Last time, I told you that cost can be a downside to green building practices but that a proper calculation of the cost must include the question of infrastructure and the overall effect on natural systems. Since transportation is the greatest source of pollution when communities are established or expanded, our measurements must include the transportation infrastructure and the impact of such on natural systems.
Green builder homes can assist with both questions because they have a reduced impact on the environment in their construction and operation but also on infrastructure since they consume less energy. I maintain, however, that we must go much further, to include the triple bottom of sustainability, which I have covered here recently at KBC, as well as the even larger aspect of sustainability, the integrated design process.
Simply put, we can construct and/or expand communities with an emphasis on sustainability without spending more money. In fact, we stand to make more in the end because residents of green builder homes tend to be healthier. How is this achieved? Let’s examine the region of Phoenix, Arizona.
The triple bottom line is the intersection of economic success, social equity and environmental sustainability. The integrated design process, as described here in this chart, begins with education and then immediately connects community with a regional approach. That’s the key!
In order to achieve the triple bottom line of sustainability, cities and towns (whether nascent or under expansion) must leave room for people and wildlife to exist in their natural state and provide a clean, reliable and user-friendly infrastructure. In forming its long-term plan, Phoenix is doing just that by planning for the region, sub-region and community level at the same time.
Under conventional thinking, Phoenix could approve one construction project after another with little thought given to the region’s livability. That leads to clogged roads, crowded public schools and smoggy air. With the integrated design process, centered around the triple bottom line of sustainability, improvements are built in to every step.
With the proper plan in place, it becomes much easier to specify green buildings because they don’t cost more in the long run. Using Phoenix as the example once again, we see that green builder homes in high desert surroundings can be a model for the communities of the future. Already popular for its climate, Phoenix can be proud that its growth plans include the integrated design process and triple bottom line of sustainability. If I were in the market for a new place to live, I would give the region serious consideration.
Sustainable Justice For All!
Corbett Kroehler
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