“Green” Architecture

The fact is that modern “green” buildings are actually not, at least in the absolute sense of true sustainability. Whether we intend it or not, our various eco-terminology constitutes a form of relativism whereby ‘green’ is actually about taking less from the earth rather than re-investing in its long-term health and vitality. As with natural systems where nutrients are in a constant cycle, a truly green building would comprise a 100% renewable process – - its materials and energy extraction and harvest would be localized and it would go harmlessly back into natural cycles at the end of its useful life. Of course, the reality is that even the greenest architecture of today results in a net loss of natural capital, especially on the upstream side of the process (see “embodied energy”).