Carbon Credits

I am interested in selling carbon credits as a way to raise funds to begin some minor construction of my vision. I will be planting 150 trees this spring and will be implementing a continuing tree planting program. Those trees could go to offset your carbon footprint and help the learning center.

Rethinking distribution

I was thinking about how we build houses today and how large builders have a lock on the traditional supply lines of suppliers. They can negotiate favorable pricing on just about every part of the modern home. The suppliers like the predictability of large contracts and are eager to trade some profits for stability. This leaves small builders and small suppliers out in the cold. Perhaps there is a way to organize small builders and suppliers on the internet to achieve the same kind of buying power (and selling predictability) that the "big boys" get. There may in fact be significant cost savings if the supply lines can be local, versus national distribution lines.

Take lumber for example. The large lumber companies in the United States and Canada ship relatively inexpensive lumber all over the country by rail and truck. This increases the carbon footprint of the supply and increases costs directly proportional to the cost of fuel. Why not join the multitude of small mills and forests arounf the country matching local needs with local supplies. The network could be designed to provide for regional shipping as a way to balance cost with more stable supplies. Could it work?

Is Sustainability a Myth?

Are we just fooling ourselves? are we just postponing the inevitable? can we really be sustainable and maintain our incredibly high standard of living? are we willing to the forgo comforts of life in order to be sustainable? can we learn to live small? is everyone willing to invest the personal energy it will take to consume less, because they will have to do more(hang your clothes out to dry instead of putting them in the dryer...that kind of thing)?

In the talks I give around the country I have said that "I think sustainability is a myth until we change the way we live". We are willing to support most things unless it impacts us. We are willing to do most things until it makes life less comfortable.

That doesn't mean we should stop trying, or innovating, or doing what we are comfortable doing. It may buy us time. Time for new technoglogies; time for solutions; time to decide we do need to change the way we live.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

The Beginning of a Dialogue

Very interesting Tom. Where is the property? It is just northeast of Kansas City, chosen because of the Universities nearby, a second tier city that has a good airport, enough water to be sustainable, an economy that has some diversity and small, but steady growth. it appears to be very rural. This is a great topic for continued discussion that I want to open up to a much larger group. Does a sustainable community mean "urban" or in an urban area? How does that relate to the opportunity to grow wood for construction, to plant crops for food to reduce vehicle miles, to provide open space in direct connection to the population, to enhance an appreciation for natural areas? Is there an urban centre nearby? Will you be posting specific challenges to your blog readers? Ie. what/how would YOU add one element to my list of goals? I am hoping that the challenges can go both ways. What of my vision is weak? are there areas to improve?, how can we push the envelop in design and construction/ Or in your area of expertise, provide one example of a successful implementation of sustainable community design that might support my goal. This one I really like.

Are you envisioning involvements from schools (university, college, high school or even elementary?) at some level? I am hoping to provide a teaching opportunity for all groups and specifically hoping to host landscape architecture and architecture programs that might dream up ideas one session and build demonstrations in another.

My original vision

Center for
Design Inspiration and Education

Vision: to create a sustainable, low impact center for private or public gatherings for learning, inspiration or cultural activities

Goal: to teach, to learn, to touch all parts of our company, to experiment, test, build

The Architecture
Efficient, multi-functional spaces for groups of all sizes
Comfortable and inviting to everyone
Open to nature/connection to the outdoor environment and rooms
Community room as heart, as an educational space
On-site expandable sleeping for large or small groups
Kitchen as a place of gathering and education
Fireplace and hearth as focal point and intimate gathering spot (the camp fire)
Modern conveniences/ not primitive
Technology to anywhere in the world
Reused/recycled materials for building-local buildings, barns, etc.
Use of on-site, indigenous materials-wood, water (process from harvest to mill to kiln to finished wood
Renewable energy resources and energy efficient-solar, wind, geothermal
Multiple program elements-writing, retreat, art studio, charrette center with client, nature
Retreat, innovation classroom-build bio-swales and watch them work, workshop
Hands on experience-go and build it
Innovative sewage treatment thru wetlands, and use of captured rainwater in building systems (cistern)
Create opportunity for expansion and growth of facility
LEED certified

The Site and Landscape
Natural/ low impact-buildings land softly on the site
Community garden/community orchard
Restore native landscape as part of site amenity
Compost to replenish soil
Reuse of water for buildings, landscape and gardens-grey water and rain water
Zero runoff
Native plantings to reduce building energy consumption and carbon footprint
Hardwood planting and harvesting for site materials and furnishings
Trails, overlooks and gathering spaces for outdoor education
Discovery/ art in nature- an inspirational and contemplative landscape
Biofuel-crop harvesting for ethanol production
Minimal grading

The Economics and Benefits
Win/win strategy
Reduced site impacts and energy consumption
Opportunity for school and public group use
Opportunity for DTJ and staff use
Reduced cost-“sweat equity” users’ work at the center as part of the experience-
Rural Studio example-Proceed and Be Bold
Education for all DTJ and others
Document the process-book/ publishing opportunity
Creative Discovery with regional and national acclaim