Earth Day!

I have been saving this post on sustainability for today!  Earth Day!  I recently watched Matt Brigg's documentary "Deep Green".  The documentary discusses several environmental problems we are currently having and proposes solutions to help cut back on carbon footprints and help better the environment.

At one point in the documentary it talks about OHSU and its efficiency.  Going to OSU, we have a few LEED certified buildings on campus, but I had no idea how efficient OHSU is!

OHSU built their facilities to be 61% more efficient than required Oregon codes, and a ways above what is required for a LEED platinum (the best) certification.

Here are some unique features about the building:
-It treats 100% of sewage created by the building in a membrane bioreactor on site
-Energy saved in one year totals 5.1 million pounds of carbon dioxide (equivalent of removing 443 cars from the highway)
-Integrated day lighting system to cut back on lights needed
-Naturally ventilated stairs to save on air conditioning
-Radiant heating and cooling, also integrated with the swimming pools
-Eco-roofs
-The buildings rainwater and wastewater are harvested for landscaping, saving 150,000 gallons a day from going to the city's sewer system.
-Sunshades that double as solar electricity generators
-Gas-fueled cogeneration system
-Use of lower toxicity and organic materials in building interior and furnishings
-Aerial tram connecting the hospital with public downtown transportation to cut back on employees and patient driving

To read more about OHSU's sustainable facilities look here:  OHSU

There are many other sustainable buildings popping up around the world.  Here are a few of them!

Museum of Polish History in Warsaw
Has a park and green space covering the building.

Sky Garden House
Lots of green space and environmental materials and techniques used in construction.

Shipping container house   
Created using 5 shipping containers.  Shipping containers are in abundance and the use of them dramatically reduces carbon footprints from alternative materials that could be used to build a house.  Shipping container houses are becoming more popular throughout the world!

Pod concept house
Saves space and materials. Contains kitchen, bed, and bathroom along with a lot of storage space.

 Hanse Colani - Rotor House 
Saves space and materials.  Has a rotating bathroom/bed/kitchen area.

Proposal for rain collecting skyscraper
Designed by Polish architects.  Rain water is collected on top of the building and along the sides.

Citadel
Eco-friendly floating city concept.

Greenpix Zero Energy Wall

Other green architecture projects

Some things I do to help out the environment include:
-Using a reusable water bottle

-Composting
-Recycling
-Walking when possible
-Turning off lights and electronics when not in a room
-Limiting use of heat and air conditioning


Also check out my previous posts on:
Urban Spaces - bringing green into the city
Sustainable Coke Bottle Idea