04-02-2012
Living Green: Part I
FXFOWLE was founded over 34 years ago and is deeply rooted in conservationist values. Today, our projects continue to set new standards in environmentally-responsible design, and even though buildings are the largest contributor of greenhouse gases and a major consumer of materials, they are also an important part of the solution. By rethinking how we design–from individual structures to entire communities–we can make a significant impact to repair and restore the state of the environment. But we must also rethink how we "live green."
Each spring, the firm holds a month-long series of in-house educational programs, lectures, and events aimed at raising awareness of recent trends and innovations in sustainable design. We call the month "Green April," and this year's theme is "Living Green." The title is meant to present a broad range of issues and topics that describe–or question–what it means to work and live sustainably.
As architects and designers, we are constantly absorbing knowledge and new ideas of how to design and build sustainably. Throughout this month, we will learn how to decipher technical information to select the right type of green materials for a building or interior, discover the latest innovative strategies to design "net-zero" buildings, as well as implement best practices for green roofs.
As urban citizens, we will be exploring ways that community groups and government agencies are contributing to a greener urban lifestyle. Guest speakers will include Kate Fillin-Yeh, Program Director at the Department of Transportation, who will be talking with us about New York City's new Bike Share Program; and Michael Brotchner, Executive Director of Sustainable South Bronx, who will discuss how innovative environmental programs have strengthened the local economy through green job training, community greening programs and education.
Additional programs throughout the month will get us out of the office and see our ideas in practice! We will put on our hardhats and visit the Javits Convention Center to check-out the latest progress on the green retrofitting and revitalization of this iconic mega-structure; and we will visit our project at 250 Hudson Street, a prairie-like 8,000 square foot extensive and intensive green roof.
These are just a few programs and events we have planned this month for "Green April" that will help us contribute more positively to the environment, improve our office practices and operations, and our daily lives.
How are you "Living Green"?
"Living Green" is a month-long series of Blog posts that will discuss and promote the firm's activities and programs for "Green April." We hope the dialogue enlightens and inspires you to live green.
Each spring, the firm holds a month-long series of in-house educational programs, lectures, and events aimed at raising awareness of recent trends and innovations in sustainable design. We call the month "Green April," and this year's theme is "Living Green." The title is meant to present a broad range of issues and topics that describe–or question–what it means to work and live sustainably.
As architects and designers, we are constantly absorbing knowledge and new ideas of how to design and build sustainably. Throughout this month, we will learn how to decipher technical information to select the right type of green materials for a building or interior, discover the latest innovative strategies to design "net-zero" buildings, as well as implement best practices for green roofs.
As urban citizens, we will be exploring ways that community groups and government agencies are contributing to a greener urban lifestyle. Guest speakers will include Kate Fillin-Yeh, Program Director at the Department of Transportation, who will be talking with us about New York City's new Bike Share Program; and Michael Brotchner, Executive Director of Sustainable South Bronx, who will discuss how innovative environmental programs have strengthened the local economy through green job training, community greening programs and education.
Additional programs throughout the month will get us out of the office and see our ideas in practice! We will put on our hardhats and visit the Javits Convention Center to check-out the latest progress on the green retrofitting and revitalization of this iconic mega-structure; and we will visit our project at 250 Hudson Street, a prairie-like 8,000 square foot extensive and intensive green roof.
These are just a few programs and events we have planned this month for "Green April" that will help us contribute more positively to the environment, improve our office practices and operations, and our daily lives.
How are you "Living Green"?
"Living Green" is a month-long series of Blog posts that will discuss and promote the firm's activities and programs for "Green April." We hope the dialogue enlightens and inspires you to live green.