One key goal in the new green frontier is to create net zero carbon emission developments.
Sustainability has become so ingrained in both industry and society, with green building practices finding their way into the mainstream and sustainable ideals influencing governments and other major public and private entities, that standards have gone beyond energy efficiency.
Equally important, however, is feasibility. In the green movement’s early days, industry sectors were inundated with fantastic, utopic concepts that could revolutionize society and bring sustainable living to the four corners of the globe.
These ideas, however optimistic, are often untenable, and in an industry focused on action, they no longer garner the same amount of recognition as feasible, realistic, ready-to-develop initiatives.
As the green building sector evolves, however, new green benchmarks are being set on a regular basis and the industry technology is quickly catching up the concepts, meaning that outside-the-box ideas are fast becoming a reality.
One such concept, set to be showcased at the US Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) 2012 Greenbuild International Conference, is the ‘Method Paradigm Home’ by New York-based architectural firm Bogue Trondowski Architects.
The Method Paradigm Home includes a number of highly efficient features, including rainwater harvesting and a greywater system to reduce water waste, a composting toilet and a rooftop solar power system.
The home will be highly insulated to protect from the outdoor elements and will feature a ductless HVAC air conditioning unit, plus LED lighting and home automation systems to further reduce energy reliance.
Many of the materials used will be sustainable, including wood cladding and bamboo floors and cabinets.
While sustainable home concepts are plentiful in this industry, what sets this particular project apart is that it will stand as a new prototype for net zero, prefab residential development. While opinions on the project will be hard to come by until the November conference, the housing concept could set a new benchmark in residential development.
LEED Platinum housing projects such as these could actually become the norm, creating a holistically sustainable, high quality, value-driven residential option for general consumption.
A 200-square-foot greenhouse will also provide a level of household food supply.
The eventual roll-out of the housing series could mean a brand new frontier for green residential development, offering to provide a high level of consumers affordable, sustainable living options.
