GREEN MAP
Green Buildings
Introduction:
"Urbanization is usually regarded as a demographic and economic phenomenon, as a transition to a somewhat higher plane of civilization." (Rees, 1998)
Cities are experiencing a dramatic increase in the "throughput" of energy and resources required to meet the high demands of urbanites. This is creating a situation whereby resource consumption and waste production are exceeding the carrying capacity of many ecosystems. The common perception is that economic development and urbanization are independant of the ecosphere. The ecosphere is seen as serving the economy. Unfortunately, as the global carrying capacity has now been exceeded, the ecosphere will no longer be able to serve the current pattern of urban centers, the economy and increasing human demands.
The rate of urbanization is expected to continue. The consumption and degradation of natural resources and land will also increase. There is no doubt that our Ecological Footprint is getting larger as economic development and urbanization continue to priorize urban activities. No city is currently sustainable and no urban center will ever be sustainable unless common assumptions and perceptions are changed to view the ecosphere, the economy and the city as a network of inter-related processes and systems.
The principles of Sustainable Design are an effective way to restructure the built urban form to establish relationships with the natural environment and reduce the amount of environmental impact that is caused in contemporary development projects. Restructuring of the urban form in an environmentally sensitive and socially positive manner is urgently needed.
