I would like to further respond and keep my comments brief and to the point. In favor of brevity I may not elaborate adequately, but here goes.
I am not discounting or disregarding the need for sustainable design. At the same time, I do not worship at the alter of climate change nor do I believe it to be the only important issue of the day. Nor is it the elephant in the room. I don't know a single architect or building engineer that is unaware of the importance and impact of sustainable design. In the past few years, I have not met with a single client who did not want to incorporate responsible, sustainable design into their project.
It has been my observation that design in accordance with the ideas already expressed by Sally Anne Smith and John Dugger are a more viable route to sustainable design than the kind of
sky is falling approach that the modern media and many organizations seem prone to. Just as with any other topic within any industry, I understand that there are going to be those who narrowly specialize, focus and advocate for their corner of the industry, but if the goal is to have a real impact on the majority of designs, the majority of buildings, and the majority of architects, the message can not be cloaked in a doomsday veil.
I agree with Peter that SD should be more than a basic competence for our profession, but I disagree that we are in a "time of looming crisis." (On a side note, I will say that I appreciate and respect the various opinions expressed and enjoy the dialogue this forum offers.)
-------------------------------------------
Robert Smith AIA
Architect, AIA, LEED AP
Talley & Smith Architecture, Inc.
Shelby NC
-------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 03-14-2013 13:51
From: Jason Hainline
Subject: Sustainable Design Requirement
ALL of our incomes are directly connected to the promotion of sustainability! Public health affects all of us financially, is an important issue of the day and directly influenced by design. Energy generation and use affects all of us financially, is an important issue of the day and directly influenced by design. Urban, suburban and even rural infrastructure affects us all financially, is an important issue of the day and directly influenced by design.
You're correct; sustainability is one of many important issues. Whether it's more important than other issues is, arguably, subjective. Few would argue that health, safety, and welfare is no longer worthy of continued diligence and education. How, given the influence the built environment has on the natural environment and thereby public health, safety, and welfare, does it not carry significant weight? How does a profession achieve monumental goals of shifting negative impacts directly linked to which the profession practices without rigorous educational objectives? There are far too many practitioners that rely on others to pay proper attention to that which they are responsible for and ultimately affect us all.
-------------------------------------------
Jason Hainline Assoc. AIA
Dake Wells Architecture
Springfield MO
-------------------------------------------