Changing the way we build

Architect Vincent Pieri does not like to be singled out as a green architect but he believes that being ‘green’ and taking responsibility are simply the way to go.

During a talk at the University’s Department of Architecture (organised by the US Embassy and Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar), his advice was to start at the core of a development project and work outward.

Pieri’s ‘outward’ extends to the ends of the earth and beyond, into the atmosphere. He urges architects to consider how to design for climate.

In a clear reference to some of the existing buildings, which do little to improve climate performance, he says, “making our own climate inside was nice when energy was cheap, but it’s not anymore… and it’s running out.”

To understand Pieri’s drive and enthusiasm for energy efficient buildings it is worth taking a look at what has been going on in the American architect’s domain.

Data from the US Energy Information Administration shows that buildings guzzle the greater part of the energy pie, accounting for nearly half of consumption. If buildings’ energy use could be reduced by half its effect would be equivalent to taking every passenger vehicle and small truck in the US off the road.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s third report effectively ended debate among all but a few scientists. A ‘paradigm shift’ was noted by the US National Academy of Sciences over scientific recognition of the risk of abrupt climate change on a decade-to-decade scale.

Last year the Union of Concerned Scientists released a national blueprint for a clean energy economy intended to jump-start transition. The proposal to combine energy and transportation policies with an emissions cap set initially at 26 per cent, then at 56 per cent below 2005 levels would save the average US household $900 on electricity, heating and transportation costs by 2030.

To help avoid the most dangerous consequences of climate change, ranging from extreme heat, droughts and storms, to acidifying oceans and rising sea levels, the US must aim for at least an 80 per cent drop from 2005 levels by 2050.

Climate change denial began to be viewed as unpatriotic, much to the chagrin of diehards. The Business and Media Institute, whose motto is ‘Advancing the culture of free enterprise in America’, declared global warming as dead early this year.

Shortly afterwards, BMI was irritated by The Economist’s open advocacy of climate change. The international business magazine’s March cover story ‘Spin, Science and Climate Change’, came out with the view that “action on climate is justified – not because the science is certain, but precisely because it is not”.

The 2030 blueprint offers a solution centered on increasing energy efficiency, homeowner choices and renewable energy. It could supply as much as 37 per cent of America’s total energy consumption, replace 100 per cent of its fossil-fuel-generated electricity, and reduce imported oil by as much as 89 per cent.

Architecture 2030, an independent organisation, was set up to transform the building sector from the major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions by changing the way buildings and developments are planned, designed and constructed.

Pieri spoke about meeting the 2030 challenge, adding that the biggest energy reductions could be achieved through design: “Take responsibility for your design decisions as an architect, engineer or politician.”

“Conserve every last drop of water,” urged Pieri, reminding his listeners that only three per cent of all water on the planet is potable. He commented favourably on the sustainable house of hydrologist Marco Cremona, saying he had learned several tips from him.

He added that cutting down on emissions may not always mean the typical responses to a call for change in behaviour: “If you reduce your red meat consumption you can drive a Hummer and still have a lower carbon footprint than if you drove a Prius.”

The conventional way of doing things may sometimes be only one step better than breaking the law. Going from a degenerating system to a regenerating system can include the creation of sustainable, local, organic urban gardens. “Plant trees, make use of your flat rooftops,” he recommended.

A particular observation made by Pieri was that Outside Development Zones in Malta appeared to be “kind of flexible”. His reaction was: “That has to be reviewed – somebody has to take a stand on that.”

He was clearly taken aback to hear of the plan to remove mature trees from the main square in Victoria.

In a reference to Thomas Jefferson, Pieri advocated “subtle sedition” as the way to handle politics that maintained the status quo.

During his visit to Malta, Pieri also gave a talk at the Chamber of Architects.

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