it will help ensure this resource for the future. It is easy to throw off the delicate balance of other systems that are supported by these trees. Environmentally, it is all about respecting natural limits of the world around us and understanding how to live within them (Cole 2). This requires much research to develop new technologies to minimize consumption of resources and reduce waste. Bamboo used for flooring, for example, is regrown at rapids rates, unlike typical woods used for flooring, and is a great sustainable product for this reason. Industries practicing sustainability typically follow the three R’s which are to reduce, re-use, and recycle (McDonough 255). Companies use these guidelines to develop, manufacture, and market their products. Designers use them as rules to follow when designing a space. Lastly, the economic aspect of sustainability is significantly important because it relates to the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services (Venagas 4). This area needs to see a shift from focusing on short term and immediate impacts to long term impacts and advantages. In the past, products have been designed to sell without a thought to their environmental impact. The shift to sustainability is now helping manufacturers realize that designing for the future will pay off in the long run. Because the average commercial structure will cost ten times as much to operate over 100 years
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than it does to build, this is something to consider (Bernstein 1). In other words, the operating and maintenance costs are already going to be more expensive than building the facility, therefore paying a small amount more at construction time can pay off in the future. This area of sustainability places value on the conservation of natural resources and will only help the shift to sustainability if it is shown to not be excessively costly and disadvantageous (Venegas 4). If the industry is able to shift the focus on the benefits of this type of design, opinions will change and focus on the potential good to come from the trend, rather than the initial costs and efforts. These three aspects, social, environmental, and economic, comprise the complex topic of sustainability. They show just how this issue impacts nearly every part of our culture. Because it is such a dynamic subject, decision makers, such as designers or builders, must be flexible with their approaches according to changes in human needs and desires, changes in the environment, and technological advances (Venegas 2-3). This is because these topics are always changing and it is so important to keep the balance between these three issues so that each area is considered.
As an interior design major and sophomore at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, I see the importance of this topic. I understand that in the future, whether working commercially or residentially, I will need to consider these aspects just as any practicing designer does. When dealing with clients and creating a space, socially I will address the needs of the end users, people who will use the completed space. It will be my job to keep in mind the environmental and economic end of the design as well. I will need to make smart decisions with building materials and furniture, keeping in mind which will
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have most minimal impact on the environment. Economically, it will be important for me to keep in mind things like shipping practices and packaging. There is no way for a designer or builder to ensure sustainability with out considering all of these areas.
After understanding the issues that comprise sustainability, it is easy to understand the benefits that come with this design process. As mentioned earlier, most have the idea that the initial cost of sustainable or green design will not pay off in the long run. This is not true. The total financial benefits of green buildings are over 10 times the average initial investment required to design and construct a green building. The extra costs are usually only associated with the extra time spent in the planning stages by the architect or designer (Kats 2). Recent studies show just how beneficial it can be too many aspects of buildings. These buildings use key resources such as energy, materials, water, and land more efficiently then buildings that are simply built to code (Kats 2).
For example, in this photograph 30 St. Mary Axe in London, UK rises the striking landmark of London’s financial district (30 St. Mary Axe). This buildings aerodynamic form generates wind pressure and natural ventilation. The windows heavy design allows for heavy natural light. Also, heating and cooling needs are controlled, in part, by a ventilated double skin façade that traps external heat and reuses it to warm the building or respells it to keep it cool. (Bernstein 1)
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This means they are designed to have more natural light and better air quality. In a school or workplace, this can lead to improved employee and student health, comfort and productivity. These types of benefits are not commonly thought of as typical benefits of spaces designed for sustainability. Some of the more obvious benefits include energy and water savings, reduced waste, improved indoor environmental quality, and lower operations and maintained costs.
On average green buildings are 28% more efficient than conventional buildings. With the energy savings, buildings can save money in the long term. On average green buildings use 30% less energy than conventional buildings. For example, in a 100,000 square foot office building over the course of 20 years, the result would be saving three quarters of a million dollars. Generally the earlier green ideals are incorporated into the design process, the lower the cost. (Kats 3)
This is because it is easier for a designer of a space to plan out the space on paper, than to work around existing parts. Because people spend 90% of their time indoors, it is easy to see just how important a healthy environment is. The US alone produces more CO2 emissions than any other country in the entire world except for China. When pollution is at this magnitude, it is clear that changes need to be made. With so many statistics supporting sustainable design, it is reassuring to see just how beneficial this concept for
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buildings can be. Increased productivity can be positively and significantly correlated with four attributes of green building design. These are increased ventilation control, increased temperature control, increased lighting control, and lastly, increased day lighting (Kats 6). These benefits can be achieved by items such as new recessed LED lights that draw 33% less electricity than already thrifty compact fluorescents or new radiant heating tubes installed in concrete floors to heat a home (Gorman 1). When a building maintains a healthier environment it is very beneficial to any user of the facility.
After looking at research pertaining to sustainability, it is clear there is another factor that plays a large roll in creating a sustainable environment; this is technology. It is one of the most significant ways in which we interact with our environment. We use technologies to extract natural resources, to modify them for human purposes, and to adapt our man made living space (Venegas 4). It is through advances in technology that we are able to have what we do today. The problem that is accompanied with these advances is that of short term improvements on the quality of life that have taken a great toll on the environment. Now, it is important to move forward with sustainability in mind, thinking about the long term effects new advances may have on the environment. New progress in the construction of buildings and the development of new products for
interior design must follow new requirements. They should minimize the use of nonrenewable energy and natural resources (Vanegas 5). This simply means reduce wherever and whenever possible. Also, satisfy human needs and aspirations with considering the context of the surrounding culture (Vanegas 5). This guideline explains that it is best to construct or design projects that are in line with the surroundings,
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meaning a new state of the art high-rise office building would not be located in a third world country. Lastly, they should have a minimal negative impact on the earth’s ecosystems (Vanegas 5). It is best to do as little damage as possible. If new developments follow these guidelines they will help contribute, support, and advance sustainable development. Because past technologies made obtaining resources extremely easy, now more than ever, it is important to keep these guidelines in mind. This will help prevent over consumption and a shortage in resources.
Next, aside from the building aspect and understanding what makes up this form of design, sustainability can be assessed through the eyes of a consumer. Are there ways to be sure a product is considered green, or which products are the most beneficial to this “go green” movement? As a future designer I find it will be important for me to know just how to tell what to select for a client. There are many contradicting ideas pertaining to buying green products. It is important to be educated on this topic before choosing to blindly find products that follow this trend. In recent years, new products are rapidly appearing in the markets that are made from easily renewable resources. It has been said that “green is the new black” (Williams 1). Because of this, it is important to pick and choose the right ones. There is a great amount of research and product development focusing on green design. There are companies that only offer eco friendly products, and stores selling them. The question is where does the average person find green products, and will they benefit the world immediately, or only years from now? Even chain stores such as the Home Depot now offer a new line of only eco-friendly products. They are now main stream and can be found almost anywhere. There are questions a buyer can ask
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themselves to ensure they are purchasing a sustainable product. I will use these questions in my future line of work and I will encourage anyone looking to make a change in their lifestyles to follow them as well. First it is important to ask, do I really want the product( How to Buy 1)? This question should be asked first. If there is not a desire to make the change, chances are the buyer will not be happy with their product. When taking a good look at what is being purchased, a consumer may be buying more than is actually needed simply because it is green. After all, isn’t reducing a main goal of sustainable design? Some compare this to a fat free diet; meaning just because something is low in fat does not mean you should disregard the calories and eat the whole box. The key is to use less (Williams 1). Next ask, is this product made from renewable or recycled resources, and taken in a sustainable way( How to Buy 1)? This could mean the products’ made from old aluminum cans or ones made from a resource that replenishes itself rather quickly. For example, if it is clear that the item is made from a material such as mahogany wood, this is not the best choice because this type of wood takes a long time to regenerate itself. Now take a look and see if the product is safe for the user and the environment( How to Buy 1)? It is smart to look into possible harmful emissions that may have been created in the manufacturing of the product or if a chemical used can be hurtful to a person’s health. Thankfully, there are now many safe healthy nontoxic alternatives available for common building materials. This is because many environmental engineers are now employed by most major manufacturers (?). Next, a consumer should want to know, is this product practical and durable, well made, of good quality, and timeless( How to Buy 1)? An example of this may be that if you choose a piece of furniture that is poorly made and
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will have to be replaced sooner than a normal piece would, this now defeats the purpose of choosing something to eliminate waste in the first place. Considering environmental costs, there is less impact from quality products that last. Superior goods more than pay for themselves in long term durability and satisfaction. Next, is there any information about the manufacturing practices that tells of environmental improvements? How will the product be disposed of and what will be the environmental impact( How to Buy 1)? This could be as simple as choosing biodegradable packaging over one made from plastic. What kind of packaging does the product have( How to Buy 1)? Purchasing in bulk, such as for construction and using recyclable containers are best. This way it is possible to save money while also saving packaging and excess waste.
After learning these questions about how to buy sustainable products, there are a few things to keep in mind. It is helpful to say the buyer should beware. Because interest in green products is rising, many companies may put “green” or “eco friendly” on their labels and disregard whether or not they truly put effort to reduce pollutants in their manufacturing process, or make their products easily disposed of( McLennan 5) . Also, it is important to keep in mind to buy from a trusted source and know that true green products will be certified. If they are not listed on certain websites, chances are they are not truly green. These websites include: energy star, greengaurd indoor air quality, LEED, scientific certifications systems, and cradle to cradle certification (McLennan 7). Now a consumer should know why they should buy them. It is not a matter of what is in style or trendy, but what is good for the world around us. For example, followers of this movement would encourage choosing wooden floors made from timber that can be
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regrown at rapid rates, rather than trees that take many years to be regrown. Thankfully the manufacturers of these products make them just as beautiful as normal hardwood. The question is just how much of a change do these products and materials make, and how can this be effectively measured? It is clear that from looking at research conducted on this issue the benefits are well worth the initial costs. Because building operating costs are so high, it is well worth the effort in the design process to incorporate energy and money saving items.
With the idea of sustainable design comes the idea of being “less bad” (McDonough 252). This is something not designers must keep in mind but also manufacturers. This is a phrase used to describe the goal of environmentally friendly companies to treat the world with more care. It is intended to encourage choosing the method of design or production that is the least harmful. Even better than being “less bad”, many companies are striving to be “100% good” (Sustainable Products). When working towards this movement to become sustainable, companies follow four steps to ensure they are on the right track.
They must first completely stop using products that are known to be harmful, such as PVC, lead, or mercury. Second, when faced with the decision between two substances that may be harmful to the environment, they choose the one they determine to be less harmful. Next, a company creates a detailed list of all materials used in a product and the substances they may give off during manufacture and use. This way they may determine if any materials need to be
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phased out. Lastly, they use this list to design new products. (Sustainable Products)
With all of these concerns it is clear to see why there has been a rise in employment of “green” engineers in large manufacturing companies. If these steps are followed, it is possible for companies to create useful sustainable products ranging from home furnishings and building materials to cleaning products and many more.
All of these questions and concerns are of great value for me, as I am studying to become and interior designer. They will help me to clearly see which products im using are designed to be sustainable and which are not. Also, I will be able to explain to any future clients just how to follow these guidelines. When designing spaces in the future, I will be sure to use as many eco friendly products as possible. This will contribute to preserving the world around us for generations to come. In order to make this happen we must continue to educate. When discussing this issue with classmates, I began to develop my methodology for my original research. I realized that almost no one in the class had even heard of sustainable design. Because of my major, interior design, the issue was mentioned in a few classes, but only briefly. This is when I decided to interview two working designers about the issue. If a very small number of people knew about this issue in the classroom, did people working in the design field know about it? I decided to ask them whether or not they fully understood sustainable design. Also, I decided I would ask if they use these concepts in their everyday lives. I knew that in current design classes the issue was only taught briefly, which led to another question, was it something that has
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been taught in the past? If not, this means many working designers were not educated on this issue in the past and therefore probably do not practice the guidelines in their careers.
Education about sustainable design is something that has been of little importance in the past. After interviewing two interior designers that attended college prior to the 1990’s I realized this. I interviewed Deidra Lucas and Jackson Marshal of Greensburg, Pa. After sitting down to discuss this issue, I realized there may not be much to discuss. After introducing the topic of my paper, the two stated they have herd little mention of this in the past. While they were aware of the importance of protecting the environment, they did not know much about sustainability. They mentioned that while they attended school there was no mention of the idea of green or sustainable design. I also found out that there is also little mention when dealing with sales representatives and their products. The designers told me that when marketing their products, sales representatives have never mentioned their manufacturing processes or efforts to promote a better environment. They briefly mentioned that the only area of design they knew of “going green” was the carpet industry. They both were open to what I had to say, while wishing they had been educated on the issue. Also, with manufacturers receiving increased attention from critics pushing the “less bad” ideals, it was surprising to hear they made no effort to let buyers know their manufacturing processes.
This interview was an eye opener. After sorting through an abundance of information on the topic I assumed everyone knew about the issue. I now see how important it is to spread the word and educate the public about this issue and the products that come along with it. This is why I chose to write this paper and include a definition of
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sustainability as well as guidelines explaining how to follow the movement to better the environment. Most people in the industry today are of an older age and may not have been educated or introduced to the idea. Now it will take the younger generation entering the work force to initiate the change.
Research has not only helped me to see how valuable these eco friendly spaces are, but how much we need more of them. If only more people knew how much of a difference these spaces make. From improved worker productivity to reducing air pollutants they are good from many aspects.
Because the idea of “going green” is certainly important, it can be viewed in many different ways. Critics see this movement from a broader perspective that approaches the subject from a more political angle. As previously discussed, it has been proven that green buildings do truly make a difference from an environmental approach. Aside from this fact, critics find that while buying these products is certainly the first step in making a difference, the key is to limit use and waste of any product regardless of what is on the packaging (Williams 1). After all isn’t this the main idea of sustainable design? An example of this approach from an article in the New York Times written by Alex Williams, a critic of the movement, explains that after buying compact florescent bulbs, the next step should be to ban together politically to shut down coal-fired power plants. Also mentioned in the article was the issue of fuel efficiency. While choosing fuel efficient cars will help, a greater impact may be felt when fuel efficiency standards are raised for all of the industry. The senate voted to do so recently which was the first significant change in mileage standards in more than two decades (Williams 2). This
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shows that because the issue is so high profile, the number of changes is beginning to increase. This makes perfect sense. After all of the hype surrounding green design the bottom line is to keep in mind the principles of the topic; reduce, reuse, recycle.
This talk about critising the green movement is not to discourage people from using the products; it is simply to encourage thinking before acting. It is believed people buying these products are doing so out of mindfulness, making them more committed to more transformative political action on global warming (Williams 1). An executive editor of a web site devoted to sustainability issues, Alex Steffen, says, the genuine solution is to significantly reduce ones consumption of goods and resources. Its not enough to build a vacation home out of recycled lumber; the real way to reduce ones carbon footprint is to only own one home(Williams 1). This puts the idea of sustainability in perspective. While it is important to purchase and use products that are environmentally friendly, the true key to supporting this movement is to use less.
As with any issue criticism rises with rising popularity and hype. This criticism may be thought of as negative but in my opinion is actually positive. With more talk of sustainable design more attention will be brought to the topic. Because the benefits are clear when converting, it is a step in the right direction to get in the eyes of the public. This may also help companies to be more conscious about their actions. They will fear falling behind and want to avoid negative attention of people wondering just why have are they not concerned for the environment.
In conclusion I fell very strongly about this topic. It is one that has many eyes looking closely waiting to see whether or not it will last. I believe it will. There are many
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facts supporting the benefits and increasing interest in the topic. Also, with much heated political races in the near future I see more and more interest to come. As long as the public continues to become more educated and the manufacturers, builders, and designers keep these ideals in their everyday lifestyles, a change will happen. The key is to use less and always think before buying. Little by little it is possible to make a change in the world around us and for generations to come. This way people of the future will have no worries about how to obtain their resources and they will have grown up knowing the right way to treat the environment. A chain reaction will then occur and correct practices will continue to be passed down through the years helping the earth’s conditions to continue improving.
