Multi-Generational Interview

I interviewed a small group (5) teens (one 10^th, two 11^th, and one 12^th graders) for the multi-generational interview project.  All of the students currently use and have been using Facebook for a range of ½ years to 5 years.  Three of the five had used MySpace but became bored with it and moved on to Facebook.    Three had used Twitter in the past but no longer use this media, all knew the difference between Twitter and Facebook.  One currently uses Skype and one also use ODVO.  When asked how much time the students spend on social sites, they all responded “the whole time they are up”.  The students did not know what “blogging” was.  Each respondent indicated that they go on social sites to keep up with their friends and find out what’s going on.  Each of the student stated that they did not pay attention to the ads on the sites, but when asked for detailed information about the ads, each was able to give very specific information about ads that pop up on their sites (One girl was offended that pregnancy ads always pop up on her site). 

I believe that my generation chooses different social networking sites, which they perceive to be more professional, i.e., LinkedIn, blogging.  I personally, am not a good representative of use of social media as I have resisted it use and still do not see its benefit to me.  I have become more active in social media due to this class; however, I don’t feel that I will significantly change my position.  I believe I will go back to email as my primary source of communication.  Whereas my spouse has been a blogger before MySpace and Facebook existed, his use of social media limited to blogging on subject sites of interest i.e., technology, investing.

I feel the social networking industry has done an outstanding job creating specific niches targeted at its intended market.  If you ask most people in my generation, they would not dare have a MySpace, Twitter or Facebook account, but finds LinkedIn and blogging acceptable.  The specific sites also allow marketing at its intended audience.

I personally spend a lot of time on the computer to accomplish my everyday task, Word, Excel, and other technological tools.  I try to designate a specific time to check and respond to email.  Strictly from a time management point of view, in my opinion, social networking does not lend itself to optimum utilization of time.  As I write (used to be as I speak), I am perched at my computer across the table from my spouse who is perched at his computer.  As we spend more time on computers and less time communicating face to face or by phone, social networking should be termed anti-social networking.   If either or the other speak or ask a question you get silence or “wait let me finish this thought”.  While we are in one another’s physical presence, our thoughts and attention is devoted to others, people we don’t even know.  Is this social networking?

Online-Offline Media Integration

The purpose of the SeaWorld campaign was to build relationships, awareness, and promote driving visitation to the park.  This campaign was event specific and used a blog site to solicit comments related only to that event.  Because the blog was really event specific, it did not appear to be successful as there were basically less than 10 posts to the blog. 

The purpose of the Charleston Park Blog seems to be to educate the community to a more sustainable way of gardening.   This site appears to be more consumer oriented and less market focused.  I find this site very useful and customer friendly

The purpose of the Random Buzzer is clearly designed to promote the specific books and nothing more than a Barnes and Noble site with only the select books.  Clever marketing tool but very transparent.  The only purpose is clearly to sell books. 

All of these sites utilize blogs to solicit comments from their followers; however Random Buzzer goes a step further and create a mini social networking site within its website with about 63,700 followers.  With as many followers, Random Buzzers’ strategy appears to be effective.  Nevertheless, I personally feel the Charleston Park method is more useful and helpful.

Social Media Elements Case Study

The case studies of Best Buy and Zappo used two completely different social media elements to develop their message and reach customers/employers.  Zappo was primarily geared toward their employees, and was very effective in creating what appears to be a very desirable workplace.  Not much focused on how that translated into customer sales, however the numbers speak for themselves.  Who wouldn’t want to do business with a company who treats their employees that well?

Best Buy, on the other hand, did concentrate on customers.  Their 24/7 availability to customers via tweeter must be a gold mine for building a huge customer base.  Whereas Microsoft and Apple currently have the availability via social networking, it is for their customers only.  I can envision more companies expanding this service to non-customer in an effort to gain new customers.

Is Social Networking The Best Method of Communicating for Children?

My short and simple answer is no.

Surely, social networking will survive in some manner, but certainly not in its current state.  There are too many social networking medias, it is much too distracting, and greatly contributes to lower productivity in the workplace.  (http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/dallas/headlines/20110711-inquiry-shows-excessive-facebook-use-at-dallas-city-hall.ece?action=reregister)  Employees think it is their right to spend time on Facebook and other social networking sites, regardless of whether what they are doing has anything to do with the organization’s business.  

Social Networking will lose its zeal when many people find that their personal information is floating in cyberspace with no one in control.  We have gone from a period of having unlisted phone number to “hello world, anybody, here all you need to know about me as well as what I am thinking!”  (http://www.dallasnews.com/business/columnists/pamela-yip/20110605-storing-your-personal-data-in-the-clouds-requires-research.ece?action=reregister)

Social Networking have our children, (already generation ADD), on a fast road to ADD++  (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1153583/Social-websites-harm-childrens-brains-Chilling-warning-parents-neuroscientist.html). Look at the trend; twenty years ago we had to wait two to three days to hear from someone; (U.S. Postal Service).  Ten years ago, we had to wait a few hours before we could hear from someone; (email).  Now we have instant contact, with people sitting on social networking sites all day just waiting to hear people rant and rave about nothing and everything.  You tell me, are children better off today than children were twenty or even ten years ago?   

Social networking sites have exposed our children to a world we fought so hard to protect them from.  The only difference is we don’t know who or where the stranger is (http://www.nsteens.org/Videos/SocialNetworking).  Is that really ok?

Social networking sites should be called “Advertising Overload Sites”.  You can’t go on any site without being bombarded with advertisement.  The sites have developed a method to take advantage of you by selling your attention to the highest bidder.  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBQ7MKlOJic) Who is really benefitting from social networking?

One social media campaign which appears to be successful in getting its message out and advancing its agenda is Generation Texas (www.gentx.org).  Generation Texas is a social media networking commissioned by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to encourage student to obtain a higher education or become career ready.   The site provide video testimonies (http://gentx.org/story/meet-oscar-15/) from students and supporters (http://gentx.org/story/meet-senator-wendy-davis/) which serves as an encouragement to other students.  This campaign, although very new, has seen tremendous growth among students, colleges and universities.

As a newcomer to social networking, my position on this issue would easily classify as that of a novice.  Nevertheless, I am continually exploring this subject matter, and experimenting with ways to utilize social networking to communicate information to communities, parents, and students.  As my skills in this arena develops, I envision a better understanding and utilization of social networking media and tools.

Green Building Council of Australia – January 12

We visited the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) and were provided a detailed presentation and tour by its Executive Director Robin Mellon.  The GBAC is a non-profit organization whose goal is to develop a sustainable property industry for Australia by adopting standardized green building practices (www.gbca.org.au) . 

The GBCA’s office is a great example of leading by example, as it has achieved a 5-star Green Star Office Interior rating.  At a cost of approximately $1.3 million, the office was retrofitted with the highest of environmental standards incorporated with sustainable design and practices receiving points in all the rating categories as listed below:

·         Management

·         Indoor Environment Quality

·         Energy

·         Transport

·         Water

·         Material

·         Emission

·         Innovation

Some of the features that the building incorporates are:

• REDUCE (dematerialisation) - exposed ceilings where possible to reduce use of plasterboard / ceiling tiles.
• RECYCLE - some furniture has been reupholstered (such as café chairs).
• OPEN PLAN - office space allows for interaction between all staff, and demonstrates workplace equality. It also maximises the natural light and views to all staff.

• BATHROOMS - dual flush (water efficient) cisterns have been installed. Urinals are 6 Star water efficient (0.8Litres /flush), and are controlled by motion detectors. Bathroom taps are water saving spring loaded taps. All taps and toilets (including kitchen sink and dishwaters) are connected to the grey water system, and were supplied by Caroma.
• BLINDS - Verosol blinds are installed on every perimeter window to control light penetration, glare and heat. All window blinds are fully automated and controlled by the touch screen panel by the lifts. Eventually, these blinds will be set on a timer, with manual override.

• CEILINGS - where possible, we have chosen to limit installation of ceilings throughout all the tenancy to avoid unnecessary use of materials.
• CO2 MONITORS - are located in meeting rooms and general office areas. These devices monitor the amount of CO2, while sensors deliver higher levels of fresh air for occupant comfort.
• DISPLACEMENT VENTILATION - a highly energy efficient mechanical air conditioning system has been installed, delivering air through vents at floor level in workstation areas, and window bays and through plenum wall boxes along the perimeter of the west and south areas of the office. This air is then vented out through return air ducts above the light shelves. Floor vents can be rotated to direct the flow of air to maximize worker comfort.
• FLOORING - carpet is from InterfaceFLOR, has low VOC content and can be recycled. Carpet tiles are held in place with adhesive stickers (on the corners of each tile). No carpet glue is used. The concrete floor has been polished and sealed with water-based sealant.
• GREEN WALL - a living plant wall is featured behind the reception area. It is both functional and decorative. As the plants grow they also provide visual privacy.
• GREY WATER - all water and other material (such as soap, food scraps) that goes down the sink, or into the dishwasher, is pumped along a grey waste pipe and into a grey water collection tank. The tank is located in a cupboard beside the meeting room's food preparation area. All solid material is filtered out, and then the water is used for flushing the toilets and urinals. The grey water is only released into the system when the tank level is high enough. At other times regular tap water is used.
• INDOOR PLANTS - are supplied and maintained by Rentokil. These act as biofilters to convert CO2 into oxygen It also brings the outside environment inside the office.
• JOINERY - all joinery in the office is made from low formaldehyde (E0) board.
• LIGHTING - all lighting is by Zumtobel. Workstation lighting provides both task and ambient lighting in one system. Meeting room and boardroom lighting runs on a sensor system. We are awaiting replacement of LED lights in the boardroom and then the touch panel can be fine-tuned. Eventually, all lights in the tenancy will be linked to the Dali automated system, providing maximum user and energy efficiency.
• OUTDOOR PLANTER BOXES - contain hardy, climate tolerant plants. The large grey planter boxes along the length of the balcony contain Lemon Ironbark and Golden Guinea vine. The planter boxes on either end of the balcony contain culinary herbs - thyme, oregano and rosemary.
• UTILITIES ROOM - all printers and photocopiers and computer racks are contained here. All pollutants are contained, and can be properly ventilated.
• WASTE BINS - have been provided for recycled paper and card, recycled plastic, and appropriate food scraps for the worm farm. Small bins are in kitchen areas and large paper and plastic, glass, steel and aluminum recycling bins are in the utilities room.
• WORM FARM - we have two and both are fed by food scraps generated by the GBCA staff.

161 Castlereagh/242 Pitts – January 13

This site represents construction of an office/retail tower which is being developed as a 5-star green design and a 5-star NABERS energy building (http://www.161castlereagh.com.au/) .  With two major tenants, Freehills (161 Castlereagh) and ANZ (242 Pitts),  the building is scheduled for completion in 2013.  The developer and construction company, Grocon, is striving for this to be the greenest building in the world.  Some of the features which will make this building a 5 star green building are:

·         Outside air will be introduced into the building at 150% of the ventilation required under Australian standards

·         Light efficiency chillers will be utilized, supported by 1200kW tri-generation plant with excess heat used for heating water

·         Lighting will be configured with time schedules to reduce power consumption when light is not needed

·         Automatic blinds for daylight glare control and solar reduction

·         Rainwater will be harvested and test water from the sprinkler system will be collected for re-use (sprinkler system required to be tested bi-annually)

·         95% of demolition waste nd 90% of construction waste will be re-cycled.

One of the most interesting aspects of this building project for me was the required design angle of the building to meet city statues regarding the shadow of a building and the Hyde Park War Memorial.

Waiheke Island Class Discussion – January 4

 C
lass in Waihekee Island was very interesting in that everyone got to discuss individual projects provided by Dr. Fred.  My article, “Beacon’s Neighborhood Sustainability Framework”, was very suited for my interest as my goal upon completion of this class is to utilize learned tools to transform the Stop Six Community of Fort Worth into a more sustainable community.  This articles is one of that I really appreciate in that it addresses what I know to be real issues in making at-risk neighborhoods sustainable.  It acknowledge many factors that are often overlooked, (what I call the Ivory Tower approach), when presenting solutions for a sustainable neighborhood.  Some of those factors that I deem to be real and very important are:

1.        Day to day survival is more important than sustainability.  This goes back to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.   If someone is worrying about getting money to  buy food from month to month, they are not apt to worry about saving the earth, environment, or any of those “green” initiatives.

2.       And by the way; “What exactly is sustainability”.  At-risk communities must first be educated about sustainability and in a manner that one can quickly ascertain, “what’s in it for me”.

3.       What exactly is sustainable about being able to walk to the corner store to buy a gallon of milk, but having to pay 4 times what that milk cost adequate shopping existing within my community?  Or, why do I have to drive to the store just to by a gallon of milk.  The infrastructure does not currently exist to embrace sustainability.

In addition to educating the community about sustainable initiatives, individual charged with helping to make those changes must be educated about how the neighborhood works.  A better understanding must exist about at-risk neighborhoods, the culture, and the obstacles to becoming sustainable. 

Sustainable Urban Design, an Environmental Approach

By Adam Ritchie/Patrick Clarke

I chose to focus on this article because my interest in sustainability is more focused on the community aspect as it relates to that segment of our society least likely to understand or practice sustainable living.  The particular chapter that this article refers to is Urban Planning and Design, a sustainable approach to successful and sustainable urban environments.  The articles takes a realistic approach in that it recognizes the most important point to the successful design of a sustainable community lies in a great degree to the way in which people and goods move within the community.  When the methods of movement shifts, so does the pattern of human activities with a direct consequences for the planning and design principles that will determine the development of the area. 

In most at-risk urban communities, the car has been the primary means of transportation thus drawing jobs, shopping, leisure, and most aspect of living away from the community to area outside the community easily accessible by car.  Our highways and city infrastructure have been designed accordingly, that is to facilitate easy exist from the community where one lives to shopping, work, and leisure.  An excellent example would be to look at any community within the City of Fort Worth; my example would be the Stop Six Community.  This community is conveniently bordered by major freeways which is accessible within 5 to 10 minutes from the center of the community.  East bordered by Loop 820 East; south bordered by Highway 287; north bordered by Interstate 30; and west bordered by Interstate 35.  

Now we find ourselves attempting to reduce our reliance automobiles, fossil fuel, and all the carbon emissions that go with this mode of community.  We are trying to re-establish walking, cycling, public transportation, neighborhood shopping, and all the living styles that we moved away from a few decades ago.  The difficult realization that for many city officials to realize is that the expected lifespan for a road will not always match the reality of how well that design will in reality work.

We now find ourselves faced with streets and highways that have a lifespan longer than the lifestyle that they were built for, and we are living at a time when city, state, and federal budgets are stretched to capacity.  No one will make the unpopular decision to make a costly change to an urban infrastructure that works.  Before we can embark upon changing the infrastructure of our communities, we must first educate those that live within these communities that there is a more efficient and economical.  Some of the key points that the author suggest to make this transition is:

1.        The creation of socially mixed and inclusive communities.

2.       The provision of services and facilities that meet a range of needs.

3.       Engaging local communities in discussion about how they see their neighborhood and their priorities and aspirations for the future.

4.       The provision of quality public transportation services.

In looking specifically at the Stop Six Community, these recommendations and suggestions are on-point. 

1.       In my opinion, the first point would probably be more difficult to achieve, however maybe one of the least important of the four.  The Stop Six Community’s population is currently 81% African American, low income, high poverty rate, primary build structure is houses (rental).  Not much will change these numbers without major changes in the other factors.

2.       It is very difficult to find fresh food within walking distance within the Stop Six Community.  This is where I believe a community garden will be a tremendous asset to this community. 

3.       Apathy within the community is very prevalent, I believe because many people do not realize how much power they have over their own destiny.  Community engagement and empowerment will go a long way to help people take charge of their community.  By educating and establishing community action teams, I believe this community can turn itself around. 

4.       Though transportation services are available, it is inadequate at best.  Because the public transportation exists, this would be an easy adjustment to make.

This article I found very interesting in that it gave me some insight into how a community can be changed, in addition it gave me the tools to get to work and do just that!

Legacy Property - January 11

Our meeting with Mathew Hyder, was very interesting, particular since Mathew, a native Texan, was able to present a contrast of sustainable development between US and AU.  Mathew, originally from Fort Worth, is one of two partners of Legacy Property (www.legacyproperty.com.au ), a full service development company located in Sydney Australia.  Mathew provided detailed information about the development process in Australia versus the United States including the following processes:

·         Acquisition

·         Approval

·         Design

·         Valuation

·         Tax

In addition, he provided detailed information about BASIX, a program introduced by the Australian Government to ensure that homes are built to be more energy and water efficient.   In Sydney, the BASIX program requires for all new homes, from single dwellings through to high-rise apartments, to reduce the amount of water and energy used by 40% compared to the average home.

BASIX is an on-line program that assesses a house or unit’s design, and compares it against energy and water reduction targets.   Once the design meet specific targets, a BASIX certificate will be issued. Every development application for a new home must be submitted to the local council with a BASIX certificate (www.basix.nsw.gov.au). 

The BASIX approach incorporates regional variations such as soil type, climate, rainfall and evaporation rates, varying the water target between 0 and 40% according to location.  This flexibility is critical due the extreme variation in rainfall and temperature for the area.  The BASIX system is an important factor in moving sustainability forward in that it:

1.      Sets one environmental standard

2.      One of the strongest sustainable planning measures

3.      No new home built will use more water than the state average

4.      System is free and flexible

5.      Sets clear sustainable housing targets

6.      Provides much greater market certainty

7.      Provides new home owners with better quality homes

Examples of sustainable housing features rated in the BASIX system are:

·         Rainwater tanks for toilet, garden and/or laundry use

·         Efficient showerheads, toilets, tap fittings

·         Use of indigenous garden species

·         Grey water system as appropriate

·         Solar, heat pump or high efficiency gas hot water systems

·         Efficient pool heating and pumps

·         Good solar orientation

·         Cross ventilation

·         Insulation

·         External shading

·         Performance glazing for large glazed areas and/or poorly oriented areas

·         Ceiling fans, evaporative coolers or high efficiency air conditioning

·         Energy efficient lighting

·         Alternative energy systems such as photovoltaic

Mathew also gave us background information on the Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Act of 2010 (http://www.cbd.gov.au/).    This act, effective November 1, 2010 made it mandatory for all property advertisement for space greater than 6,500 square feet must include the energy rating for the building.   With a transition period built in, effective November 1, 2011, a full Building Energy Efficiency Certificate (BEEC), valid for 12 months, will need to be disclosed. The BEEC must be registered on line and include the following:

• a NABERS Energy star rating for the building
• an assessment of tenancy lighting in the area of the building that is being sold or leased and
• general energy efficiency guidance

This program has been developed by the Australian, state and territory governments, as part of a broad package of measures to encourage building energy efficiency. The program is managed by the Australian Government Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency.
This type of drastic intervention by the government clearly demonstrates a different level of commitment to sustainable practices and building development than currently exists in the US.  Although I feel these practices are very useful and would be helpful in moving toward a more sustainable environment, I would prefer to see recommended changes set forth by industry as opposed to regulated changes by the government.  This certainly would result in a slower move to a more sustainable environment, but nevertheless it would result in some move.

Central Park Development - January 11

Central Park Development

The team visited the Central Park development in Sydney designed and being constructed as a mixed use development to include residential living and retail use (www.centralparksydney.com/ ).  The retail use is primarily included as a sustainable measure for tenants to be able to shop at home without the need to rely on automobile for all transportation.  The development can be characterized by its sustainable design geared to modern living in smaller areas.  In addition to the apartments being small in size other sustainable features are:

1.     Solar panels used to generate enough energy for the building, as well as enough energy to return to the grid.

2.    Water tanks that will utilize rain water, as well as export excess water to nearby neighborhoods.

3.    Roof top gardens and parks available for tenants

4.    Zero net greenhouse gas emissions for all operational energy use.

Although this development will prove to be sustainable, it appears to be difficult at best, or not suited for family living.  The living areas were too small for a family or small children.  The living quarters are very restrictive and do not lend itself to anything beyond basic living needs, tantamount to hotel or temporary living arrangements.

30 The Bond - January 13, 2011

The MGT visited 30 The Bond Office building in Sydney Australia, which is the first office building in Australia to receive a 5 star energy rating in sustainability (http://inhabitat.com/30-the-bond-sydneys-greenest-building/).  The building’s major sustainable features are:

1.        Natural ventilation use

2.       Passive chilled beam cooling system allowing 100% fresh air

3.       Operable shading on the building

4.       Roof top garden with native plants which require little or no maintenance (although not in use due to agreement with neighbors)

5.       Open lobby area cooled and heated by a natural stone wall

6.       Glass elevators with open stairs inside and easily assessable

7.       An open office environment similar to cubicles

8.       Glassed open conference rooms

9.       Staircase made from steel treated outdoors to rust and then sealed

In addition to being environmentally sound, the building is beautiful and creates a very pleasant office environment.   This was one of my favorite sites based on the uniqueness of the building and it appeal to a productive work environment.   The design manager, Matt Williams did state that the one drawback to the building’s design is the fact that the design misjudged the amount of sun that the atrium would get, thereby causing the atrium to be too hot during the summer months. 

Although I love the design of the building, I believe that a major disadvantage of the building would be the constant distractions of meetings and work due to the open design. 

Sustainable House - January 11, 2011

One of the major highlights of this trip for me was a visit to the sustainable house in Sydney Australia, and meeting Mr. Michael Mobbs, the visionary whose tenacity and hard work is probably a major contributor to the aggresive sustainability move in Australia (http://sustainablehouse.com.au/).  In first reading Mr. Mobbs’ book “Sustainable House”, it was refreshing to read about sustainability from a practical and realistic viewpoint.  Mr. Mobbs in his writing presents sustainability in a no-nonsense manner, and shares not only the positive, but the drawbacks of becoming sustainable.  Although Mr. Mobbs’ house was built in 1996 and his book first published in 1997, all of the practices that he presented and utilized in 1996 are applicable today.

The house is 100% sustainable, and at a glance appears to be a normal house.  Until Mr. Mobbs begin pointing out the sustainable features, one would not know that it was much different than the house next door.   Some of the major features of the house are:

1.      No public water comes into the house from the city. (Rainwater is harvested for use)

2.      No water or waste leaves the house.

3.      Gray water (water used for shower) is reused for toilet or washing clothes.

4.      No public electricity comes into the house, as it generates nearly twice the amount of electricity that it uses. (Solar Panels)

5.      Backyard fruit and vegetable garden used.

6.      Only four times since 1996, has the house required additional outside water due to lack of rain. 

Mr. Mobbs is very forthright about the challenges that he faced in making his house stainable in 1996, even though many of those challenges no longer exist due to a more educated public.  The major challenge was getting the project approved through city council and local code and zoning.   Mr. Mobbs now has not only the city council on board, but the entire neighborhood is benefiting from his vision.  Small community gardens exist throughout the neighborhood, of which people participate and partake.

Mr. Mobbs’ house represents a milestone in achieving sustainability, however realistically it is tantamount to going from 0 to 100 mph in 3 seconds!  All of the features that he built in his house can easily be duplicated, however most people would be more comfortable with taking a few features at a time.  I admire and applaud Mr. Mobbs, and I am truly inspired by his works.  I am moved to personally reach outside of my comfort zone to do more. 

Britomart – January 6, 2011

The MGT was privileged to be provided a tour of the Britomart Development Project in Auckland New Zealand by its Development Manager, Sarah Ballantyne.  The project is a large transport and urban revitalization project which spans seven inner city blocks, and is the country’s most expensive infrastructure project undertaken by a local authority (http://www.britomart.org/about-britomart  )  The project has received 5 star rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council for its sustainabile design.  The development is a collaborative effort by Cooper and Company (www.cooperandcompany.org) and Hamilton Construction Company (http://www.hawkins.co.nz/ ).  The project, initially intended for a mixed use development to include office space, retail, and apartments, made a major adjustment to its intended use after the residential market took a drastic downturn.  Although construction had already begun, the development team made design changes that would make the project commercial and retail only.  The design is of such that once the real estate market rebounds, the building could be easily reconverted for apartment use.  The building incorporates many sustainable features, one of which is it will serve as a major transportation hub for the train, ferry, and bus line.   In addition to the knowledge and leadership of the development manager, Sarah Ballantyne, I was most impressed by the ability of the team to change the design of the project to remove the apartment aspect and still meet the scheduled completion date of April 2011.

Rotorua Aquatic Center – January 5, 2011

The MGT visited the Rotorua Aquatic Center, which is the first Aquatic Center in the country to be awarded the gold environment award, recognizing the country’s highest standards in environmental practices.  The center is owned by the Totorua District Council and consistently demonstrates highly effective energy efficiency, waste management and water conservation (http://www.rdc-aquatic.co.nz/).   After being provided a tour by the shift supervisor, it is easy to understand why the Aquatic manager says “the achievement is a result of dedicated Aquatic Centre staff constantly thinking of ways to support and implement sustainability.  Not only has the Center been successful in achieving the highest standards for themselves, but they have inspired other local organizations to become more sustainable by challenging them to meet or exceed their accomplishments in implementing sustainable measures.  When the shift supervisor, with great pride, offered to show us the vegetable garden that the Aquatic Center had established, I believe that we were all looking for a garden large enough to feed the staff and its family.   Much to my surprise, the garden comprised of a few gallon tubs of plants which included tomatoes, peppers, and a few other vegetables.  I believe this garden and the pride of the aquatic staff epitomize the true essence of the sustainability movement.  Every accomplishment, no matter how small, must be viewed as a major step forward in the move toward a more sustainable environment.

Hamilton Gardens – January 6, 2011

The MGT visited Hamilton Garden, a public park owned by the people of Hamilton and managed by the Hamilton City Council.  The Garden contain five garden collections, one of which is the Productive Garden Collection.  This collection represent forms of productive plants which provides food, raw materials for clothing, shelter, and medicine.  The garden includes:

a.       Te Parapara, a garden demonstrating traditional Maori horticulture;

b.      Kitchen Garden, containing a range of vegetables and small fruits;

c.       Herb Garden, containing plants for culinary, cosmetic, perfume and medicinal purposes; and

d.      Sustainable Backyard, demonstrating principles of sustainable food production on a backyard scale.

The gardens are maintained by specific organizations, i.e. charitable organizations, schools, churches.  These organizations maintain the gardens, as well as reap the harvest to distribute the food to families in need or food banks.  The sustainable backyard section maintains a worm farm as well as compost for use in the gardens.  Some of the vegetable being grown are peas, tomatoes, greens, melons, squash, and others. 

Lessons Learned:

·         Community gardens would be an excellent source of affordable fresh fruit and vegetables for families.

·         Sustainable gardens can be utilized to reduce food cost as well as food transportation cost.

Source:  Hamilton Gardens Site Guide; www.hamiltongardens.co.nz

IRONBANK - January 3, 2011

IRONBANK – Auckland, New Zealand

The MGT visited the IRONBANK complex located in Auckland, New Zealand.  The complex comprises of 4500m sq. of retail and commercial office space around a landscaped plaza with 95 car parks accommodated in a mechanical car stacking machine below street level. It is located on the edge of Auckland’s Central Business District. One of the most unique features about this complex is the car stacking system.   

IRONBANK is Ecologically Sustainably Designed (ESD) and has been awarded a 5 Green star as-built rating by the New Zealand Green Building Council.  The project has been recognized with a Commendation award in the 2008 MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Awards.  (www.worldarchitecturenews.com) 

See pictures at:

http://www.contemporist.com/2010/06/16/the-ironbank-building-by-rta-studio/

The IRONBANK project seems to be a maverick, and ahead of it's time as may be evident by its lack of occupants.  The facility's parking garage is innovative and very useful where parking is a premium; however consumer's demand for this innovation does not exist.  I do believe that in the future as a balance is struck between economics and sustainability this building will be in demand.

Stanley Construction - January 3, 2011

Stanley Construction

Our Team (hereafter referred to as the Mobile Green Team MGT), met with Gary Caulfield, General Manager Stanley Construction, and an active member of the New Zealand Green Building Council.  Being an advocate for sustainability, “because it’s the right thing to do”, Gary is one of a few people in New Zealand who have managed a project that has attained a Green star rating (http://www.stanleygroup.co.nz/page/140-our-people). 

Gary provided in-depth knowledge about the New Zealand Green Council, of which he has been a member since its inception in 2005.  (http://www.nzgbc.org.nz/main/) The Council  was established in July 2005 with its goal to move the global property industry and built environment towards sustainability.

Gary provided detailed information about “leaky buildings”, a problem that manifested itself much in the same way that lead paint issued did in USA.  During the 1990s many houses were built using methods that haven't withstood the weather conditions in New Zealand. Because of the problems involving design, and installation of materials, these houses leak when it rains.  (http://www.consumerbuild.org.nz/publish/leaky/leaky-background.php)

Once water or moisture gets behind certain cladding types, if there is no cavity between the cladding and the framework, the water becomes trapped and cannot easily escape or evaporate.  In 1998, a change in the New Zealand standard for Timber Treatment (as referenced in Acceptable Solution B2/AS1) allowed the use of untreated kiln-dried timber in wall framing. If this untreated timber framing gets wet, the timber starts to rot. Likewise, steel framed buildings and treated timber can also be affected if they remain wet long enough. This causes, in some cases, extensive damage to the fabric and structure of the house.

A side effect of leaking buildings is the risk to human health. Some molds that grow on damp timber and other materials can cause respiratory and skin problems.  In addition, some residential structures have been determined to be dangerous because of weak timber and/or weak building structures.  

One of the facts that I found most fascinating about the leaky building issue is even though there is much litigation and tax payers’ dollars being spent on this problem, the New Zealand Government has not banned the use of this untreated timber in buildings.   

One of the most impressive things about this visit was Gary Caulfield’s dedication and commitment to sustainable living and practices.