Wisdom...... whoot hoot
As we talk about the Green's of March I want to share some Design terms for today. As we hear more often the phases, Green Build, Sustainability, Leed Certified, and VOC - what do these words mean?
Living here in Vancouver we are so privileged to living a Green Lifestyle, as second nature. I am always impressed by how much we do the simple task of recycling, such a small task with a big impact. How we conserve water and energy - I notice we make the choice but in the generation of children today its just simply how they live - amazing! We were all trying to conquer the world, and they are joining forces to make a difference through community. We are learning to refocus on this. My latest is the plastic bag, don't give us the option of paying for plastic - such a crime. Just simply only offer paper bags.......imagine how that would translate our shopping. I know we now carry every cloth bag known to man, and that is a fantastic difference in the change of direction to carry our goods.
I can only imagine that when today's children design their homes tomorrow how rich in resources they will be, and how it will define a beautiful Green Landscape. I am a fan of a tv show called Architects of Change, on PBS which recently ran an episode on Vancouver, BC being one of the leading green cities in the world describing how we are making a difference to our footprint in not just in daily living but in building today and tomorrow - WOW!
So today in a Blog Community setting I want to share some knowledge, cause Knowledge is Power and sharing these terms will give YOU power when making Design choices for Material's, and selections in designing YOUR space for everyday LIVING.
Sustainability - the ability to sustain, support and uphold.
In Envio Science this translates to NOT being harmful to the environment, depleting our natural resources rather supporting long-term ecological balance.
** In Design this is supported by practicing the three principals of Design,
Mood Function Harmony
Green Building also referred to as Sustainable Building Practice.
This is the process that is environmentally responsible and resource efficient throughout a home/building life cycle. Includes siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovations, and demolition.
A Green Build expands and compliments Classical Building concerns of economy utilities, durability, comfort. A Green Build is to reduce the overall impact of building in the environment, on human health, and natural environment and the use of energy effectively- through such elements as water and heat resources. Green Building also focuses on occupational health and well- being; reducing waste and pollution.
Leed Certified is the point system given to Green Sustainable Building, where the build has met and exceeded impacts on the environment through the following SIX categories:
- Sustainable Site,
- Water Efficiency,
- Energy & Atmosphere,
- Materials & Resources,
- Indoor Environmental Quality,
- Innovation & Design
The Leed Certified Categories for meeting these expectations are defined as:
- Certified, Points of 40 - 49
- Silver Leed Certified, Points of 50 - 59
- Gold Leed Certified, Points of 60 - 79
- Platinum Leed Certified, Points 80 plus
** Points Base of 100, and each category is given ten points with and extra six points given when exceeding in Innovation and Design.
VOC stands for: Volatile - Organic - Compound
It is defined as one or a number of chemicals, including benzene, acetone, formaldehyde that evaporates or vaporizes readily, and are harmful to human health and the environment. Also known as 'off gassing'.
VOC can be associated with and found in paints, glues, and MDF building materials.
NASTY Business.......we have access to paint choices that are low VOC or zero, so choose wisely. The bonus with these paints is that are fast curing in colour and fast drying. Very important to consider if you suffer with breathing issues, or when decorating a baby or child's room.
Where can I find natural paint choices,? Most Paint & Hardware stores will have a low VOC paint or Green choice for paint base - ask the paint pro for choices to make a VOC selection.
Information sourced from Wikipedia, Dictionary.com
I encourage you all to look for Enviro Signs and take the Wisdom route, and be part of wise
Designing today and tomorrow.
Sharing in the Power of Change...... Cheers!
