Sustainable Design: My Contribution to Sustainable Future - Personal Statement Example

My blog on sustainable design, which I am targeting to put up on Word Press by the end of May, will primarily throw light on U.S. Green Building Council (UGBC) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). This will be an endeavor in educating those in construction and interior designing about the significance and the role of the sustainable designing authorities thereby enabling them to understand the reason for getting certified by them. A draft of the same is as follows:UGBC & LEEDAccording to the U.S. Green Building Council, an association of over 2,000 owners, architects, designers, contractors, engineers, commodity manufacturers, and other fascinated units, almost 5% of all U.S. commercial construction is seeking for certification from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System (Kelly 2004).

The council has set specific standards for high-performance, green buildings that are recognized at certified silver, gold, or platinum levels in accordance with their abilities to meet the requirements (Kelly 2004). While allotting points the six principle areas that are verified are sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental creativity in design, and eminence (Kelly 2004). Of these, the environmental quality and the materials and resources section attract the majority of the points in the rating system (Kelly 2004).

Almost 102 buildings have already been certified since 1999 by the USGBC and above 1,000 projects registered are still seeking certification at present (Kelly 2004). The use of social community networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace will be the other active channels for spreading across the message of sustainable designing to all my friends, relatives, colleagues, and other acquaintances. The idea is to join the umpteenth number of groups and communities related to constructions, engineering, interiors, architectures, earth, the going green clubs, nature, etc.

and to post stirring comments for sustainable designing. This task has already begun keeping in mind the fast-approaching event of Earth Day on 22nd April. My third task will be to frequently meet like-minded design students for sharing each other’s ideas and perceptions pertaining to sustainable designing. While sharing my view, I will be putting forward facts like:Area and LocationArea selection and building orientation play a vital role. Accessibility to public transportation, reduction of site disturbance, and destruction of natural site elements are no less important.

Working in an existing built area is always a preference.Correct SizeA very simple way of achieving sustainable construction is by opting for smaller buildings which inevitably save money. A realistic approach related to growth should be adopted. A creatively and strategically panned building offers multi-usage spaces.Good IntegrationAccording to Rick Harlan Schneider, AIA, LEED-AP, Inscape Studio, Washington, D.C. team approval is the call of the day to attain sustainable design (Kelly 2004).

Efficient integration with each other is the chief feature of any well certified sustainable design. Almost every sustainable step should be put into practice in performance with all the systems involved.Encouraging the use of renewable, recycled, and local materialsProper selection of materials plays a significant role. Nowadays the sustainable materials are no more that expensive. Recycling of products should be encouraged. For example, carpet tiles prepared from recycled goods are less expensive.

A building should never be over-finished. Leaving the floors unfinished is a good idea for achieving sustainability. Also, it is always advisable to use local products in case the site is located within or near a manufacturing area. This results in savings by way of cutting transportation costs.We must try to advocate sustainability by planning strategically from the very beginning. This initiative of planning beforehand, keeping the sustainability concept in mind one can keep the costs to be spent on sustainable design in control.

The existence of experienced professionals, future occupants, and administrators, all pursuing the common target of sustainability can help to meet the goal successfully.