In an environmental science course I took at the community college in my hometown, we studied many environmental issues and policies, but what was really interesting to me was our trip to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s headquarters. It is called The Philip Merrill Center, and is one of the world’s most energy efficient buildings. It incorporates green architecture and recycled materials throughout the building to make it so energy efficient. It was the first building to receive the U.S Green Building Council’s Platinum rating for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). I believe more buildings, houses, and developments should strive to make their buildings more green and energy efficient.
Energy consumption and the United States depleting resources is obviously a very big problem in America today, so having new buildings built more sustainable and energy efficient could be the first step to aid this problem. The CBF’s building uses technologies like geothermal wells under the parking lot, natural ventilation through windows, solar power through photo voltaic panels, insulated panels, composting toilets, and more. When I visited the headquarters, they even purchased Toyota Prius cars so if someone had to leave the office, they could drive the Prius to save gas.
I believe new buildings should be required to have at least some green features in its structure. The benefits of a green building are not only sustainability, but it saves money in energy costs. For example, the building uses 56% less energy, saving $100,000. There energy use is 60% less than other buildings, and uses 94% less water than a conventional building.
All in all, green buildings and architecture along with recycled material and other technologies make the Philip Merrill Center not only energy efficient, but a very interesting building. More buildings should adapt to the changing times and should be required to incorporate green architecture and technologies into their structures.
-Alexandra Athans
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I also agree that buildings should aspire to meet sustainable standards. Even as drastic as potentially incorporating zero waste. But another important aspect of green building is the use of local materials. If we can utilize the use of local materials we can reduce GHG due to transportation of materials and support local privately owned businesses, rather than large corporations like Lowes and Home Depot. In addition to this, the reuse of captured rainwater to water plants or provide water to low-flow toilets could significantly reduce water runoff and erosion. There are many thing that a builder could incorporate into their design to create a 'green house'. I think through tax breaks and other policy initiatives the government could encourage this practice.
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