Green buildings are more than brick and mortar | Bryn Davidson | TEDxRenfrewCollingwood

Summary

This video discusses the crucial connection between buildings and climate change. The speaker emphasizes that buildings are responsible for a large portion of greenhouse gas emissions and that their environmental impact goes beyond just energy use. Key factors such as location and what a building replaces must be considered for true sustainability. The speaker advocates for 'net positive' buildings, which not only reduce their own carbon footprint but also contribute positively to the environment. The message encourages a shift from simply reducing impact to actively creating positive change through thoughtful design, renovation, and location choices.

Takeaways

• 😀 Buildings are responsible for up to half of global greenhouse gas emissions, making them a key factor in combating climate change.
• 😀 Traditional green buildings, such as those with solar panels or better insulation, have not been enough to stop the rise in emissions over the past 40 years.
• 😀 A shift towards 'net-positive' buildings, which create a measurable positive impact on the environment, is essential to address climate change.
• 😀 The location of a building plays a major role in its environmental impact. Walkable locations with good public transit can reduce the overall carbon footprint of the building's inhabitants.
• 😀 A building's environmental impact is influenced by what it replaces. Renovating old, inefficient buildings can significantly reduce emissions, unlike building on greenfield sites.
• 😀 The impact of transportation associated with buildings can often outweigh the energy efficiency of the building itself. A walkable location can be more sustainable than a green home in an isolated area.
• 😀 Projects aimed at reducing emissions need to focus not just on building design but also on location and what the new construction replaces to have a net-positive impact.
• 😀 Net-positive buildings should not just aim for zero impact, but actively contribute to reducing emissions through thoughtful design, location, and renovation of old buildings.
• 😀 Examples like the Bullet Center in Seattle demonstrate that even urban office buildings can be net-positive by focusing on energy-efficient design and replacing old buildings.
• 😀 Net-positive buildings can be achieved without requiring new technology or vast financial resources; smart design and efficient use of existing buildings can make a significant impact.
• 😀 Everyone, from renters to urban planners, can contribute to a more sustainable future by considering location, building design, and the potential for renovations when making housing and development choices.

Q & A

What is the main point of the speaker's talk about buildings and climate change?

The main point is that buildings significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and to address climate change, we need to rethink how we design, locate, and evaluate buildings, shifting from 'green' buildings to 'net positive' buildings that actively contribute to sustainability.

What are some of the key issues with current green buildings?

Current green buildings, while energy-efficient, are often not enough to combat climate change. They still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions due to factors like their location (requiring extensive transportation) and the environmental impact of building on greenfield sites.

How does the location of a building affect its environmental impact?

Location is crucial. A building in a walkable area or near public transit has a lower environmental footprint because it reduces transportation emissions. In contrast, a building in a remote area might have a larger carbon footprint due to the necessity of car travel.

What does the speaker mean by 'net positive' buildings?

'Net positive' buildings are those that not only reduce their environmental impact but also make a measurable positive contribution to the environment, such as producing more energy than they consume or improving the local ecosystem.

Why is it important to consider what a new building replaces?

It's important because if a new building replaces a greenfield site or a forest (which had no carbon emissions), it can have a negative impact on the environment, even if the building itself is energy-efficient. In contrast, replacing an old, inefficient building can reduce overall emissions.

How does transportation affect the carbon footprint of a building?

Transportation significantly impacts a building's carbon footprint. A family living in a car-dependent area will have a much higher carbon footprint due to the need for daily car travel, compared to a family in a walkable location or one with access to public transportation.

What is the significance of 'walk score' in evaluating a building's environmental impact?

A walk score indicates how walkable a location is. A high walk score means residents can walk or use public transit, reducing their reliance on cars and thus lowering their overall carbon footprint.

What is the difference between a 'green building' and a 'net positive' building?

A 'green building' is designed to reduce its environmental impact, often through energy efficiency and sustainable features. A 'net positive' building goes further, making a positive contribution to the environment by producing more energy than it consumes and improving the local ecosystem.

How can renovations contribute to a net positive environmental impact?

Renovating old, inefficient buildings can reduce emissions by improving energy performance and preventing the environmental costs of constructing new buildings. It also helps reduce waste and preserves existing structures, leading to a positive environmental impact.

What role does the speaker's project in Vancouver play in demonstrating net positive principles?

The speaker's Vancouver project is a duplex built to the passive house standard. It replaces an old bungalow, is located in a walkable area, and adds more housing units, thereby reducing transportation emissions and creating a net positive environmental impact.