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Case Study: Stockholm Waterfront

Jessica Lynn

10.28.16

                       Case Study: Stockholm Waterfront

Project: Stockholm Waterfront                                          

Location: Klarabergsviadukten 61 Stockholm, 111 64 Sweden (Stockholm, Sweden)  

LEED Version: LEED BD+C: New Construction v3 - LEED 2009  

Certification Level Achieved: Gold (62/110)  

Owner: Jarl Asset Management-City of Stockholm

Architect: White arkitekter  

General Contractor: PEAB

USGBCs+ Global LEED is an extension of USGBC. The addition to USGBC is an inclusion to European building standards for European Countries. Scandinavia is one of the leading countries to incorporate a high rising amount of LEED certified buildings. The Stockholm Waterfront also known locally as Klara Hotell och Konferens (translated The Klara Hotel Conference Center). Optimally the building sits on the Riddarfjärden, the easternmost bay of Lake Mälaren which flows into the Baltic Sea.  One of the shining jewels of Stockholm, Sweden (Klarabergsviadukten 61 Stockholm, 111 64 Sweden) attracting international visitors and locals for conferences and events. The owner of the building Is Jarl Asset Management which the City of Stockholm commissioned for managing the project. Construction began 2007 and finished in 2010. Stockholm Waterfront earned LEED Gold 62/110 Credits. A majority of the credits were earned through energy efficient aspects. It has been stated in several articles the notable Stockholm Waterfront is one of the most energy efficient building and used processes uncommon to most building construction.

The following is the credit breakdown for the LEED Gold Certification

SUSTAINABLE SITES AWARDED: 19 / 26

SSc1 Site selection 1 / 1

Site was originally an old mail terminal and is located within the up and coming neighborhood; Norrmalm

SSc2 Development density and community connectivity 5 / 5

Stockholm Waterfront is located in the heart of city creating access within walking distance of several amenities including Stockholm Central Station, Public Parking, Bus, stores, Art Galleries and Museums.

SSc4.1 Alternative transportation - public transportation access 6 / 6

Stockholm Central Station, Public Parking, Bus (City Terminal), have drop off points creating easy access and walking to the building. The hotel part of the building offers free use of bikes.

SSc4.2 Alternative transportation - bicycle storage and changing rooms 1 / 1

Changing rooms and lockers are placed near bicycle storage of building.  

SSc4.3 Alternative transportation - low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles 3 / 3

Stockholm Waterfront provided electric charging stations for 5% of the total amount of parking available. Stations have preferential status for drivers with a 20% discount parking rate.

SSc4.4 Alternative transportation - parking capacity 2 / 2

Public Parking is near the building itself at just a few of the offered locations: Torsgatan 1 parking in the read of Cloud Nine Restaurant. Lindex a clothing store off of Regeringsgatan 15 has parking behind. Both businesses are approximately half a mile or 800 meters from Stockholm Waterfront..Norr Mälarstrand 2-80 is an open surface lot at about ¾ of a mile or 1,200 meters from the conference center.

SSc7.1 Heat island effect - nonroof 1 / 1

The roof of the structure is split 50% with vegetation, to incorporate more biodiversity. The remaining 50% of the roof is low albedo with an SRI index of 80 per ASTM International Standard E1980.  

WATER EFFICIENCY AWARDED: 8 / 10

WEc1 Water efficient landscaping 4 / 4

Use of local vegetation and grouping of plants based on watering needs. Both of these factors minimize maintenance all the while increasing curb appeal.

WEc2 Innovative wastewater technologies 2 / 2

Rain water is captured from the roof and low flow faucets and toilets restructure the traditional use of removal of waste. The system in place offsets the use and energy of local amenities encouraging a self sufficient system.  

WEc3 Water use reduction 2 / 4

Use of low flow faucets and toilets were installed in all restrooms.The faucets are rated at .5 Gallons per Minute (GPM). Alternative water source is included in credit EAc4 Enhanced refrigerant Mgmt with Lake Klara Sjö​ (Lake Klara) the nearby canal provides a water source, which the building collects and stores in the basement as ice storage.

ENERGY & ATMOSPHERE AWARDED: 17 / 35

EAc1 Optimize energy performance 13 / 19

The building naturally generates heat through the glass facades which act like solar collectors.

EAc3 Enhanced commissioning 2 / 2

Stockholm Waterfront has a documented commissioning process and was approved by commissioning authority in compliance with ASHRAE Guideline 0–2005 and ASHRAE Guideline 1.1–2007.  

EAc4 Enhanced refrigerant Mgmt 2 / 2

Lake Klara Sjö​ (Lake Klara) the nearby canal provides a water source, which the building collects and stores in the basement as ice storage. A control system uses the water to transfers energy throughout the building. Thus, addressing all cooling needs.

MATERIAL & RESOURCES AWARDED: 5 / 14

MRc2 Construction waste Mgmt 1 / 2

PEAB diverted 50% of construction waste. Dumpsters were set up for individual separation of materials into three streams (glass, metal, and plastic).  

MRc4 Recycled content 2 / 2

Furniture was brought in from Green Furniture Concept (GFC) is an international furniture company with a Nordic supply facility. Furniture is comprised of upcycled materials and based on regional Nordic Ecolabel (3rd party labeler, verification of quality) as a base standard.

MRc5 Regional materials 2 / 2

Local materials were shipped for the project 90% of which came from local distributors. This meant materials were brought in from 100 miles minimizing fuel and shipping costs.

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AWARDED: 5 / 15

EQc1 Outdoor air delivery monitoring 1 / 1

System is in place for outdoor air flow and delivery to the structure. Monitoring of the control system is configured outdoor airflow to maintain intervals of 15 minutes.  

EQc2 Increased ventilation 1 / 1

Mechanically vented spaces meets requirements with 30% of outdoor air ventilation to occupied spaces based on ASHRAE International Standard 62.1-2004.

EQc3.1 Construction IAQ Mgmt plan - during construction 1 / 1

PEAB submitted an Indoor Air Quality plan. MERV rating of 8 for filtration systems and all materials are properly closed off and kept from exposure to dust, moisture, and other materials.

EQc3.2 Construction IAQ Mgmt plan - before occupancy 1 / 1

PEAB submitted am Indoor Air Quality management plan. This included a flush out pre-occupancy, MERV rating of 8 for filtration systems, and all materials are properly closed off and kept from exposure to dust, moisture, and other materials.

EQc8.2 Daylight and views - views 1 / 1

This is mentioned in an earlier credit. The glass facade increases natural sunlight increasing the natural visibility within the building, decreasing the need for natural light. Health benefits are in tow as well with a better working environment and overall mood of visitors and staff.

INNOVATION AWARDED: 4 / 6

IDc1 Innovation in design 3 / 5

A veil of Z profiles in Stainless steel create a playful shape in the structure but also help add square footage to the upper part of the structure.

IDc2 LEED Accredited Professional 1 / 1

White arkitekter provided a LEED AP for this project.

REGIONAL PRIORITY AWARDED: 4 / 4

EAc1 Optimize energy performance 1 / 1

The glass facades are 1,040 m2 solar collectors that on average gather 1 MW of heat energy on a daily basis.

EAc3 Enhanced commissioning 1 / 1

Concordant system was installed for this specific project. Heat is moved and distributed between The building by a water pump.The water pump pulls heat between your house and water drawn from Lake Klara Sjo which is stored in 250 Tons of ice tanks which can be found in the basement.  

WEc1 Water efficient landscaping 1 / 1

Pre-planning and plantining included the use of native plants and grouping based on watering needs. Both of these factors minimize maintenance all the while increasing curb appeal.

WEc2 Innovative wastewater technologies 1 / 1

The use of rain water is captured from the roof and low flow faucets and toilets restructure the traditional use of removal of waste. The system in place offsets the use and energy of local amenities encouraging a self sufficient system.  

INTEGRATIVE PROCESS CREDITS AWARDED: 0 / 3

IPpc100 Passive Survivability and Functionality During Emergencies REQUIRED

Mitigating risks by way of thermal resilience, backup power, and access to potable water.  

IPpc98 Assessment and Planning for Resilience REQUIRED

Hazards are identified including; flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, droughts, and landslides.

IPpc99 Design for Enhanced Resilience REQUIRED

Assessment for the following concerns: Sea Level Rise/Storm Surge, River Flooding, Winter Storms, Temperature, Precipitation Changes and Storm Intensity.

TOTAL 62 / 110 for LEED Gold Certified

Bibliography

Gregor, A. (2016). USGBC | Global LEED. Retrieved October 10, 2016,     from http://plus.usgbc.org/global-leed/    

Wilson, A. (2016, March 10). Retrieved October 29, 2016, from mainstreaming_reslience_making_resilient_design_part_standard.pdf  

City Bikes. (2016). Retrieved October 29, 2016, from http://citybikes.se/home  

Cloud Nine Restaurant. (2016). Retrieved October 29, 2016, from http://restaurangcloudnine.se/  

EABCT2016 – IN THE CITY. (2016). Retrieved October 29, 2016, from http://eabct2016.org/inthecity/  

Heat Pump Systems. (2016). Retrieved October 29, 2016, from http://energy.gov/energysaver/heat-pump-systems  

How To Get There. (2016). Retrieved October 29, 2016, from http://www.stockholmwaterfront.com/location/get-there  

JRS Asset Management. (2015). Retrieved October 23, 2016, from https://jrsam.se/    

Nordic Ecolabel. (2016). Retrieved October 29, 2016, from http://www.nordic-ecolabel.org/  

Project: Stockholm Waterfront - White arkitekter AB. (2010). Retrieved October 23, 2016, from http://www.world-architects.com/en/projects/34653_Stockholm_Waterfront    

Performance Tested Comfort Systems® Air ... (2016). Retrieved October 29, 2016, from https://www.bpa.gov/EE/Sectors/Residential/Documents/Heat_Pump_Commissioning_procedure_2007.pdf  

Stockholm Waterfront A Model of Sustainable Urban Development. (2016, January 21). Retrieved October 29, 2016, from http://www.ecobuildingpulse.com/news/stockholm-waterfront-a-model-of-sustainable-urban-development_c  

Stockholm Central Station in Stockholm, Sweden. (2016). Retrieved October 29, 2016, from https://travel.sygic.com/en/poi/stockholm-central-station-poi:56601  

Stockholm Congress - Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre. (2016). Retrieved October 23, 2016, from http://www.stockholmwaterfront.com/    

Stockholm Parking. (2016). Stockholm Parkering | Kvällsparkering. Retrieved October 29, 2016, from http://www.stockholmparkering.se/Pages/Kvallsparkering.aspx  

Stockholm Waterfront - Wikipedia. (2016, May 12). Retrieved October 24, 2016, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_Waterfront    

Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre - emporis.com. (2016). Retrieved October 23, 2016, from https://www.emporis.com/buildings/290944/stockholm-waterfront-congress-centre-stockholm-sweden    

Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre. (2015, December 14). Retrieved October 29, 2016, from http://www.lusas.com/case/civil/swcc.html  

Stockholm Waterfront | U.S. Green Building Council. (2016). Retrieved October 10, 2016, from http://www.usgbc.org/projects/stockholm-waterfront  

Stockholm Waterfront. (2010). Retrieved October 29, 2016, from http://www.peab.se/Hallbarhet/Miljo/Certifiering-av-byggnader/LEED/Stockholm-Waterfront/  

Sustainability. (2016). Retrieved October 29, 2016, from http://www.greenfc.com/sustainability  

Water-Smart Landscapes Start With WaterSense. (2013, July). Retrieved October 29, 2016,    from https://www3.epa.gov/watersense/docs/water-efficient_landscaping_508.pdf

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Lol

Same.

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Recycling even a single can conserves enough energy to run a hair dryer for 15 minutes. #energy https://t.co/QoitcR8GZE

Recycling even a single can conserves enough energy to run a hair dryer for 15 minutes. #energy https://t.co/QoitcR8GZE

— Steel: EnviroMetal (@EnviroMetal) July 26, 2016

from Twitter https://twitter.com/EnviroMetal July 26, 2016 at 06:00PM via IFTTT

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#photo from yesterday… #fitting the #Reclaimed #NYC #Watertower #Redwood to these #Chair frames… Really excited how this will come together… More in the next few days.. #progress #Design #welding #woodwork #dowoodworking #woodgrain #minerals #character #modern #furniture #designer #maker #cauvdesign #madeinredhook #brooklynmade #madeinnyc (at CAUV Design Modern Furniture)

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Batman by Rafael Grampá

Definitely a John Romita Jr feel to his work.

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LOVE>>>> Welding is ART

All this dumb page does is post other people’s work, uncredited, for likes. I guess that’s what IG is now though, huh? Build a page, sell it, build another page. Either that or Shoutout shoutout shoutout shoutout. What’s the ratio of original content to reposts?

FOLLOW ME TO BECOME A MILLIONAIRE FROM INSTAGRAM!!!!

Just kidding.

#browndogwelding

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#women #amazing #Strong #capable

Stoked to share the cover shot of this weekend’s special edition @nytmag. Spending time in NYC as a climber, I inevitably end up looking towards the most obvious and aesthetic line in the skyline. Never thought I would ever actually get access to climb to the top of the 1 World Trade Center….Here Jamison Walsh, the one safety consultant certified to make the annual inspection on the tower, climbs towards the Crow’s Nest near the top of the 1WTC. See more at the link in my profile and keep your eyes out for the VR piece where you can join us on the climb. @kathyryan1

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If you can love the wrong one so much, just imagine how much you can love the right one.

Brandon Stanton, Humans of New York (via thelovejournals)

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Love Love Love this. Never let your creativity be part of your past.

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Woman vs. Woman

Jessica Lynn

June 14, 2016

  The competition between the sexes has been a medieval and heavily marketed ordeal since the beginning of time. Feel free to insert reference(s) to Adam and Eve, living conditions of women and men in Greece, wage gap between men and women today, and of course, t.v shows such as Battle of the Sexes. We talk of men and women having competing interests, but what about the battle between women? An engrossing conversation highlighted some severe variances.

In my professional workings I have been in diverse environments.  Some of these settings were female dominated, others male. It was unique, the contrast both types of domain offered. Working with all women, there was little to no resistance. We worked together and almost had a sisterly bond (arguing as siblings included). Working in male dominated conditions was ALWAYS abrasive. Why you may be asking? Taking a deeper look at the societal stance on men and women will allow further divergence into the matter.

In general terms; women are conditioned to be passive, letting men take the lead, always setting their goal’s aside to accommodate (thank the goddess I was raised by a feminist mom). Male's are to be assertive, masculine (I.e Manly, in charge, strong), and have the comforts of easy passage (in life, career, and travel). Seriously, how often do you hear someone catcall a guy as he is walking down the street, or asked sexual favors to get special consideration??

Of course, if either sex steps outside their gender assignment (set by society, a whole new can of worms) they are out of line. Meaning women must be gay (dikey, manish, or just plain weird). Men are immediately devalued by other males, called pussy (yet another hit on women), queer, and/or worse. Sexism, societal roles, and going against the grain are not acceptable. All of these elements reroute us right back to the initial point. Woman vs woman, if you are different then we can't get along, right?

Wrong! ! ! We are women, we need to set down our differences and our preconceived norms. Together so much can be accomplished. Progress is being made and could be improved by our unity. Understanding why we attack, and how it effects one another is a primary step. In a conversation from a few weeks ago, I was speaking with a co-worker of mine. She is about 10 years my senior with very different experiences than myself. For one, she came right out of college into the position she works today. Married pretty early on as well, with kids. She has repeatedly mentioned her lack of participation in going above and beyond her studies while in college (no organizations or conferences). She is comfortable in her position which is a predominantly female sector of our industry.

My background includes working as a welder and as a body technician. My education was more round about. I worked and went to school full time. Once I graduated, I went into the field full time. Now back in school to advance my degree in a male dominated area. Currently, I stay active in three to four organizations, two of which I have a leadership role.  I volunteer and seek opportunities to network.

Overall, her and I have striking differences. Neither one better than the other, just at varied levels and desires in life. Our conversation digressed stark experiences with our workings with men. Her’s has been ideal, no disrespect, never had a co-worker display a crass or excluding behavior. She also fits in the women "norm", passive, and remarks herself in negative connotation at times (It's a dumb question, I don't know). When I described the pay difference I saw as a welder, she responded with I don't care to know what my co-workers make... (Ignorance is bliss?) I on the other hand, have repeatedly been sexually harassed, put down for my position as a woman in the industry, and questioned on my authority (knowledge base).

One woman may ‘never’ experience a sense of injustice because she fits her role. The level of discrimination she has a blind eye to, because it's not thrown in her face. Whereas, another woman may [continue] to strive for equality. She may find more 'masculine' (leadership, male dominated..for now) roles appealing, and will receive different treatment (no, I don't mean a hard time or messed with..see above).

Women vs woman is due to the difference in experiences and perspectives. Does this mean we should treat each other as outcasts?? Hell no!! We are and should continue to, raise one another up. The injustices in our lives are there, and not going away. Together we can be the voice of reason. Having one another's back and listening, feeling each others pains, triumphs, and encounters. I am making this post a callout, daring women to stop fighting each other. To open your ears and use those intelligent brains I know you ALL have. Let us be WOMEN not woman vs woman.

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Compactness: The Key to Sustainability

Jessica Lynn

December 14, 2015 

Abstract

Planning focuses on developing the urban fabric of a city. There are three basic principles planners must follow in order to establish a well designed city, neighborhood, or region: Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainability. Environmentally, there are two strong aspects to focus on: green infrastructure and compactness. Economics focus on compactness. Dense zoning centers around establishing roadways, sidewalks, businesses, homes, and communities emphasizing regional accessibility. This creates a connection utilizing foot traffic and convenience. Community members have active contact to businesses, increasing spending. Social sustainability is the last fundamental building block in creating an elastic and successful community. Compactness creates a safer more supple lifestyle, tying people together, enabling a stronger united urban fiber. Planners incorporating the three basic principles of sustainability, Environmental, Economic, and Social principles, establish a higher quality of life by creating an interactive and personal venue of shared resources.

"Sustainability" written by Talen, explores proposed key principles to our future, applicable whether a planner, architect, builder, or any other profession. Planning focuses on developing the urban fabric of a city, according to Talen "Cities, towns, and other human habitats should seek to reduce their consumption of resources and increase their resilience and adaptability" (Talen, 2012). Thus, resilience and adaptability are essential in developing cities and communities to be long standing for future generations to come. There are three basic principles planners must follow in order to establish a well designed city, neighborhood, or region: Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainability.These three elements have to be implemented together, for a successful, fully functioning system to work.  

Compactness is the answer to reducing the harmful effects of urban sprawl and successfully implementing all areas of sustainability. Highway systems barrel through ecological needs by destroying plant life and natural habitats while setting up  an invisible line of separation with those who have and those without. Developed highway systems allow people to travel from outside the city limits, segregating social classes, diverting necessary resources for all to have access to, and environmentally harming our ecological system "Since 1970, vehicle miles traveled have increased by 121%, more than four times the population growth over that same period. Traffic congestion is estimated to cost the nation $168 billion in lost productivity"(Policy Guide on Planning for Sustainability, 2015). By focusing energy on environmental, economic, and social concerns, the best system will be in place, for all to reap benefits from.

Environmentally, there are two strong aspects to focus on: green infrastructure and compactness. Green infrastructure focuses on water management. Green roofs, living walls, and permeable surfaces are a few ways to develop a system. These systems assist in minimizing water runoff, pollutants in water sources, maximizing the energy output/input and nutrient use of water. These changes increase a cleaner more breathable atmosphere and expand drinkable water sources. Renewable energy can be obtained through the use of solar panels, Passive Haus design(energy efficiency in constructing homes and buildings), and park development, adding to strong groundwork with minimal damaging effects on the environment "Sustainable places support passive solar design, sustainable stormwater practices, organic architecture, the harnessing waste heat, and the protection of biodiversity corridors" (Talen, 2012). In order to decrease water pollutants and increase air quality, green infrastructure and close proximity are major elements needed to be implemented by planners to endorse environmental sustainability.

Many programs have been created to encourage people to become more environmentally conscious such as; public transit (bike riding programs), urban farming (learning to grow food/helping those without, eat healthy), and point systems (LEED certifications). Some organizations also assist in further networking and educating people about said programs such as: United States Green Building Council (USGBC), American Public Transportation Association (APTA), and The Urban Farming Guys, forging paths for individuals to investigate, learn, experience, and meet professionals. The American Planning Association and its Chapters "support planning policies, programs, and state and federal legislation that support incentives and other economic tools to improve the sustainability of our natural environment, enhance natural resources, and improve community subdivision and building design standards" (Policy Guide on Planning for Sustainability, 2015).

Environment sustainability can be implemented by focusing on establishing roadways, sidewalks, businesses, homes, and communities, to enable a more accessible region. Easier access revitalizes downtown spaces and neighborhoods with numerous benefits, including more active patrons (health risks decrease), reasonable access to supplies (groceries that aren't marked up 300%), and shared municipal resources (fire departments, hospitals, and police). Close proximity creates a safer more supple lifestyle, tying people together, enabling a stronger, united urban fiber "To be pursued as a whole in an integrated, comprehensive, systems approach in order to move toward sustainability in community planning and development" (Policy Guide on Planning for Sustainability, 2015).

Environment segues into social sustainability. "The connection between sustainability and diversity is that a diverse community is, presumably, better able to take care of itself"(Talen, 2012). Density contrives a connection between the two through foot traffic and convenience. Interested buyers have active contact to businesses, increasing spending while cutting down on harmful pollutants produced from driving. Both factors add to a higher satisfaction in an area. When quality of life increases, money is more readily available, leading to less sick days and better resources like education and water. People tend to be more social, encouraging mixtures of culture and backgrounds. Stress levels decline due to biking and walking which are natural stress relievers. Less congestion means diminished time spent in traffic. Each of these elements build conditioned living standards, creating a mixture of incomes and classes, harmoniously with desires and needs equally addressed.

Social sustainability is the last fundamental building block in creating an elastic and successful community. Diversity is the key element, void of class or social separation. Societies excel when resources are equally dispersed which "Ensures better access to resources for all social groups" (Talen, 2012). Mixed housing bridges shared beliefs and cultural backgrounds, adding to the richness a neighborhood can grow from. History has shown how poor and closed off classes become, when segregated and accommodated to very specific locations (i.e. the Bronx, Igoe-Pruitt). "In Los Angeles County, California, minorities are three times as likely as whites to live within half a mile of a large, hazardous waste treatment, storage, or disposal facility" (Policy Guide on Planning for Sustainability, 2015). To increase prosperity and opportunity, a medley of new connections need to be made. The more associated a populace is, wider the social network, stronger and more uniform the people become. Joining bridges between people, gives a voice to everyone. Transparency and unity become a driving force for progressing healthy initiatives and inscribing concerns when they arise. City Hall meetings will be full of citizens, the homeless population would decrease be tended to, and property taxes would fluctuate less.

Incorporating the three basic principles of sustainability; Environmental, Economic, and Social, planners can according to Talen "orchestrate human activity." This shows everyone has a higher quality of living, sharing resources, and endorsing more opportunities for all to embrace. To measure the level of success for planning sustainable, there are parameters used. The key factors to note are the institutional strategies. Corporate policy is easily recognized through recycling programs, creating easy access or pick up for people, encouraging practice of a less wasteful lifestyle. Local government also has a role in establishing programs: schools and firefighters building urban gardens, hospitals making green roofs, and tax incentives for homeowners and businesses to install solar panels. Civic duty has a large role, encouraging communities to work together to pick up trash, assisting the elderly, and volunteering to winter proof buildings and homes to reduce energy loss. With closer proximity of communities we see a decrease in urban sprawl, emphasizing and utilizing the guidelines discussed by Talen. Each of these parameters increase activity, when there is a strength in numbers.

All of these methods have a higher level of success, when the public they are serving is compact and diverse. Many benefits arise from the careful consideration and implementation of the principles of sustainability. As discussed by Talen in the article Sustainability, higher quality of living, means healthier people, leading to more active communities, establishing a more resilient city. Human success is based on our how well we adapt and grow. Talen demonstrates the positive outcomes of such application in planning. By living in close proximity, resources are evenly dispersed and bonds created, building a stronger network of people to work in unison for a greener future.

Resources

APA Policy Guides. (2015). Retrieved November 27, 2015, from https://www.planning.org/policy/guides/  

Policy Guide on Planning for Sustainability. (2015). Retrieved November 27, 2015, from https://www.planning.org/policy/guides/adopted/sustainability.htm  

Sharing Knowledge Feeding Nations. (2015). Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://theurbanfarmingguys.com/?gclid=CLHksJHHuMkCFZOCaQod1fICLQ  

Sustainability Guide Plan. (2008). Retrieved November 28, 2015, from http://www.ci.burnsville.mn.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1287  

Talen, E. (2012). Sustainability. In The Oxford Handbook of Urban Planning (1st ed., pp. 120-133). New York City, New York: Oxford University Press.  

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Sustainable Shopping

Jessica Lynn

September 15, 2015

In my recent endeavors, I have started to reconfigure the way I shop. Shopping sustainably is not the typical strategy used by consumers to acquire goods or services. Our society in the U.S. creates a smorgasbord of easy choices that require little thought. The last summary I wrote addressing sustainable shopping piqued my curiosity.  How far can I go as a consumer; are their limits to what I can filter through the notion of being a sustainable consumer? What factors comprise the essence of sustainability as a practice that can be realistically and broadly embraced?

Well documented studies and research now clearly illuminate the role water plays as an essential resource for manufacturing, maintaining, and transporting products. Producers outsource the labor to the cheapest markets to save money, and in do so focus on profitability with few barriers, including those that might prevent harmful environmental impact (factory smoke, transportation), economic downgrade and reductions to GDP (money going outside the U.S. instead of coming in), and the abuse of workers (blocked exits, limited facilities, outrageous work schedules, sweatshops and slave/incarcerated workers. Our actions create the need for sweatshops. The "19-hour shifts while only earning about $20 or so a month", are true for many mainstream companies). How do we decrease all of these negative factors? How do we as consumers take responsibility for shifting product consumption closer to home, and make inroads to ending supply chain abuses? The answer: Through sustainable purchasing.

Shopping local public venues is an experience we all share; we commute to Wal-Mart, Target, Marsh, and even the Mall. We deal with sometimes long lines of impatient people, with carts being pushed around and sometimes even into someone or something. As we stroll through the stores and departments we are immediately overwhelmed with all of these items we need and don’t have. The trip that starts as "I needed this" turns into, "well I bought this and this". What if we took a step back and simplified this process. In Europe, many countries have a system which specializes each place for particulars. It was common in the U.S. until the advent of the shopping centers and malls in the 60s and 70s. Before then, the butcher sold meat, a clothier sold sweaters and items of the like, and a general store became small grocers, many of whom would deliver to your door. This concept still operates in many small towns and villages throughout Europe, but in the U.S. be invented mass marketing and retail hubs, effectively supplanting the small business owner, who was unable to compete with the bulk purchasing power of what we know as major retailers. What started out as choice, variety and affordability to be enjoyed, has become imbedded in our culture as necessity, and indeed, as inflation has crushed the purchasing power of the dollar, many of us have had to become more careful and frugal in our consumption.

Shopping local doesn't have to be a regressive practice, indeed, the losses suffered to local economies to mass retailers is significant, even devastating. Resisting the urge to "default" to a Big Box store can be part of what will improve the community economically and environmentally. Perhaps it will be the revitalization of a downtown shopping district, offering combinations of handmade, gently used, or repurposed items. In some places people have turned their yards, garages and porches into small unofficial retail businesses. Using social media, local cooperatives offer items and services for cash, trade or barter. Swap meets, community sale days, farmer's markets, community markets are all ways to focus on the local, which makes the most of existing resources, extending the life of used products and bumping the need for new. In a retail culture that is already set up for supply side economics, it is an easy corollary.  

While purchasing locally sourced goods gives back to the communities in which we live, it also restricts the negative impact many large companies create since newness "(it) will generally have a larger carbon footprint due to the journey it has taken to reach you." Choosing locally sourced or already manufactured items decreases negative impact socially, economically, and environmentally. With a little bit of inquiry, each one of us can easily change our retail habits. Local public venues like libraries, farmers markets, and locally owned businesses are often in the loop and frequently sponsor posting space for customers or clients; bars, coffee shops, restaurants, diners, coffee shops, groceries, and book stores often offer these bulletin boards.  Taking this "extra step" to support our local community also helps local communities of workers in places like Bangladesh, India, Egypt, and Haiti, where many people are mistreated in order to manufacture products for our consumption.

As we continue into the technological age, online shopping has become part of our consumerism. Logistically speaking, there is a lot that goes into making purchases online, such as fuels for transportation, materials used for excessive packaging, and other essential natural resources. What if I told you there is a way to still shop online, and decrease your environmental impact? Many websites and apps have started emphasizing the sale of used items. Yerdle, Vinted, and NYC stuff Exchange are just to name a few. With these apps and websites you can contact the seller, offer to meet them, or even specially request they use alternative packaging (i.e. reusing or minimizing packaging, or shipping items together instead of separately).  In taking these small steps, we minimize the resources needed to move the products being bought.  

It is important to support independent sellers, since money directly in their pocket has bigger impact on the economy than filtering it through a major retailer, having it only return in the form of wages. Every bite out of that dollar before it arrives locally, is value that is diminished in the community of the consumer. If you pay a local person $10 for a sweater, that whole $10 stays put in the community to buy groceries, pay rent, go to dinner, etc. If you spend $10 for a sweater at a major retailer, at least 50% of that cost goes back to the retailer and leaves the community. Perhaps $3-$5 is reinvested directly in the local economy. The more of that $10 changing hands in exchange for local goods and services away from major retailers, the more positive impact it will have. A chain reaction of $10 to a local person for a sweater, can then be $10 to a small local grocery downtown, which can then pay a local egg producer $10 for their eggs, who can then buy grain for the chickens from a local feed coop. The impact of buying local can be exponential.

Finally, let's talk about secondhand purchasing. As I highlighted above, gently used or reused, takes less energy to move and make (already made), and consumers can purchase goods locally. Each community has their own network of secondhand shops, "vintage shops, charity/thrift shops, consignment shops, retro shops, garage sales, swap meets, flea markets, car-boot sales, dress agencies, auction clearances, antique fairs," where many items we search for can be found at a reasonable price.  Imagine for a second the impact inhabitants of this world could make if each one of us bought more items used. Collectively, small steps can make major strides and transform our attitude about value, "purchasing decisions can influence a number of detrimental impacts, both environmentally and socially, as we vote with our wallets." We can decrease the harmful presence we have created with our hunger for the "new". Transformation of our behavior patterns can begin with small steps, but unmistakably must begin to happen immediately. The time to start is well overdue.

References

Carver, Courtney. "Why and Where to Buy Sustainable Fashion." Project 333. Courtney Carver, 2015.     Web. 15 Sept. 2015. <http://theproject333.com/why-and-where-to-buy-sustainable-fashion/>.  

Han, Jinhee. "Understanding Second-hand Retailing: A Resource Based Perspective of Best Practices    Leading to Business Success." Iowa State University Digital Repository. Iowa State University, 2013. Web. 15 Sept. 2015. <http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4643&context=etd>.  

MacIntyre, David. "10 Major Clothing Brands Caught in Shocking Sweat Shop Scandals." TheRichest. TheRichest.com, 8 July 2014. Web. 17 Sept. 2015. <http://www.therichest.com/rich-list/most-shocking/10-major-clothing-brands-caught-in-shocking-sweatshop-scandals/?view=all>.  

"Shop Sustainably." Sustainable Table. Grace Communications Foundation, 2015. Web. 15 Sept. 2015. <http://www.sustainabletable.org/875/shop-sustainably>.  

"Sustainable Shopping Tips." World Wildlife Fund. WWF, 2015. Web. 15 Sept. 2015. <http://www.wwf.org.au/get_involved/change_the_way_you_live/sustainable_shopping_tips/>.  

"Where to Buy." NYC Stuff Exchange. The City of New York, 2015. Web. 15 Sept. 2015. <http://www.nyc.gov/html/stuffex/html/buy/where_to_buy.shtml>.

[pyrow3lder-blog]

Revolution(?) A Greener Tomorrow

Jessica Lynn

October 1, 2015

It is no surprise so many people are resistant to changing their lifestyles, such as recycling, cutting down on consumption, or not watering their lawns. Why should they; we enjoy water that comes straight out of the faucet, food available 24/7 at the grocery, and a company that picks up our trash. Most Americans are not inconvenienced by lack of access, nevertheless, there are a large number of individuals in the U.S. and around the world who do not have easy or clean access to the basic necessities each one of us needs to survive healthy. Climate Change is happening, it is in the summers that are cooler when tradition says it should be hot, our winters that are milder, and increased forest fires we see all along the Northern West Coast, an area known for their high annual rainfall. There is a new climatological patchwork that breaks the patterns of seasonal behavior emerging. The change is becoming serious enough that doing business is being affected. What if I told you corporations are starting to put their foot down?  

Recently, many companies have finally come to terms with climate reality. The effects of change are no longer avoidable. Google, Apple, and Facebook, have recently committed to changing their practices to decrease hazardous Greenhouse gases caused from their manufacturing of products. With this change some corporations are revisiting their political ties as well "Google said this week that it would withdraw from the American Legislative Exchange Council, a conservative-leaning group that has urged repeal of state renewable power standards and other pro-renewable policies." The referenced companies are the source of environmental impact as manufacturers; water pollutants caused by runoff, increased Co2 emissions in to the air, not to mention e-waste created from many electronic devices. Google, Apple, and Facebook also have a strong reputation, and because of their name recognition as a common household brand, they have a responsibility to send a message by example, to unify all of us, to make a change for the greater good, by modifying practices in order to preserve our planet.

Companies like Kellogg, L'Oreal, and Nestle, are pledging to decrease their impact on forests, from the use of palm oil mining, minimizing the destruction of forests in India in order to decrease harm through the "effect of deforestation and increasing CO2 concentrations both tend to increase surface temperature, mainly because of decreases in evapotranspiration and the radiative effect of CO2." There are several companies who are on board including Wal-Mart and PepsiCo  to 'Green' their production, "Forty companies signed a pledge on Tuesday to halve deforestation by 2020 and end it by 2030". By pledging, these companies are setting a standard for others to join. The are choosing to decrease the destruction of many plant and wildlife homes, stopping the illegal acts of destroying 'regulated' areas, but also looking at alternative more successful and resilient means to producing goods.

The biggest reinforcement to companies is the economic impact they will see by using renewables and establishing a more resilient production method. Not only will they cut costs, they will see gains from using renewables and investing in them “It’s great for the environment, and by the way it’s also good for economics.”There are two legislative documents;  American Clean Energy and Security Act which is before congress and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a law passed in February 2014 "together can generate roughly $150 billion per year in new clean-energy investments". A sustainable future is before us, and with the government backing it, and companies utilizing it, our future can, and will be promising.  

Many questions remain, such as why is Nestle is still pulling water from the California Aquifers (Calderon, J. 2015), but pledging to end deforestation by 2030, or Apple's sweat shops with suicide nets in Asia (Cooper, R. 2013) still being kept open. At least we are moving one foot in front of the other. If we can get more legislation to endorse a renewable future, we can and will succeed in keeping our quality of life, and reducing the harm we have caused to Mother Earth.

References

Calderon, Jay. "Bottling Water without Scrutiny." The Desert Sun. Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc., 8 Mar. 2015. Web. 3 Oct. 2015. <http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/2015/03/05/bottling-water-california-drought/24389417/>.

"Combined Effects of Deforestation and Doubled Atmospheric CO2 Concentrations on the Climate of Amazonia." American Meteorological Society 13.1 (2000): 18-34. Journal of Climate. Allen Press Inc. Web. 1 Oct. 2015. <http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/full/10.1175/1520-0442(2000)0132.0.CO;2>.

Cooper, Rob. "Inside Apple's Chinese 'sweatshop' Factory Where Workers Are Paid Just £1.12 per Hour to Produce IPhones and IPads for the West." DailyMail.com. DailyMail.com, 25 Jan. 2013. Web. 3 Oct. 2015. <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2103798/Revealed-Inside-Apples-Chinese-sweatshop-factory-workers-paid-just-1-12-hour.html>.

Gillis, Justin. "Companies Take the Baton in Climate Change Efforts." The New York Times 23 Sept. 2014, Energy and Environment sec. The New York TImes Company. Web. 1 Oct. 2015. <http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/24/business/energy-environment/passing-the-baton-in-climate-change-efforts.html>.

"Nestlé and the California Drought: Your Questions Answered." Nestle. Nestle.com, 2015. Web. 1 Oct. 2015. <http://www.nestle.com/aboutus/ask-nestle/answers/nestle-california-drought-bottled-water-questions?iq_id=86386449-VQ16-c&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Corporate PR _Brand_English_MBR&utm_term=86386449-VQ16-c>.

Zwick, Steve. "13 Powerhouse American Companies Have Taken Obama's New Climate Pledge. What Does It Mean for Forests?" The Huffington Post; Green. The Huffington Post.com, Inc., 27 July 2015. Web. 1 Oct. 2015. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/forest-trends/13-powerhouse-american-co_b_7883082.html>.

[pyrow3lder-blog]

Sustainable Diet: Eating for Impact

Jessica Lynn

September 10, 2015

There are a variety of ways diets have been used to promote everything from losing weight, achieving specific health benefits, or just simply having more energy. Essentially, diet is a way of looking at our relationship with food. If we step a little further back in our examination, it is easy to expand our understanding to how food relates to the environment, and therefore how we, through our food, relate to the environment as well. If we look at diet as a way to decrease our negative impact on the ecosystem, then we are in fact creating a more sustainable approach to our survival. Eating foods that utilize resources efficiently develops an umbrella coverage that impacts everything from nutrition and health of our bodies as individuals as well as the nutrition and health of the earth on which we stand. It is the surest path to not just survival, but thriving.

To understand precisely what eating sustainably means, Wikipedia defines it as "eating patterns based on looking at the impact that food consumption has on planetary resources and attempting to create healthy eating patterns that can promote the needs of the environment, society, and the economy." This means recognizing harmful aspect of our diet, and breaking the cyclical habits that defy a commonly defined well-being. By replacing or implementing a more positive meal regimen utilizing sources that engage revitalizing growth practices. As an individual who has always believed that eating sustainably meant growing my own plants and animals, I have since discovered there are a multitude of ways to approach and maintain a sustainable diet.

Let's talk about what this type of diet looks like. It will consist of five key elements, eating more plants, less food waste, less meat, less factory processing, and buying endorsed products. We as humans are omnivores, meaning we can eat plants and/or animals. Vegetables are naturally nutrient dense, and when eaten in variety and effective combinations (like legumes paired with grains) they provide a strong majority of what we need to supply energy and good health. As our demand (population) for foodstuffs has increased, so has our need for meat and dairy. Currently Americans eat more meat and dairy than they really need. As meat and dairy have increased, the consumption of vegetables has decreased, especially in their most natural state, where maximum nutritional density is found. Processed foods add ingredients to keep a longer shelf life, and while the origins of food preservation can be traced back thousands of years, what we experience in today's consumer culture as preservation and product enhancement has strayed far from simple smoking and salting. Purveyors certainly are not using only the essential packaging necessary to protect the product. Often packaging is over amplified to enhance the illusion of safety, quantity, or quality. This means more materials than are needed to simply supply a population with life sustaining essentials. Natural resources are wasted simply to impress the buyer.  

In order to change this imbalance, vegetables and fruits need to be digested more often, with meat and dairy less. Food closer to it's natural state used as fresh as possible, with preservation methods adhering to the philosophy or less (not more) is better. Packaging should be done to protect and manage the products with an eye for material minimalism and reusability, and where there is waste, ensuring the waste is feasibly recyclable. In shifting this paradigm we also have the opportunity to decrease food waste. On the other hand, purchasing "endorsed" foods means paying attention to labels "Sustainably raised animals are treated humanely and are permitted to carry out natural behaviors such as rooting in the dirt and pecking the ground." Examples of endorsed foods are those that are USDA Organic, Fair Trade, and Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(RSPCA). The change in spending habits has to begin at home. Think about the last time you were home and you were hungry, did you go for the apple, salad, piece of cheese, or a burger?

There are seven essential choices we as consumers need to make in order to establish a routine sustainable diet. First, minimizing waste; this means less packaging, finding ways to use leftover food/gone bad (i.e. Composting, feeding to animals, or repurposing for another recipes). Ways to do this can be by purchasing fruits and vegetables that are not already prepackaged. When shopping, carry multiuse bags/packaging that are fruit/vegetable dedicated (in order to prevent cross contamination). Patronize farmers markets or other local businesses, where fresh items are on display in baskets or bundled. Grow your own small variety of plants (i.e. herbs, tomatoes, peppers), and/or choose products from open bins at grocery stores.  

Use fewer resources and less energy. The second essential involves the energy grid and transportation, and the third is about the resource intensity of animal products; you could call it their "carbon footprint". Those who grow their own food are used to cleaning what they eat. Less water will be used by a single consumer buying local than by a factory operation that washes, gasses, waxes and ships food hundred or thousands of miles. Eat smarter by consuming fewer animal products that require significant hoof to home resources. Is there a local butcher? Are there local agricultural and husbandry producers that will allow you to lease or coop buy livestock/livestock products harvested for consumption? Reduce the portions of cheeses and steaks, and increasing quantities of vegetable and grain varieties. Think cleaner arteries and fewer greenhouse gases.  

The fourth essential is to buy local; meaning support your local farmers. Economically, small growers are often left out of the fat profit loop of food provision. Smaller farmers are less inclined to over treat their crops with fertilizers and pest and herb poisons. The "heavy use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers that pollute the water, air and soil near industrial farms” is a land management technique aimed at reducing labor intensity, maximizing mechanization, and increasing per acre yields. Often crops are harvested significantly before their peak freshness, which in turn affects their value as a nutrition source. Local farmers are more likely to use their produce by-products as compost or fodder, which is an enriching and sustainable practice. Patronizing local growers is good for the economy, encourages compassionate land use, decreases fuel consumption, storage, packaging, and delivers the freshest product to your table.

Fifth, consider purchasing Fair Trade products which are designed to protect and create monetary gain for those who are living on the fringes of economic security. Sixth, buy fish from reputable sources that are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), decreasing the likelihood of mercury and other harmful toxins being found in what you eat. MSC is one of many groups dedicated to protecting our water resources and the wildlife in and around them.  

Finally, we need to be wary of sugars, fats, and additives in our foods. Sugar has addictive qualities, and "high-glycemic foods may trigger the same brain mechanism as substance abuse." The impact of additives designed to trigger "cravings" could be reduced or eliminated by careful consideration of what are eating.  In addition to sugars, MSG and other additives are not recognized by our bodies as energy and nutrient source and often cause undesirable reactions or "allergies". Start by reading package labels. The first item listed is the most plentiful ingredient, with decreasing proportions further down the list. If the the first item on the ingredient list is water, then that is what comprises the greatest percentage of the package contents.  

Consumers can engage in a sustainable diet without planting potatoes and raising goats. Investigating, researching, and examining one's own lifestyle and diet is the starting point. Awareness as consumers is the best place to begin making choices that will shape the marketplace. Small changes can add up, and significantly begin to improve the quality of life we enjoy. When we align our lives with practices that improve our wellbeing, we take a step toward improving the world for everyone.

Resources

(2015). Retrieved September 9, 2015, from http://www.chgeharvard.org/category/healthy-and-sustainable-food  

Miller, A. (2015, September 11). What should we eat now? Retrieved September 11, 2015, from http://sustainablefoodtrust.org/articles/what-should-we-eat-now-climate-change/  

Mooney, A. (2013, July 3). Addicted to Food? Retrieved September 9, 2015, from https://hms.harvard.edu/news/addicted-food-7-3-13  

Shop Sustainably. (2015). Retrieved September 9, 2015, from http://www.sustainabletable.org/873/eating-sustainably  

Shute, N. (2012, April 20). For Most Of Human History, Being An Omnivore Was No Dilemma. Retrieved September 9, 2015, from http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2012/04/20/150817741/for-most-of-human-history-being-an-omnivore-was-no-dilemma

Sustainable Diet. (2015, August 13). Retrieved September 9, 2015, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_diet  

What are healthy, sustainable diets? (2015). Retrieved September 10, 2015, from http://www.eating-better.org/learn-more/what-are-healthy-sustainable-diets.html

[pyrow3lder-blog]

Green Cities Redefined

Jessica Lynn

September 1, 2015

There's a new a new design concept in town, and it's one of the greenest you will ever see. Welcome to OAS1S, a concept city design which truly brings green technology into a whole new light. Think: buildings following the structure of a tree, straight up, with natural lines like growth climbing upward. We are talking power grids run from integrated Solar collectors, neighborhoods built from recycled materials, and all of it creating affordable housing for residents in the shared residential zone. These factors are central to self-sustainable communities; "living in cities but that urbanization does and will continue to have a significant impact on the global carrying capacity of the earth." Urbanization lends itself naturally to endorsing a less harmful impact of the planet. When most think of a city being green, it usually paints a picture with public transportation, tidal power, and solar panels. What if "Green City" actually was green; inured in the truest sustainable aspect possible, with plants growing naturally on and around structures, off grid solar energy, and on site water systems.

For those who may be unfamiliar with certain aspects of city-scapes actively being sustainable, let me elaborate. Public transit usually consists of busses, trains, and bike lanes/paths. Busses and trains are being retrofitted/manufactured  to low emissions or fossil fuel free standard electric propulsion (EV). This helps reduce greenhouse gasses being pumped into the atmosphere.  "biking and walking friendly cities" are also on the rise, emphasizing less "need" to use a car to get from point A to point B. A healthy city has multiple nodes of alternative conveyance, which in turn has a more sustainable impact. It is vital that sustainability also be reliable, thus impacting the health and economic well being of the individuals living in the city. In order to maintain optimal health for individuals, the air and environment needs to be clean, universally accessed, and kinetically friendly, encouraging less stasis and more movement in everyone's day to day lives.  

Using a pro-social perspective, we can take a closer look at communities and what is within their sphere of acquisition. Manufacturing and market development need to consider how to produce resources that are affordable and easily accessed, focusing on low income or poor neighborhoods, which comprise large swathes of urban centers that are often overlooked or gentrified. Populations in these areas are usually priced out of the market, leaving gaping holes in the energy and resource consumption grid. The economic standpoint of putting "resources to productive use for the long-term benefit of the community, without damaging or depleting the natural resource" gives a more thoughtful approach to structural and aesthetic material use. Purchasing practices that embrace concepts like buying local and encouraging renewables (bamboo versus cherry wood) need to become preferred, and within the reach of all residents.  

With a more in depth understanding of a what a "Green City" is and how it will help influence healthier lives, let us explore a little more about OAS1S. The purpose of OAS1S, a concept designed by Architect Raimond de Hullu, is to create a 100% green structured community "recycled wood, organic HQ insulation, green walls and triple glazing." In English terms, recycled wood or reclaimed/repurposed wood, is giving a second life to the material, which could have been from a deconstructed barn, or leftover materials from a previous job site. Straw, hemp, and cork/cellulose board are considered organic insulation, which is easy to maintain and doesn't have the same harmful effects as other more common insulations (i.e. fiberglass).  Lastly, green walls or "living walls"; vegetation has the ability to either grow downward, like a cascade (think vining or trailing habit), or comprise a structural reinforcement planted "into" the wall itself.

The final part of the OAS1S concept to maintain low cost affordability, rather than "platinum" level footprints that are only accessible to persons with income well above the median of most communities. The cost objective is in part achieved through a Community Land Trust, which splits the cost of the land and property (house), thus focusing economically on building the house rather than buying land as well.  Further economic offset is accomplished by the use of alternative energy sources, such as solar collectors, with excess production being reintroduced into the energy supply (through community or grid "buy back"). By establishing a self sustaining community where costs are shared, a stronger bond can be established to maintain and invest time and effort within a neighborhood, or urban village. The feasibility of this has been  proven globally in both economically poor and wealthy nations (consider farming villages and towns) where residents work together to create common security and prosperity.

Celebrating our interconnectedness will be the driving force behind changes that elevate us into a new era of human evolution. How we live, and acknowledge our responsibility to those with whom we share this planet and her resources, will determine our fate as a species. Overall, the initiative behind OAS1S gives us a workable perspective geared toward the design and tooling of a resource frugal sustainable and comfortable lifestyle. While it is yet only a concept, OAS1S presents an option that takes a step toward a way of life that is closer to nature yet modern. We need ideas like these to bring us into a stronger, greener tomorrow.

References

Ali, M. (2015, August 28). What kinds of places do you think of when it comes to "green" cities? Retrieved September 2, 2015, from http://www.upworthy.com/its-not-an-elaborate-treehouse-its-a-new-affordable-housing-concept?c=ufb2  

Allen, A. (2009). Sustainable cities or sustainable urbanisation? Palette, Retrieved September 2, 2015 from https://www.ucl.ac.uk/sustainable-cities/results/gcsc-reports/allen.pdf

Alternative Insulation. (2015). Retrieved September 2, 2015, from http://www.offthegridnews.com/grid-threats/alternative-insulation/  

Green Cities Campaign (2015). Retrieved September 2, 2015, from http://www.earthday.org/greencities/  

Reclaimed Wood (2015). Retrieved September 2, 2015, from http://www.reclaimedwoodinc.com/

[pyrow3lder-blog]

Free Solar Power for Universities

Jessica Lynn

August 26, 2015

 DC-Solar Freedom has established new initiatives to bring solar panels to all students and universities, for free. There products include, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, mobile generators/light towers, and off grid communications. The company’s purpose is to lower our global impact through their products by being environmentally conscious. As of recently, DC-Solar Freedom has created a resource for Universities to use which will allow them the ability to lower their carbon footprint and be able to provide an alternative method of energy. One of the ways DC-Solar Freedom is creating this cost effective alternative to ALL Universities across the nation, is through patronage. This means Barnes Nobles, where we rent our textbooks, Starbucks where drink our coffee and study, will have the ability to use their (big corporations) money to sponsor a sustainable aspect to the college campuses, where students use their services and buy their products. Nice full circle, don’t you think?

The financial incentives reinforce a company's initiative to invest in sustainable technology, like solar panels and wind turbines. The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2009 and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 allow businesses a 30% Federal Business Energy Tax Credit (ITC). Section 2 of the EESA of 2009 emphasizes the ability to "restore liquidity and stability to the financial system of the United States", enabling the government to subsidize investments that will help balance our economy or which "maximizes overall returns to the taxpayers." ARRA of 2009 through fiscal stabilization focuses "To invest in transportation, environmental protection, and other infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits." With both EESA and ARRA of 2009, the Federal Business Energy Tax Credit allows reasonable access to the tools to pursue technological and sustainable advancements in our society, which in turn establish more affordable and sustainable options.

 Sponsorship is created through an underwriting process that DC-Solar Freedom monitors. This gives a reasonable (free) avenue for universities to have an environmental and social impact on campus. Using DC-Solar Freedom products, which generate energy from the sun (solar panels), sets a campus apart, and exemplifies the sustainable commitment to "green" technology usage which in turns aids in positive global impact. DC-Solar Freedom is pushing the envelope for sustainability by refocusing big money toward positively impacting communities, and thereby the world in which we live. This incentivizes businesses in a way that "connects companies to companies wishing to expand their sustainability efforts." The interconnection between the two could change the impact for both the universities and the companies by uniting under the banner of sustainability with an immediate impact, moving all of us, together, toward the same goal of environmental preservation.

DC Solar Freedom has provided a way for investors to see a return from their funding in renewable energy products. There are solar tax incentives, a 30% tax credit, and an annual return from their initial investment. The most important return for venture capitalists to take note of is, the environmental and social impact they are making. Not only are they (backing) providing a utility for universities and students, which will give them an up, close experience of how solar energy products work, but the decreased cost in energy consumption is substantial. If a University can cut costs, surely the positive consequences would allow students to see a reduction of tuition and overall campus costs.

Through these acts and subsidies DC-Solar Freedom has created a pathway for investors to join the fight for sustainability by minimizing the cost for those who cannot afford it, but also (slowly) decrease the harmful effects of the mainstream energy sources we use day to day. Imagine, if every university and college across the U.S. had alternative energy sources, such as mobile generators and light towers, all harnessing the sun's energy. The impact would be immense, putting us, humans, one step closer to a less harmful impact on Mother Earth.

 References

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Pub. L. H.R.1. 2009. United States Code. Web. 26, August. 2015, from http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-111hr1enr/pdf/BILLS-111hr1enr.pdf

DC Solar Solutions (2015). Retrieved August 27, 2015, from http://www.dcsolarsolutionsmfg.com/

Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. Pub. L. 110-343. 122 Stat. 3765. 3 Oct. 2008. United States Code. Web. 26 August. 2015, from http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-110publ343/pdf/PLAW-110publ343.pdf

Hogan, M. (2015, August 24). Universities will now have access to mobile solar generators for free Read more: DC Solar is helping make mobile solar generators available to universities for free | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building. Retrieved August 24, 2015.

Sirotkin, E. (2015, July 21). Millions of Dollars Worth of Mobile Solar Generators Now Available at Colleges Nationwide At No Cost. Retrieved August 26, 2015, from Millions of Dollars Worth of Mobile Solar Generators Now Available to Colleges Nationwide At No Cost. http://www.dcsolardistribution.com/millions-dollars-worth-mobile-solar-generators-now-available-colleges-nationwide-cost/#sthash.hRXcb7ZP.d