Photo by Victor Garcia / The Unsplash License
Although Earth Day only happens one day a year, taking care of our planet should be our priority all year long. After all, this is the only home we've got. If we don't take care of it, it may become a place that we can no longer inhabit. Luckily, there are a lot of efforts being made to help us live more sustainable lifestyles.
There are many actions we can take, big and small, to ensure the health of our planet. Some of the actions we can perform day to day include implementing small changes like recycling, buying reusable cups and containers, and using public transportation instead of driving. But some of the larger actions that we can take include supporting wide scale renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, and constructing sustainable buildings.
When it comes to green buildings, some are far more impressive than others. Here are a few of the best green buildings from around the world:
THE FRICK ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the United States, the Frick Environmental Center can be found in Frick Park, the largest park in Pittsburgh. It is a free-to-all educational center where visitors can learn more about the environment or utilize classrooms for teaching purposes. It is a certified Living Building, which means that it was designed to meet certain standards for reducing the waste of resources and energy and for reducing the negative environmental effects from buildings.
The building was constructed with recycled and locally-produced materials. It was designed to use 40 percent less energy than other buildings of its size, and it runs entirely off of energy produced on site from solar panels and geothermal wells. As for water, water is collected when it rains, and there is a system to safely dispose of waste water. Its location — in the middle of Frick Park — was chosen due to its accessibility by sustainable transportation methods such as biking, walking, and public transit. But its location also helps to promote a healthier lifestyle — for people and the planet.
Photo by Dan Stark / The Unsplash License
OSPEDALE DELL'ANGELO
This hospital, located in Venice-Mestre in Italy, is an incredible achievement in the realm of sustainable architecture. It's considered to be one of the greenest hospitals in existence, and Italian architect Emilio Ambasz spent decades designing it. It features floor to ceiling glass windows, excellent insulation and ventilation systems, and an indoor garden, which patients can see from their rooms.
When it comes to greenery, the building's location is also important: It's located not in a bustling area but on a field with a lake and flowers. If anything, this building appears more like a public botanical garden than a hospital. The plants and gardens not only serve as visual pleasure, but they also freshen the air, eliminate toxins, and promote positive feelings, helping us to feel more relaxed and calm. It's considered to be a type of green therapy, and what better place for this than a hospital?
THE VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE
This convention center in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is not only notable for being one of the largest convention centers in Canada, but it is also notable for its efforts in sustainable building. It has been making waves for years with its efforts, and it became the first double LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum convention center in the world in 2017.
This green building has found a way to expertly reduce water and energy waste and efficiently manage day-to-day operations through features like a living roof (with honey bees), a marine habitat, motion-sensitive and energy-efficient lighting, an improved recycling system, the adoption of a greener plumbing system (including water-efficient toilets), a black water treatment plant, and locally-sourced building materials. Lastly, it's waterfront location certainly doesn't hurt for promoting a sustainable lifestyle.
As more companies embrace green technologies, expect to see more incredible green buildings in the near future, especially in some of the world's most populated and beautiful cities. There's no doubt about it: This is an exciting time in the world of green architecture.
