 "Photo: Peyton McGee/The Daily Texan")
The green movement may make its way to city construction projects with Austin Energy’s plan to educate citizens on how they can build efficiently.
Miki Cook, an Austin Energy employee, was the first speaker of an environmental education series which attempts to spread the word about conservation techniques and other ways to minimize harm to the environment. Cook discussed green building basics in planning for the future on Saturday at the Hampton Branch of the Austin Public Library.
“Most people probably don’t have a thorough understanding of what a ‘green building’ is or how they function,” Cook said. “It is important to educate people so we can build a better future for us and the planet.”
Cook said green structures are designed with respect to their surroundings by factoring energy efficiency, water efficiency and use of natural resources in construction. But a big part of the problem comes with building new homes and remodeling old ones, she said.
“Many homes in the existing housing stock were not efficiently built, so they waste energy and money,” Cook said. “At the same time, we have to ensure that new houses and offices are being built with the environment in mind.”
Local businesses have responded to these initiatives by incorporating green ideas into their establishments. TerraBurger, located on the drag, boasts a sustainable development. The restaurant uses solar panels to heat water, rainwater to nourish the store’s plants, 100 percent post-consumer paper products, corn instead of plastic for cups and stucco walls.
Associate architecture professor Werner Lang said the building processes of offices and homes are major environmental concerns.
“Fifty percent of the world’s energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions come from modern buildings, building trades and construction,” Lang said. “I am very much in support of any activities which promote the public awareness about ‘green building’ and the necessity to increase the energy efficiency of our homes.”
Lang, who helped design a green building in Munich, Germany, said contruction can coexist with the environment without causing harm.
“I think the main message everyone should get from all this is to touch the Earth lightly,” Lang said. “Touch it in such a way that future generations can use its resources responsibly.”
