How can the building sector fix the problem we're facing from old constructions and set an example of energy efficient construction/renovation now so that it becomes the norm for future buildings?
The 2030 Challenge
Architecture2030 is an independent organization that was formed by architect Edward Mazria in 2010 in response to the major contribution of greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector. The mission of this organization is to transform the negative impact of the built environment by changing the way cities, communities, infrastructure, and buildings are planned, designed, and constructed.
The 2030 Challenge asks the global architecture and building community to target carbon neutrality by the year 2030. By the year 2035, approximately 75% of the build environment will either be new or renovated. This presents a hopeful opportunity for these buildings to pave the way for a cleaner environment.
The 2030 Challenge asks the global architecture and building community to target carbon neutrality by the year 2030. By the year 2035, approximately 75% of the build environment will either be new or renovated. This presents a hopeful opportunity for these buildings to pave the way for a cleaner environment.
The Project
One can only tackle this global scale problem one building at a time. Our group has researched and designed a small space living unit that is constructed to be energy efficient as well as cost efficient. Not only will this illustrate options for sustainable living for existing homeowners, but it will also provide a prototype that could potentially be built in developing countries so they can develop with sustainability as the norm.
We broke the project into two phases. Phase I was our "ideal" living unit located in Houston, TX. We determined that for this part we would have unlimited amount of money so we could look into using different energy efficient materials, systems, appliances...etc. that would make our living unit as sustainable and energy efficient as possible. Phase II then took this "ideal" living unit with all of the energy efficient qualities, and we stripped it down to a more realistic, cost efficient project. We weighed the cost and benefits of different elements and had to decide where we wanted to compromise sustainability for cost or vice versa. We hope the research and final product will then be a prototype that could be built in developing countries as well as be an educational tool for all when considering options for energy efficiency.
We broke the project into two phases. Phase I was our "ideal" living unit located in Houston, TX. We determined that for this part we would have unlimited amount of money so we could look into using different energy efficient materials, systems, appliances...etc. that would make our living unit as sustainable and energy efficient as possible. Phase II then took this "ideal" living unit with all of the energy efficient qualities, and we stripped it down to a more realistic, cost efficient project. We weighed the cost and benefits of different elements and had to decide where we wanted to compromise sustainability for cost or vice versa. We hope the research and final product will then be a prototype that could be built in developing countries as well as be an educational tool for all when considering options for energy efficiency.
The Group
Back Row (From left to right) : Juan Marin, Conner Judson, Robert Duenez
Front Row: Marcela Acosta, Tonya Sok, Christine Nguyen
Front Row: Marcela Acosta, Tonya Sok, Christine Nguyen