| "10 Things Architects Can Do"
Following documentary film ‘An Inconvenient Truth’, Al Gore visited Australia to educate several people in key industry areas, mobilising their respective professions or sectors into pursuing sustainable practices.
Caroline Priddock, former president of the NSW Chapter of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, who, in conjunction with other similar design professionals, outlined ten areas where architects should promote Environmentally Sustainable Design.
These were delivered in several recent lectures throughout Australia:
1) LESS IS MORE – Promote the idea of using less space in buildings, and more efficient structures;
2) INFORM THE BRIEF – Include environmentally sustainable design principles as being part of the initial brief;
3) INCREASE SCOPE – The role of Architects will expand due to the design, materials specifications and work practices having to meet more stringent environmental requirements
4) CONNECT DESIGNS – The increasing importance of making buildings connected to their environment in terms of climate, site context, and local availability of materials and services
5) EDUCATE – Architects need to keep educating themselves, colleagues and office personnel in new technologies and information relating to sustainability
6) INFLUENCE CLIENTS – The design process should engage clients in making decisions based on sound environmental principles
7) USE RATINGS AND ASSESSMENT TOOLS – An increasing number of computer software tools and websites are now available to assist in the design process
8) UNDERSTAND THERMAL PERFORMANCE – Correct orientation of glazing buildings and the use of construction systems with high thermal performance play a crucial role in the ongoing energy use of buildings
9) ENGAGE LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE – The design process involves a team of professionals who can each promote aspects of sustainability
10) IMPROVE YOUR OFFICE – The day-to-day practicalities of running an office which includes recycling of paper, limiting the use of air-conditioning, and minimising waste.
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