<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-CA X-NONE X-NONE  I understand many people desire to stick with the tried and true systems that have been used historically to construct housing units.  However, I believe in order to move forward, we must explore new approaches and new ideas to address these shortages.  We need to look at some alternatives available to successfully solve the problems in a timely, cost effective manner which will address the concerns of all affected parties in an effort to develop a viable solution to this situation.

 We also need to think about how the end product, housing, affects these areas: People Priorities, Building Priorities, and Environmental Priorities.

People Priorities: − Health and Safety

·          Fire/smoke spread

·          Indoor air quality

·          Security

·          Structural

·          Accessibility

 

− Comfort

·          Temperature

·          Moisture (RH)

·          Odors

·          Sound/Vibrations

·          Light

·          Aesthetics

 

− Affordability

·         Capital Cost/Financing

·         Operating Costs from energy, water, maintenance

·         Life-cycle costs

 

Building Priorities: − Durability

·         Deterioration due to moisture

·         Commissioning

·         Operation/maintenance

·         Expected service life

 

− Renewal, Reuse, Renovation

·         Future sub-system upgrades

·         Adaptability

 

−       Decommissioning/disassembly

• Benign materials
• Disposable/recyclables

 

Environmental Priorities: − Local Environment

·         Construction waste

·         Operating waste

·         Construction water

·         Operating water

·         Rain water run-off/hydrology

·         Erosion of soil

 

− Regional Environment

·         Contamination of groundwater

·         Regional air pollution

·         Regional recycled materials/disposal

 

− Global Environment

·         Global warming

·         Biological diversity

 

 These areas are only some of the factors which need to be of concern.  Environmental considerations are often overlooked when evaluating the design of the building. 

While design might seem minor, it can make a very large contribution to the overall building’s environmental footprint locally, regionally, and globally.

 If other parties have an interest in the subject, particularly those who seek to contribute to helping solve the issues with an eye toward the “green” side of the concern; suppliers or manufacturers of green building materials, or builders seeking environmentally sustainable building solutions, we would be interested in hearing from you.  We are also interested in hearing from any individuals who may be seeking alternative buildings for themselves or their light commercial establishments and concerned designers/engineers and other professionals in the residential and light commercial sectors of the industry.  Please feel free to contact me, Robbie, at [email protected]