(Scott) It seems like "Green" architecture is the big thing these days, although I am not sure if people actually know what that means.  Do we all need Solar Panels to be green?

(Jessica) I feel every little bit helps. It would be awesome if everyone was "Off the Grid" and had a zero carbon footprint, but that's just not the reality at this point. We should be striving for that ideal, but the truth is that most people are struggling just to make their mortgage payment right now and so the thought of making a large investment (while it may save money in the long run) just isn't possible. I think it's important to not get overwhelmed with the idea, but take baby steps. A great place to start for home owners is the Build-It-Green website. There is a drop down menu on the right with a link to Guidelines and Checklists. This a simple place to start with a simple checklist. While building green can get very scientific and complicated, I think there are simple steps everyone can take.



I also think you'll start to see people build much smaller homes, remodeling old homes



(Scott) Is there a definition we can use for green architecture?

(Jessica) One of the best definitions of green building I've heard is, "Meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."  While this is pretty broad, I feel it's one that everyone can relate to. Essentially, every time you make a decision about building, you can ask yourself, "Is there a better way to meet my needs while protecting my children's future?"  If we all had this intention every time we made choices, I think we'd be of to a good start.



Another aspect of green building that is becoming very widely accepted is the idea of a healthy indoor environment. We spend 98% of our time indoor and due to the off gassing of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from paints and other man made products the indoor space can be very toxic. I feel being aware of  the materials, especially glues and paints, we bring into the home is another major aspect to "being green."



(Scott)  When you are "building green", what does that mean? 

(Jessica) The most simple means of building "green" is using passive solar technology. This is the oldest form of building before humans had the technology of forced heating and cooling and can save an immense amount of energy, which is one of the main culprits of unsustainable development. This means orienting the home and using overhangs to take advantage of the sun's natural path.  There are many high tech modeling systems to model and maximize the design to take advantage of the sun, but it's really quite simple. Orient the home so that the long sides face the north and south. On the south facade use overhangs to keep the hot, high, summer sun out and let the warm, low winters sun in. If you have to face West, use overhangs and shading devices to keep the sun out in the Summer.



(Scott)  Does building green save you money in the long and short run?

(Jessica) Yes, it can save you money in the long run and benefit your health.



(Scott) Are there things you can do to your current house to make it more green?

(Jessica) There are five basic categories that the US Green Building council layout in their LEED rating system.  Sustainable Site, Water, Energy, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Air Quality. Just  few things someone could do using these categories would be remove turf grass and plant native or drought tolerant plants. Replaceall toilets with dual flush and plumbing fixtures with low flow fixtures.  If it takes a while for your hot-water ti arrive, retrofit with an "on-demand" hot-water recirculating system. Put all your lighting fixture on dimmers, replace all your incandescent bulbs with fluorescent. Try to buy from salvage yards, off of Craigs list, or other second had material locations to extend the useful life of materials and products. Only use zero VOC paints, caulking, and glues.  These seem fairly obvious and simple, and they are. That's just it, once you start you'll see it's just smart.



(Scott) Does green also mean more density?

(Jessica) Yes, that is one aspect to being a more "green" society.  It takes a lot more energy to develop in undeveloped areas. Reusing existing infrastructure, sharing parks and open space, using existing water and sewer systems, and driving less are major factors to being more sustainable.



(Scott) What enticed you to be a Green Architect?

(Jessica) It just makes sense. One of my mentors always says, "One day we won't have to say "Green Architect," instead all Architects will just automatically implement sustainable methods."



Thanks Jessica!



A few good Resources:

http://www.builditgreen.org/

http://www.usgbc.org/

http://www.thegreenguide.com/

http://www.worldwatch.org/taxonomy/term/44

http://www.branchhome.com/





If you would like to contact Jessica about any questions you might have, give her a call at 415-283-3213.