New Paradigms in Sustainability

By Chad Farrell and Collin Ackerman of Encore Redevelopment, June 2009

In light of current environmental and economic circumstances, developers, builders, and consumers are adopting a new paradigm for the structures in which we live and work as well as the way we use and reuse our materials.  This work is being conducted both on the worldwide stage, as well as right here in our own backyard.  Visionary designers William McDonough, founding principal of McDonough and Partners (Charlottesville, VA) and Bill Maclay, president of William Maclay Architects and Planners (Waitsfield, VT) have each recently published their ideas on the future of sustainability. Both designers place strong emphasis on the need for efficiency, whether it is efficient use of materials and land or efficient use of energy.  McDonough introduces the idea of “Cradle to Cradle” sustainability, a concept which takes materials into closed systems, requiring their efficient use and inevitable reuse. Maclay provides a strong economic and environmental case for the construction of “net zero buildings” (buildings that generate as much energy as they consume).  A summary of Mr. McDonough’s and Mr. Maclay’s work is provided below.

Cradle to Cradle Sustainability

• When materials are taken into closed cycles and treated as nutrients, you discover that re-industrialization becomes critical to the new paradigm.

• Materials are better utilized close to home rather than sent to cheap labor markets to be reformatted and then shipped back. Land and infrastructure reutilization such as brownfield redevelopment is essential to this philosophy.

New paradigms in land and material use are one step toward sustainability.  Building techniques focusing on efficient energy use are just as crucial.

Efficiency first, renewables second

• Buildings are the greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions and consume 70% of the electricity consumed in the US.

• Renewables are typically more expensive, so the first goal is to reduce building energy consumption.  Micro load buildings use 70% less energy than standard, code-compliant buildings.  These buildings are different than current “high performance” buildings, which are only 20%-30% more efficient than standard building code.

• Microload buildings can be built (or redeveloped) first with renewables added later to bring buildings to net zero.

Net zero in new construction versus existing buildings

• Net zero building is more efficient and cost effective in new construction but is possible for existing buildings as well.

• Savings can be achieved through enhancing the building envelope, lighting systems, heating and cooling systems, and other areas.

Simple payback versus return on investment

• The simple payback model is typically used to calculate the time it will take to recover the initial building investment.  However, simple payback does not take into account inflation or the escalation of fuel prices.

• Industry analysts agree that the current energy price situation is temporary and we will soon be encountering more volatility and ultimately, rising prices. The Hirsch Report (2005) indicates that global oil discoveries peaked in late 1960s and since the mid-1980s consumption has outpaced discovery.  As a result, the simple payback model which can measure cost savings of 30 years or more no longer makes sense.

• These circumstances of a relatively high predicted fuel escalation rate combined with the current low cost of borrowing money make investments in energy efficiency and net zero building even more beneficial than in the past.

Source: Net Zero Energy Buildings Providing Stable Returns in an Unstable World (William Maclay, AIA, LEED AP)

Source: Brewster, E (2009) William McDonough: Cradle to Cradle Sustainability. Brownfield News, 13, 9