World Environment Day
This past Sunday, June 5th, was World Environment Day.
It is important that we recognize the ways in which our lines of work, transportation methods, leisure activities, and overall lifestyle affect the planet. As architects, we are conscious of the fact that our industry is a key contributor to the impact of climate change, and that we have a critical responsibility to design in such a way that fosters longevity, minimizes carbon emissions, uses resources efficiently, and promotes the health and wellbeing of the building site and occupants. We are at a pivotal moment in history, whereupon the consequences of our decisions we make today will have a tremendous influence on the lives future generations.
Pictured is the Centre for the Built Environment at Nova Scotia Community College, a project completed by MTA in 2011. This building was designed as a ‘living’ test bed, with environmental features including a green roof, living walls, a high-efficiency HVAC system, and five types of renewable energy generation: wind turbines, solar photovoltaic panels, solar thermal panels, geothermal wells and heat recovery units. The CBE is certified LEED Gold, and is Nova Scotiaʼs designated public demonstration building for energy conservation and environmental accountability.
