Living Building
Not to jump on the bandwagon
and sound anti LEED, but I do think it’s an old system. Maybe when it was first
started, there were good intentions to raise awareness for sustainability but
the current LEED system is no longer effective. It does not inspire true sustainable
design, and has become a post-production point system or almost meaningless “label.”
In my opinion, I think it’s time
to move forward with not only a new system, but also a new way of thinking about
sustainable design. The Living Building Challenge is something I was introduced
to in my undergrad, and honestly I found it to be quite inspiring. Essentially
the LBC approaches a building like it’s a living thing and actually strives to give
back to the environment. There are seven different measures that need to be met
(including restrictions on materials and actually being net positive in energy,
water, etc). This challenge could effectively evolve the way sustainable design
is approached; transforming the idea of a “less shitty” building for the environment
to a building that actually lives and coexists with nature.
I agree with your statement, Thu. I think LEED should be respected in the sense that it has paved the way for us to begin quantifying sustainable measures in our designs, yet is on the path to becoming outdated due to its lack of post occupant evaluation and long term impact to the surrounding environment.
ReplyDeleteI also think the LBC is an inspiring new way of implementing sustainable thinking into how a building works and serves both itself and the surrounding elements.
What I wonder is how long will it be before we see LBC is outdated and a new format is introduced? Or perhaps our thinking will evolve out of a standardized layout without losing the principles that set these ideas in motion?
A good overhaul on the system would do good for LEED. Looking back at what they were actually trying to accomplish and seeing where and with what topics designs are falling short. It seems like a same for all those LEED APs out there in the world to loose a post-nominamal title after their name after they studied so hard to get it.
ReplyDeleteI think LEED had good intentions but its hard to standardize sustainability measure to fit all buildings in all areas. The system definitely needs to be re thought but how do you even start with it when we have such a hard time even defining sustainability?
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