After working for a few years in the residential, construction, maintenance, and renovation field I gained a practical understanding of home construction standards past and present. During the time I spent building new homes I became aware that energy efficiency was a much lower priority than the pursuit of efficient building practices. The homes being built succumb to the limitations of standards set by the developers and contractors presently at work in the home building industry. In many respects the priority to increase energy efficiency was obscured in the integration of the various processes necessary to building today's homes. I feel there has to be a better way to bring these processes to bear.
Why do we continue to build in these ways...? Probably because people buy them. The public, who are unaware of more efficient alternatives, continue to invest in these homes. I guess I am actually suggesting that it is a matter of availability. In many instances, I believe, what I've described is the only cost effective standard offered because much of the technologies involved in sustainable design and renewable energy are not available to new home buyers. The reason for this probably lies in the way these new technologies are introduced to those involved in the management of new home construction practices. As of now I believe that most builders do not wish to complicate an already complicated process by adding to the list of options available to their customers. There is also the aspect of speculative endeavors to generate housing that keep this industry adhereing to the standards in place today. Why change what works?... Because we have a moral obligation to progress if it is possible.
That said, I believe there is much room for growth in the areas of sensible residential design. Regarding the term "sensible" I mean: the ability to meet the needs of individual home-buyers by giving them options that allow them greater energy efficiency and in turn greater freedom. This will probably lead to a more widespread acceptance of renewable technologies,individual values regarding environmental awareness, as well as personal creativity.
It is for these reasons that I have decided the most practical way for students to gain an understanding of renewables and sustainable living practices would be a hands on approach to their implementation. This project is built on this premise. It purposes the building of a residential structure aimed at providing students and the community a place to learn, live, and study about these practices. In addition I believe that those involved will learn how they can be applied to our ways of life.
There are a few positive reasons for pursuing this endeavor at a smaller scale than the normal student dormitory. Small scale design provides students with the interaction needed to foster creativity and personal growth. This also allows for a greater understanding of how each members area of study relates to and affects the others. It is safe to say that the size of the community avoids behavioral problems by addressing them as they relate to residential participation.
I believe raising the awareness of those at a formative stage in life is key in increasing the wide scale acceptance of these ideas and practices. I'm hoping to create a truly interdisciplinary learning environment emphasizing many areas of student interest and how they can be interrelated. Residents might be pursuing areas of study such as: Residential Architecture, Renewable and Clean Energy, Aquaculture, Environmental Studies, Organic and Sustainable Agriculture, Permaculture, etc. These are some specific examples. Those interested in learning more about these areas will be pursuing degrees in: Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Agriculture, Engineering, Physics, as well as the Social Sciences. This taken into consideration it seems that we could all benefit from interacting with those who feel the need to be involved in a way of student life that takes our learning environment out of the classroom and into our individual lives.
All of these things I have discussed can be expounded upon. I, with the help of Johnny Pez(another member of the EcoVilla project) have set up this blog to create a forum for discussion and a means of assessing participant interest. Please feel free to express your thoughts on this topic.
Paul Bradley McConnell
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
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