We are all starting the new year with a clean slate. It is the time of year when we reflect on the things we would like to change or improve in our lives. To be more active, to start a new hobby, to learn how to cook tastier meals, the list of potential improvements can go on and on. As the saying goes, a new year, a new me. The MEL/ARCH team want to asks you to add one more resolution to your list, to do your part and help the environment in anyway you can.
Sustainability is an important principle to our firm and we would like to encourage you to incorporate it into your daily habits and overall lifestyle. The key thing is mindfulness. As you leave for the grocery store, grab some some of the bags you have laying around. Walking out of a room, turn off the lights. Instead of a 30 minute shower, may be try for a 20 minute one. Try to build good green habits and do your research to see what things around your home or office could be green, sustainable, or eco-friendly opportunities. If you need help getting started, check out the links below.
If you start to question if these little actions are doing anything, know that you have an impact and that the industry supports you and this cause. Firms and professionals are doing the same new years resolution, granted on a bigger scale. Architecture 2030 is a non-profit organization that is striving to change building practices around the world. They acknowledge that buildings are big contributors to greenhouse gases annually. In 2006, they issued the 2030 Challenge, which asks the architecture and building community to adopt sustainable design strategies and promote renewable energy. The overall goal is for new buildings and major building renovation to be complete carbon-neutral by 2030.
We can all do our part in little and big ways. With a little more mindfulness, we can better ourselves and the world we live in. New Year, New Me, New Buildings.
To learn more, please check out the articles linked below
