Cool Philippine Green Building Council Appointment to represent the YOUTH!
http://philgbc.org/
Excited about this great opportunity and looking forward to greening the Philippines with PHIL GBC and the young advocates of change of the Philippines!
6/15/09
Tour de Cure
TOUR DE CURE
Hi!
We did it! We raised $400 for the cause and finished the Tour de Cure route! More importantly, it was all due to your generous support! Tour de Cure is a series of fundraising bicycling events across the country benefiting the American Diabetes Association. Your tax-deductible gift will go to the support research, advocacy and education for diabetes. Thanks for helping the hundreds and millions of people who suffer from diabetes. Our efforts will help set the pace in the fight against diabetes.
With Love,
Esperanza
***LINK on Tour de Cure:
http://tour.diabetes.org/
**LINK on Personal Tour de Cure page:
http://main.diabetes.org/goto/esperanzagarcia
**LINK on Esperanza Garcia Tour de Cure Blog:
http://ecohope.blogspot.com/2009/03/tour-de-cure.html
Hi!
We did it! We raised $400 for the cause and finished the Tour de Cure route! More importantly, it was all due to your generous support! Tour de Cure is a series of fundraising bicycling events across the country benefiting the American Diabetes Association. Your tax-deductible gift will go to the support research, advocacy and education for diabetes. Thanks for helping the hundreds and millions of people who suffer from diabetes. Our efforts will help set the pace in the fight against diabetes.
With Love,
Esperanza
***LINK on Tour de Cure:
http://tour.diabetes.org/
**LINK on Personal Tour de Cure page:
http://main.diabetes.org/goto/esperanzagarcia
**LINK on Esperanza Garcia Tour de Cure Blog:
http://ecohope.blogspot.com/2009/03/tour-de-cure.html
5/31/09
Lamak Elementary School
SALAKOT SCHOOL - LAMAK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Help in making this school possible for the children of Barili, Cebu!
The benefits of design comes in manifolds. Design can build a school for children in a remote area where access to water, energy, and educational materials are difficult to distribute, Design can promote a healthier environment for the children in a school building by using sustainable materials and techniques, Design can support indigenous and native designs and practices in a country that is becoming Westernized. The Salakot School Project allows us to explore good design that can save lives.
The Salakot school design is a low-cost school made from sustainable and indigenuous materials for low-income families.The proposed public school building renovation of the Salakot School is for the Lamak Elementary School, located in Sitio Lamak, Baranagay Mayana Barili, Cebu City, Philippines. The school caters to the elementary grades, from Grade 1 to Grade 6. In 2009, first year high school will be opened. Thus an expansion for additional classrooms is necessary.
Open Architecture Challenge:
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/competitions/challenge/2009
BELIEVE THAT GOOD DESIGN CAN SAVE LIVES!
5/30/09
Master's Degree Program on Environmental Studies
Need Recommendation for Master's Program on ff:
1. Environmental Policy Studies
2. International Environmental Law
3. Enviromental Engineering
4. Urban Design & Environmental Planning
5. Sustainable Development Studies
For suggestions, would appreciate a response at email: garciaesperanza@live.com
1. Environmental Policy Studies
2. International Environmental Law
3. Enviromental Engineering
4. Urban Design & Environmental Planning
5. Sustainable Development Studies
For suggestions, would appreciate a response at email: garciaesperanza@live.com
5/10/09
Sustainable & Low-cost School designed by Esperanza Garcia
LAMAK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Designed by Esperanza Garcia
THE SALAKOT SCHOOL
The Salakot School is a low-cost school made of sustainable and indigenous materials for low-income families based in a municipal Barili, in Cebu Philippines.
SALAKOT SCHOOL NATURAL VENTILATION STRATEGY
An architectural design that promotes cross ventilation, decreases energy use, and appropriate for Philippine tropical weather.
PASSIVE SOLAR
The school design allows natural light to go inside each classroom from two sides of each wall. This decreases energy use within the building.
NATURAL VENTILATION
Cross ventilation happens when cool air from outside enters a building and forces warm air out through an outlet such as a window or door. Due to the tropical climate in the Philippines, natural-ventilation strategies in architectural design is important. Creating cross ventilation in a school brings in oxygen and creates a cooler environment. The design of the school allows natural ventilation in the classroom and interior space of the school.
ALIBATA
Alibata is the ancient script of the Philippines. Alibata is the Filipino writing used before the Spanish colonization, and no longer used today. It is important to re-introduce the writing form back to the Philippine education system. Adorning the classroom walls with the Alibata alphabet will be a reminder for children of their heritage.
LOCAL MATERIALS
ABACA
Abaca, known as Manila hemp, is the strongest natural fiber in the world. It is grown mainly in the Philippines. The furniture designs in the classroom will be made from Abaca fibers.
BAMBOO
Bamboo is the most eco-friendly material in the world, as it is renewable. The Bamboo culm can grow up to one meter in a single night. Fortunately, the Philippines has an abundance of bamboo. Bamboo is flexible, stress-resistant, and an endless regenerative resource, making this resource appropriate to support the architectural structure of the Salakot school. Bamboo flooring will also be used.
RATTAN
Rattan palm vine can grow up to 600 feet long. In the early days, rattan was used for rigging small boats, hauling and bailing as supports for suspension bridges, and for lashing bamboo frameworks of thatched houses. Rattan will be used in the wall designs and furniture of the school.
PLAYPUMP SYSTEM
The PlayPump system is a water pump that provides easy access to clean drinking water, powered by children at play. PlayPump has lead to improvements in health, education, gender equality, and economic development. The interior courtyard of the school will integrate the playpump system. The water feature that surrounds the exterior of the school will benefit the PlayPump system.
"While children have fun spinning on the PlayPump merry-go-round (1), clean water is pumped (2) from underground (3) into a 2,500-liter tank (4), standing seven meters above the ground. A simple tap (5) makes it easy for adults and children to draw water. Excess water is diverted from the storage tank back down into the borehole (6). The water storage tank (7) provides a rare opportunity to advertise in outlaying communities. All four sides of the tank are leased as billboards, with two sides for consumer advertising and the other two sides for health and educational messages. The revenue generated by this unique model pays for pump maintenance."
Link: http://www.playpumps.org
Believe that "GOOD DESIGN WILL SAVE THE WORLD!"
Designed by Esperanza Garcia
THE SALAKOT SCHOOL
The Salakot School is a low-cost school made of sustainable and indigenous materials for low-income families based in a municipal Barili, in Cebu Philippines.
SALAKOT SCHOOL NATURAL VENTILATION STRATEGY
An architectural design that promotes cross ventilation, decreases energy use, and appropriate for Philippine tropical weather.
PASSIVE SOLAR
The school design allows natural light to go inside each classroom from two sides of each wall. This decreases energy use within the building.
NATURAL VENTILATION
Cross ventilation happens when cool air from outside enters a building and forces warm air out through an outlet such as a window or door. Due to the tropical climate in the Philippines, natural-ventilation strategies in architectural design is important. Creating cross ventilation in a school brings in oxygen and creates a cooler environment. The design of the school allows natural ventilation in the classroom and interior space of the school.
ALIBATA
Alibata is the ancient script of the Philippines. Alibata is the Filipino writing used before the Spanish colonization, and no longer used today. It is important to re-introduce the writing form back to the Philippine education system. Adorning the classroom walls with the Alibata alphabet will be a reminder for children of their heritage.
LOCAL MATERIALS
ABACA
Abaca, known as Manila hemp, is the strongest natural fiber in the world. It is grown mainly in the Philippines. The furniture designs in the classroom will be made from Abaca fibers.
BAMBOO
Bamboo is the most eco-friendly material in the world, as it is renewable. The Bamboo culm can grow up to one meter in a single night. Fortunately, the Philippines has an abundance of bamboo. Bamboo is flexible, stress-resistant, and an endless regenerative resource, making this resource appropriate to support the architectural structure of the Salakot school. Bamboo flooring will also be used.
RATTAN
Rattan palm vine can grow up to 600 feet long. In the early days, rattan was used for rigging small boats, hauling and bailing as supports for suspension bridges, and for lashing bamboo frameworks of thatched houses. Rattan will be used in the wall designs and furniture of the school.
PLAYPUMP SYSTEM
The PlayPump system is a water pump that provides easy access to clean drinking water, powered by children at play. PlayPump has lead to improvements in health, education, gender equality, and economic development. The interior courtyard of the school will integrate the playpump system. The water feature that surrounds the exterior of the school will benefit the PlayPump system.
"While children have fun spinning on the PlayPump merry-go-round (1), clean water is pumped (2) from underground (3) into a 2,500-liter tank (4), standing seven meters above the ground. A simple tap (5) makes it easy for adults and children to draw water. Excess water is diverted from the storage tank back down into the borehole (6). The water storage tank (7) provides a rare opportunity to advertise in outlaying communities. All four sides of the tank are leased as billboards, with two sides for consumer advertising and the other two sides for health and educational messages. The revenue generated by this unique model pays for pump maintenance."
Link: http://www.playpumps.org
Believe that "GOOD DESIGN WILL SAVE THE WORLD!"
5/9/09
Youth Assembly Founders Have Inspiring Impact on Future Generations
Esperanza Garcia's Letter at the Youth Assembly at the United Nations Blog:
Youth Assembly Founders Have Inspiring Impact on Future Generations
Your Impact by Visiting Link: ESPERANZA GARCIA LETTER
Youth Assembly Founders Have Inspiring Impact on Future Generations
Your Impact by Visiting Link: ESPERANZA GARCIA LETTER
5/4/09
Tour de Cure 2009 Update
Nearing Tour de Cure, and have raised 80% of goal! $100 more to go! Please help support cause!
http://main.diabetes.org/goto/esperanzagarcia
With Love,
Esperanza
4/24/09
2008 Projects
Esperanza Garcia 2008-2009
To put some sense into this life...
1. Scholar/ Youth Representative/ Co-founder for The Global Summit (TGS)
Links: http://theglobalsummit.org/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33101440@N03/3087457255/sizes/l/
Info: The Global Summit™ (TGS) is a social, economic, and environmental event produced by Empowerment Works (EW), a nonprofit organization promoting global partnerships for a sustainable world. Each year, citizens, organizations, and businesses who participate in The Global Summit™ are able to join forces and, together, become vehicles of positive change.
Action: Gained full scholarship at The Global Summit, had the position of Youth representative, and I was able to give young individuals from all over the world to become youth scholars for the event. The youth included Chloe Hall (US), Isabella Schlipp (US), Josefa Isabel Garcia (Philippines), Emmanuel Onywera (Nigeria), Asha Castleberry (US), Carla Banson (Philippines), and Miguel Toro (Puerto Rico). The International Youth Council was one of the co-founders of the event.
Scholars & Youth Representatives at the Global Summit
2. Founder of Eco-design & Sustainable Development Facebook Group
Link: http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2209038152&ref=ts
Info: Acknowledging Humanitarian, Ecological, and Economical design solutions that promote sustainable developments.
Action: I started the facebook group in 2006 to be able to meet other people who had knowledge on sustainable developments. Initially, there were less than a hundred members in the first year to almost 3,500 members to this date. Only proving even more how critical people want to be involved in this critical issue—Global Warming & Climate Change.
3. Director of Global Warming & Climate Change Initiatives for the International Youth Council and GLACCIER Campaign
Link: http://glaccier.blogspot.com/
http://glaccier-ph.ning.com/
http://internationalyouthcouncil.blogspot.com/
Info: Global Legal Action on Climate Change for International Environmental Responsibility (GLACCIER) and Internatonal Youth Council (IYC) are now emerging to take action against the present ongoing impact of climate changes and global heating.
Action: Gathering young individuals from all over the world who will work closely with top environmental lawyers that are willing to take action against any person or entity who fails or refuses to abide by our efforts. We are building on a great global case analysis.
The International Youth council in action. With Farah Al-Azab (Jordan), Kinga Katus (Hungary), Ahmad Alhindawi (Jordan), Eric Dales (Canada), Elizabeth (US), Asha Castleberry (US), Jaime Ansorge (US), and Angela Jhanji (UK)
4. Chief Campaigner for the Youth for the Philippine Green Building Council
Link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=35113313025
http://philgbc.org/
Info: The Philippine Green Building Council is the leading green building campaign in the Philippines. A non-stock, non-profit organization in the Philippines focusing on the promotion of sustainable building practices in the industry.
Action: Gathering students from all over the Philippines to engage in sustainable practices and designs. Currently proposing a Phil. GBC Student Campus Campaign
with Chris de la Cruz, Chairman and President at The Philippine Green Building Council, Romy de Jesus, UAP President, & Bianca Araneta, Earth Hour Philippines WWF ambassador, at the Philippine Green Building Forum
5. Global Youth Leader for the Youth Assembly at the United Nations
Link: http://www.faf.org/unyouthassembly/testimonials.htm
http://www.faf.org/unyouthassembly/ya_home.htm
Info: The Youth Assembly is an annual gathering of hundreds of young people from around the world who seek practical ways to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, global networking and social entrepreneurship skills as well as meeting with and contributing to civil society formally affiliated with the United Nations. The Youth Assembly is about showing how one person can make a difference by engaging with the challenges of the present and being an educated and active citizen.
Action: Attended the Youth Assembly at the United Nations leadership seminar, met young individuals, all equally inspirational, devoted, and accomplished, each wanting to make a big difference in the world. Led a presentation to find solutions with representatives from Australia, Puerto Rico, Nigeria, & Philippines and presented our solution on Climate Change & Education, which included a low-cost, self-sufficient building solution that integrated environmental awareness in the school curriculum in Nigeria.
with Tessa Satherley (Australia), Miguel Toro (Puerto Rico), & Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Micheal (Nigeria): Presenting our solution on Climate Change & Education
Global Youth Leaders 2008
6. Volunteer for the Ecocity World Summit, Green Festival, and West Coast Green since 2007
Link: http://www.ecocityworldsummit.org/index.htm,
http://www.westcoastgreen.com/
http://www.greenfestivals.org/
Info:
Ecocity World Summit 2008 - Usher's Crowd Control for Mayor's Conference
The Ecocity World Summit is a conference that gathered many of the world's best and brightest speakers, moderators and delegates representing the Ecocity approach.
Green festival 2007 & 2008 - Speaker Room Attendant
Green Festival is the largest sustainability event in the world.
West Coast Green 2007 & 2008 - Hospitality Staff
West Coast Green is the largest venue for green innovation, building, business, and design.
Action: Supporting and networking with individuals & organizations in pursuit of sustainable developments.
WEST COAST GREEN DESIGN CHARETTE: Building an Ecocity-- Planning West Oakland, CA with great minds, including Richard Register, founder of Ecocity Builders.
Volunteering at the Ecocity World Summit '08 with Dr. Serigne Mbaye Diene
7. AAU Student Representative to "Clean & Green the SF Community"
Info: Volunteering to "Clean & Green the SF Community, Schools, and Parks"
Action: Celebrating Earth Day by cleaning schools & parks & serving as the assistant of the AAU Vice President. Gathered fellow students to help Green and Clean John O' Connell High School & St. Mary Playground. We helped in beautifying the neighborhood in District 9.
Serving as Student Representative of Academy of Art University to 'Clean and Green' communities in San Francisco
8. Intern at Architecture International
Link: http://www.arch-intl.com/
egarcia@arch-intl.com
Info: A U.S. based architecture design firm providing architecture, urban planning, and interior design services
Action: Gained experience and hindsight on working in a world-renowned architecture firm. Increased network in the building industry. Developed design skills and learned more about architecture, urban planning, and interior design.
Meeting on green architecture with Winston G., President and General Manager of GSIS, GSIS associates, and John Sheehy & William Higgins, bosses at Architecture International at the GSIS headquarters, Manila, Philippines.
To put some sense into this life...
1. Scholar/ Youth Representative/ Co-founder for The Global Summit (TGS)
Links: http://theglobalsummit.org/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33101440@N03/3087457255/sizes/l/
Info: The Global Summit™ (TGS) is a social, economic, and environmental event produced by Empowerment Works (EW), a nonprofit organization promoting global partnerships for a sustainable world. Each year, citizens, organizations, and businesses who participate in The Global Summit™ are able to join forces and, together, become vehicles of positive change.
Action: Gained full scholarship at The Global Summit, had the position of Youth representative, and I was able to give young individuals from all over the world to become youth scholars for the event. The youth included Chloe Hall (US), Isabella Schlipp (US), Josefa Isabel Garcia (Philippines), Emmanuel Onywera (Nigeria), Asha Castleberry (US), Carla Banson (Philippines), and Miguel Toro (Puerto Rico). The International Youth Council was one of the co-founders of the event.
Scholars & Youth Representatives at the Global Summit2. Founder of Eco-design & Sustainable Development Facebook Group
Link: http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2209038152&ref=ts
Info: Acknowledging Humanitarian, Ecological, and Economical design solutions that promote sustainable developments.
Action: I started the facebook group in 2006 to be able to meet other people who had knowledge on sustainable developments. Initially, there were less than a hundred members in the first year to almost 3,500 members to this date. Only proving even more how critical people want to be involved in this critical issue—Global Warming & Climate Change.
3. Director of Global Warming & Climate Change Initiatives for the International Youth Council and GLACCIER Campaign
Link: http://glaccier.blogspot.com/
http://glaccier-ph.ning.com/
http://internationalyouthcouncil.blogspot.com/
Info: Global Legal Action on Climate Change for International Environmental Responsibility (GLACCIER) and Internatonal Youth Council (IYC) are now emerging to take action against the present ongoing impact of climate changes and global heating.
Action: Gathering young individuals from all over the world who will work closely with top environmental lawyers that are willing to take action against any person or entity who fails or refuses to abide by our efforts. We are building on a great global case analysis.
The International Youth council in action. With Farah Al-Azab (Jordan), Kinga Katus (Hungary), Ahmad Alhindawi (Jordan), Eric Dales (Canada), Elizabeth (US), Asha Castleberry (US), Jaime Ansorge (US), and Angela Jhanji (UK)4. Chief Campaigner for the Youth for the Philippine Green Building Council
Link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=35113313025
http://philgbc.org/
Info: The Philippine Green Building Council is the leading green building campaign in the Philippines. A non-stock, non-profit organization in the Philippines focusing on the promotion of sustainable building practices in the industry.
Action: Gathering students from all over the Philippines to engage in sustainable practices and designs. Currently proposing a Phil. GBC Student Campus Campaign
with Chris de la Cruz, Chairman and President at The Philippine Green Building Council, Romy de Jesus, UAP President, & Bianca Araneta, Earth Hour Philippines WWF ambassador, at the Philippine Green Building Forum5. Global Youth Leader for the Youth Assembly at the United Nations
Link: http://www.faf.org/unyouthassembly/testimonials.htm
http://www.faf.org/unyouthassembly/ya_home.htm
Info: The Youth Assembly is an annual gathering of hundreds of young people from around the world who seek practical ways to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, global networking and social entrepreneurship skills as well as meeting with and contributing to civil society formally affiliated with the United Nations. The Youth Assembly is about showing how one person can make a difference by engaging with the challenges of the present and being an educated and active citizen.
Action: Attended the Youth Assembly at the United Nations leadership seminar, met young individuals, all equally inspirational, devoted, and accomplished, each wanting to make a big difference in the world. Led a presentation to find solutions with representatives from Australia, Puerto Rico, Nigeria, & Philippines and presented our solution on Climate Change & Education, which included a low-cost, self-sufficient building solution that integrated environmental awareness in the school curriculum in Nigeria.
with Tessa Satherley (Australia), Miguel Toro (Puerto Rico), & Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Micheal (Nigeria): Presenting our solution on Climate Change & Education
Global Youth Leaders 20086. Volunteer for the Ecocity World Summit, Green Festival, and West Coast Green since 2007
Link: http://www.ecocityworldsummit.org/index.htm,
http://www.westcoastgreen.com/
http://www.greenfestivals.org/
Info:
Ecocity World Summit 2008 - Usher's Crowd Control for Mayor's Conference
The Ecocity World Summit is a conference that gathered many of the world's best and brightest speakers, moderators and delegates representing the Ecocity approach.
Green festival 2007 & 2008 - Speaker Room Attendant
Green Festival is the largest sustainability event in the world.
West Coast Green 2007 & 2008 - Hospitality Staff
West Coast Green is the largest venue for green innovation, building, business, and design.
Action: Supporting and networking with individuals & organizations in pursuit of sustainable developments.
WEST COAST GREEN DESIGN CHARETTE: Building an Ecocity-- Planning West Oakland, CA with great minds, including Richard Register, founder of Ecocity Builders.
Volunteering at the Ecocity World Summit '08 with Dr. Serigne Mbaye Diene7. AAU Student Representative to "Clean & Green the SF Community"
Info: Volunteering to "Clean & Green the SF Community, Schools, and Parks"
Action: Celebrating Earth Day by cleaning schools & parks & serving as the assistant of the AAU Vice President. Gathered fellow students to help Green and Clean John O' Connell High School & St. Mary Playground. We helped in beautifying the neighborhood in District 9.
Serving as Student Representative of Academy of Art University to 'Clean and Green' communities in San Francisco8. Intern at Architecture International
Link: http://www.arch-intl.com/
egarcia@arch-intl.com
Info: A U.S. based architecture design firm providing architecture, urban planning, and interior design services
Action: Gained experience and hindsight on working in a world-renowned architecture firm. Increased network in the building industry. Developed design skills and learned more about architecture, urban planning, and interior design.
Meeting on green architecture with Winston G., President and General Manager of GSIS, GSIS associates, and John Sheehy & William Higgins, bosses at Architecture International at the GSIS headquarters, Manila, Philippines.
More of 2008
More of 2008
For the generations after us.
"Cleaning & Greening" the SF Community. Celebrating Earth Day 2008 by cleaning schools & parks & serving as the assistant of the AAU Vice President.
Teaching kids how recycling can be fun!
Teaching kids the letter "E" for Earth!
UN
Global Youth Leaders 2008 Youth Assembly UN
with Sim van der Ryn at West Coast Green; Acknowledged as a leader in "Sustainable Architecture" at West Coast Green
Group hug with Dr. Arun Gandhi & Dr. Elaine Valdov
John Sheehy, Sherry Caplan, & William Higgins of Architecture International (my bosses at AI)
with Leaders, Architects, & Teachers of Green Design of Academy of Art University & UC Berkeley. Eric Corey Freed, Micheal Sammet, Craig Henritzy at the Ecocity World Summit in San Francisco
Celebrating Obama's victory in Union Square
World Affairs Council Global Citizenship Award scholars honoring Muhammad Yunus
with Asha Castleberry, Director of Finance and Global Partnerships of the International Youth Council and our friend from the Amazon jungle!
UN
For the generations after us.
"Cleaning & Greening" the SF Community. Celebrating Earth Day 2008 by cleaning schools & parks & serving as the assistant of the AAU Vice President.
Teaching kids how recycling can be fun!
Teaching kids the letter "E" for Earth!
UN
Global Youth Leaders 2008 Youth Assembly UN
with Sim van der Ryn at West Coast Green; Acknowledged as a leader in "Sustainable Architecture" at West Coast Green
Group hug with Dr. Arun Gandhi & Dr. Elaine Valdov
John Sheehy, Sherry Caplan, & William Higgins of Architecture International (my bosses at AI)
with Leaders, Architects, & Teachers of Green Design of Academy of Art University & UC Berkeley. Eric Corey Freed, Micheal Sammet, Craig Henritzy at the Ecocity World Summit in San Francisco
Celebrating Obama's victory in Union Square
World Affairs Council Global Citizenship Award scholars honoring Muhammad Yunus
with Asha Castleberry, Director of Finance and Global Partnerships of the International Youth Council and our friend from the Amazon jungle!
UN
4/17/09
6TH ANNUAL YOUTH ASSEMBLY AT THE UNITED NATIONS
6TH ANNUAL YOUTH ASSEMBLY AT THE UNITED NATIONS
DATE: August 5-7, 2009
(June 5, 2009 Deadline for Registration)
Encouraging you to participate!
The youth involved are truly inspirational.
http://www.faf.org/unyouthassembly/ya_home.htm
http://www.faf.org/unyouthassembly/testimonials.htm
DATE: August 5-7, 2009
(June 5, 2009 Deadline for Registration)
Encouraging you to participate!
The youth involved are truly inspirational.
http://www.faf.org/unyouthassembly/ya_home.htm
http://www.faf.org/unyouthassembly/testimonials.htm
4/14/09
San Francisco's Generation Y
AAU "Clean & Green SF Community" Team!“The only ethical decision is to take responsibility for our own existence and that of our children." (Mollsion, 1990)
The youth have an enormous impact in the present and future state of the planet. UNESCO states that “The lifestyles of the youth influence commerce and media - and shape the process of production, marketing, and consumption patterns of goods and services.” As future workers, entrepreneurs, parents, political leaders, and policy makers, it is integral to create an environment that will influence their future decisions and actions to benefit the generation after them. In 2007, United States ranked 1st as a global warming polluter, compared to other large nations. The youth drive the market in media, fashion, and entertainment, but there is a lack in influence in integral and critical issues that is responsible for their future – the disastrous effects of global warming.
Generation Y includes anyone that was born after 1981. San Francisco’s population profile states that 1/4 of the San Francisco residents are below 30, and considered as part of Generation Y. The young generation ais acknowledging that climate change initiatives must be taken but, there is a lack of participation. "My generation's biggest icons aren't politicians and Nobel Peace Prize Laureates — they're rappers and rock stars," said Luke Ramersad, a junior at Lowell High School, San Francisco, Calif. In the United States, there has yet to be a single bill passed by Congress to cut global warming pollution. Yet, is it common to see a young San Francisco resident lobbying for stronger climate change policies?”
With 80% of the world’s CO2 coming from cities, it is evident that the youth’s actions and lifestyle are responsible for the mitigation of climate change. The U.S. Census Bureau and the National Geographic Society’s Green Guide states that San Francisco is the second greenest city in the US, after Portland. San Francisco is one of the cities that have leaders that support the environment. Mayor Gavin Newsom, is aiming for 75 % waste diversion by 2010 and have Zero-waste by 2020. Most importantly, Mayor Newsom believes in integrating environmental awareness in the education system. “I’d like to see comprehensive curriculum in our schools as it relates to environmental stewardship. I’d like this city to be the example for the rest of the country,” says Newsom at an interview with Ecocity World Summit. Agenda 21, the sustainable development blueprint for the 21st Century, recognized in Chapter 36 that education, public awareness, and training are critical for sustainable development, and that participation and involvement of young people, alongside other eight major groups, are essential in its implementation .
Jared Blumenfeld, Director of the San Francisco Department of the Environment, thinks that the biggest sustainability challenge is sustaining people’s attention, “It’s difficult because we’re competing for people’s attention. So, keeping it relevant and interesting and cool and impactful is the constant challenge,” he says. How can San Francisco engage the youth in tGlobal Warming & Climate Change and use their power to create positive change?
In the upcoming months, Obama’s greatest challenge is to find a careful balance stimulating the economy and investing in the long-term future of the environment, said Raj, the professor of economics for Univeresity of California, Berkeley. Sustainable development is defined by Britannica as “an approach to economic planning that attempts to foster economic growth while preserving the quality of the environment for future generations.” Development begins with the community and it is only sustainable if it is supported by members of these communities. It is not only about 10% of the population reducing their carbon footprint, it is people working collectively together in the community to contribute in enhancing the environment. The San Francisco community should propose a budget plan that provides the youth with an opportunity to acknowledge and support sustainable development. The youth imposing and practicing sustainable development will benefit future generations to come.
If Global Warming and mitigating Climate Change had the attention of Generation Y, they will affect their parents, the media and help the economy move forward in a direction that will benefit not only their generation, but the generation after them. Al Gore, while accepting the Nobel Peace Prize, said at the end of his speech, “Make no mistake, the next generation will ask us one of two questions. Either they will ask: “What were you thinking; why didn’t you act?” Or they will ask instead: “How did you find the moral courage to rise and successfully resolve a crisis that so many said was impossible to solve?” The Generation Y has an opportunity to become that generation, and we can start in San Francisco, the city mentioned by Newsom “We’re about civil rights and equal rights, you better believe it.”
Work Cited:
“Global Warming by the Numbers. Chilling statistics to think about.” Environmental Defense Fund. 24 Febuary 2009.
Corcoran, Peter; Blaze, Peter. “Young People, Education, and Sustainable Development. Exploring Principles, Perspectives, and Praxis Editors. 2 February 2009. < www.fgcu.edu/CESE/Files/Kitabu_Concept_Statement.pdf>
“San Francisco Visionaries.” Ecocity World Summit. 6 February 2008.
Barabak, Mark. “San Francisco’s Mayor Gavin Newsom launches exploratory bid for governor.” LA Times. 2 July 2008. http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jul/02/local/me-newsom2
“San Francsico: Population Profile.” City Data. 21 February 2009. < http://www.city-data.com/us-cities/The-West/San-Francisco-Population-Profile.html >
Vaccaro, Amie. “Interview with Jared Blumenfeld, Director, San Francisco Department of the Environment.’October 17th, 2008
“Sustainable Development.” Encyclopædia Britannica. 2009. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 25 Feb. 2009. < http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/765435/environmental-law/224618/Sustainable-development#ref=ref750231>
Leach, Adam. “Global recession - keeping business at the heart of sustainable development.”19 November 2008. http://www.iblf.org/resources/ebulletin/November08.htm
Azadeh, Anzari. “Energy, economy create balancing act for Obama.” CNN. 30 January 2009.
Richard Register's "Ecocities: Building Cities in Balance with Nature"
"Ecocities: Building Cities in Balance with Nature" by Richard Register
AS WE BUILD SO SHALL WE LIVE Chapter
Richard Register has been an environmental activist for a long time—being ecologically aware is his nature. Upon reading the first chapter, “As we build, so shall we live,” already I am beginning to feel compassion towards the environmental acitivists, like him, during the phase in which he calls “The Second Urbanization of America.” During the third millennium, as the introduction of more highways, parking spaces, bridges, car infrastructures catapulted and destroying our civilization – there were people like Richard Register, who were trying to refrain from a self-destructing environment. They realized how integral it was to live in “ecocities” that complemented nature, and not go against it. While the US government and large corporations were ignoring our environment, there were visionaries who were trying to preserve our future, and they were ignored. I feel for their fight. (Cheesy much?)
People that I’ve spoken to about the book mention that the book can be a little bit dry. I too found myself almost lost in the midst of a paragraph. Register has ideas and thoughts with a magnitude of substance that should be applied in our urban planning and become a guide for re-developing our civilization. Relaying those ideas however, should also be able to apply to connecting to humans, as we are the ones who will be benefiting from his vision.
Questions:
1. What is the difference between a “constructed-marsh waste system ”(p.28) and Living Machines?
Highlights:
"Redesigning and Building Whole Cities on Ecological Principles"
“Building a nonviolent city that respects other life forms and celebrates human creativity and diversity is consistent with solving those problems.”
“The edifice edifies”
“Children in today’s typical-car dominated cities learn that cars are valued so highly that it is worth risking human life and enduring high costs and serious pollution to make way for them. They also learn that people don’t care much for public life or nature. “
“At the European Eco-Logical Architecture Congress in Stockholm and Helsinki in Aug. 1992, there was discussion on designing ‘ecological building.’ These buildings features renewable energy systems, built-in recycling, non-toxic building materials, interior greenhous planting and rooftop gardens.”
“If Ecology is not about the individual organism in its community of other living thins, what is it about? If ecological buildings are not about their relationship to other structures, public open spaces, and the life of the whole community, what are they about?... ‘The parking lot. That’s where you go to connect with it.”
“I concluded that it was time to re-unify the dis-integrated city and bring the eco- and social- strains back together again in a New Synthesis Architecture. In this philosophy, the building is primarily conceived as a part of, not apart from, the rest of the larger built community, and positively related to the community of natural environments and life forms.”
Planning West Oakland, CA with eco-visionaries & Richard Register (to my left), author of "Ecocities: Building Cities in Balance with Nature"at the West Coast Green Design Charette, Environment
4/13/09
With Urban Re:Visionaries
WITH URBAN RE:VISIONARIES
"There was a time for visionaries. To Think, To Plan, To Dream-- but is there time to dream these days? It's time to Revise, Redo, React, to turn visionary ideas into action. Its time for revisionaries."
Link:
http://www.revision-dallas.com/
Van Jones at the SF Green Festival
It was honor to meet Van Jones. He signed his book on "The Green Collar Economy," that I got for my dad and wrote, "Your daughter loves you." After many-a-book-signings his charisma is 'au naturel'. Van Jones activates the green movement towards those who need it the most. The core of urban communities whose lives have been affected by environmental degradation and social injustice. Founder of "Green for All" and the new appointee to the White House Council on environmental quality.
http://www.greenforall.org/
http://vanjones.net/
Ecocity World Summit
Architects & Teachers of Green Design of Academy of Art University & UC Berkeley. Eric Corey Freed, Micheal Sammet, Craig Henritzy at the Ecocity World Summit in San Francisco.
Link:
http://www.greenbuildinglawupdate.com/2009/03/articles/freed-design-winner-will-build-actual-city-block/
"There was a time for visionaries. To Think, To Plan, To Dream-- but is there time to dream these days? It's time to Revise, Redo, React, to turn visionary ideas into action. Its time for revisionaries."
Link:
http://www.revision-dallas.com/
Van Jones at the SF Green FestivalIt was honor to meet Van Jones. He signed his book on "The Green Collar Economy," that I got for my dad and wrote, "Your daughter loves you." After many-a-book-signings his charisma is 'au naturel'. Van Jones activates the green movement towards those who need it the most. The core of urban communities whose lives have been affected by environmental degradation and social injustice. Founder of "Green for All" and the new appointee to the White House Council on environmental quality.
http://www.greenforall.org/
http://vanjones.net/
Ecocity World SummitArchitects & Teachers of Green Design of Academy of Art University & UC Berkeley. Eric Corey Freed, Micheal Sammet, Craig Henritzy at the Ecocity World Summit in San Francisco.
Link:
http://www.greenbuildinglawupdate.com/2009/03/articles/freed-design-winner-will-build-actual-city-block/
4/7/09
Natural Capitalism – The next industrial Revolution
"Natural Capitalism" by Paul Hawken
Questions & Review
LINK: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/1997/03/natural-capitalism?page=1
One of the most interesting articles by far! The only logical thing to do is gather the successful aspects of the first industrial revolution and divert away from the rest of the system that is damaging our society.
Due to my lack of knowledge, ignorance rather, on the economic system, I need more emphasis on the following:
1. Is a green collar economy a sector of natural capitalism? Or does it define natural capitalism?
2. Hawkin states, “ Our current industrial system is based on accounting principles that would bankrupt any company.” – At the Energy symposium, I was speaking with a student from Columbia University SIPA program who was talking about the finance profession. He mentioned accounting only has one formula, we don’t know why it’s there, but we follow.it. After reading Hawkins Capitalism, he’s proving that Americans are creating a system that is inhibiting society for progressive growth. How do you change the accounting system to suit natural capitalism?? I'm confused.
3."The lesson of Biosphere II is that there are no man-made substitutes for essential natural services." A terrifying fact, but allows us to be even more hopeful for a sustainable future.
4. “We have not come up with an economical way..” Who is responsible for this? I could debate against the government’s responsibility. The green agenda is a social movement, hence, I believe it is up to the masses.
5. "The exclusion of natural capital from balance sheets was an understandable omission. There was so much of it, it didn't seem worth counting. Not any longer." Can someone reiterate this please?? Again, I have NIL hindsight on finance, business, and everything else that relates to it. What does Hawken mean by "So much?"
6. "Natural Capital as a Limiting Factor- The new limits to prosperity are natural systems -- not boats, but fisheries; not sawmills, but forests." Understandably so, though, this would require so much space/land.
7. "Economist Herman E. Daly cautions that we are facing a historic juncture in which, for the first time, the limits to increased prosperity are not the lack of man-made capital but the lack of natural capital." I'm not a history major and so I wouldn't know this-- In what way is the economy system different in our modern society than the previous generations before us?
8.” Nearly one-third of the world's workers sense that they have no value in the present economic scheme.” – What is the main goal for the ‘present economic scheme” anyway?
10. “To create a policy that supports resource productivity will require a shift away from taxing the social "good" of labor, toward taxing the social "bads" of resource exploitation, pollution, fossil fuels, and waste.” Does this also relate to taxing carbon (referring to corporation mostly)?
11. “Of course, a tax shift alone will not change the way business operates; a broad array of policy changes on issues of global trade, education, economic development, econometrics (including measures of growth and well-being), and scientific research must accompany it.” Rightfully so, though as I have mentioned, the green agenda is a social movement. Implementing climate change policies in the government must be pushed by the masses (the US has yet to pass a bill with relation to Climate Change). The responsibility relies on the critical mass as they are the ones that reciprocate with the governments’ policies. It is not just about a small percentage of the population contributing in the green agenda, it is more effective if masses contributed at a larger scale. A people power revolution perhaps?
HIGHLIGHTS:
“For those willing to embrace the challenges of a new era, however, it presents an enormous opportunity.”
“We cannot heal the country's social wounds or "save" the environment as long as we cling to the outdated industrial assumptions that the summum bonum of commercial enterprise is to use more stuff and fewer people. Our thinking is backward: We shouldn't use more of what we have less of (natural capital) to use less of what we have more of (people).”
“Our pursuit of increased labor productivity at all costs not only depletes the environment, it also depletes labor. Just as overproduction can exhaust topsoil, overproductivity can exhaust a workforce.”
“Nearly one-third of the world's workers sense that they have no value in the present economic scheme. Clearly, when 1 billion willing workers can't find a decent job or any employment at all, we need to make fundamental changes.”
“Waste is too expensive; it's cheaper to do the right thing.”
“For example, cars are barely 1 percent efficient in the sense that, for every 100 gallons of gasoline, only one gallon actually moves the passengers.”
“Overall, America's material and energy efficiency is no more than 1 or 2 percent. In other words, American industry uses as much as 100 times more material and energy than theoretically required to deliver consumer services.”
“People want the service that energy provides.”- Lovins
“According to Robert Ayres, a leader in studying industrial metabolism, about 94 percent of the materials extracted for use in manufacturing durable products become waste before the product is even manufactured. More waste is generated in production, and most of that is lost unless the product is reused or recycled. Overall, America's material and energy efficiency is no more than 1 or 2 percent. In other words, American industry uses as much as 100 times more material and energy than theoretically required to deliver consumer services.”
“Specifically, we subsidize carbon-based energy production, particularly oil and coal; we massively subsidize a transportation system that has led to suburban sprawl and urban decay;”
“The purpose of this tax shift would be to change what is taxed, not who is taxed.”
“If economic alternatives are attractive, why aren't we doing them now?”
“An economy that uses progressively less material and energy each year and where the quality of consumer services continues to improve; an economy where environmental deterioration stops and gets reversed as we invest in increasing our natural capital; and, finally, a society where we have more useful and worthy work available than people to do it.”
“if economic "growth" does save us, it will be anything but conventional.”
“Natural capitalism may not guarantee particular outcomes, but it will ensure that economic systems more closely mimic biological systems, which have successfully adapted to dynamic changes over millennia.”
Questions & Review
LINK: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/1997/03/natural-capitalism?page=1
One of the most interesting articles by far! The only logical thing to do is gather the successful aspects of the first industrial revolution and divert away from the rest of the system that is damaging our society.
Due to my lack of knowledge, ignorance rather, on the economic system, I need more emphasis on the following:
1. Is a green collar economy a sector of natural capitalism? Or does it define natural capitalism?
2. Hawkin states, “ Our current industrial system is based on accounting principles that would bankrupt any company.” – At the Energy symposium, I was speaking with a student from Columbia University SIPA program who was talking about the finance profession. He mentioned accounting only has one formula, we don’t know why it’s there, but we follow.it. After reading Hawkins Capitalism, he’s proving that Americans are creating a system that is inhibiting society for progressive growth. How do you change the accounting system to suit natural capitalism?? I'm confused.
3."The lesson of Biosphere II is that there are no man-made substitutes for essential natural services." A terrifying fact, but allows us to be even more hopeful for a sustainable future.
4. “We have not come up with an economical way..” Who is responsible for this? I could debate against the government’s responsibility. The green agenda is a social movement, hence, I believe it is up to the masses.
5. "The exclusion of natural capital from balance sheets was an understandable omission. There was so much of it, it didn't seem worth counting. Not any longer." Can someone reiterate this please?? Again, I have NIL hindsight on finance, business, and everything else that relates to it. What does Hawken mean by "So much?"
6. "Natural Capital as a Limiting Factor- The new limits to prosperity are natural systems -- not boats, but fisheries; not sawmills, but forests." Understandably so, though, this would require so much space/land.
7. "Economist Herman E. Daly cautions that we are facing a historic juncture in which, for the first time, the limits to increased prosperity are not the lack of man-made capital but the lack of natural capital." I'm not a history major and so I wouldn't know this-- In what way is the economy system different in our modern society than the previous generations before us?
8.” Nearly one-third of the world's workers sense that they have no value in the present economic scheme.” – What is the main goal for the ‘present economic scheme” anyway?
10. “To create a policy that supports resource productivity will require a shift away from taxing the social "good" of labor, toward taxing the social "bads" of resource exploitation, pollution, fossil fuels, and waste.” Does this also relate to taxing carbon (referring to corporation mostly)?
11. “Of course, a tax shift alone will not change the way business operates; a broad array of policy changes on issues of global trade, education, economic development, econometrics (including measures of growth and well-being), and scientific research must accompany it.” Rightfully so, though as I have mentioned, the green agenda is a social movement. Implementing climate change policies in the government must be pushed by the masses (the US has yet to pass a bill with relation to Climate Change). The responsibility relies on the critical mass as they are the ones that reciprocate with the governments’ policies. It is not just about a small percentage of the population contributing in the green agenda, it is more effective if masses contributed at a larger scale. A people power revolution perhaps?
HIGHLIGHTS:
“For those willing to embrace the challenges of a new era, however, it presents an enormous opportunity.”
“We cannot heal the country's social wounds or "save" the environment as long as we cling to the outdated industrial assumptions that the summum bonum of commercial enterprise is to use more stuff and fewer people. Our thinking is backward: We shouldn't use more of what we have less of (natural capital) to use less of what we have more of (people).”
“Our pursuit of increased labor productivity at all costs not only depletes the environment, it also depletes labor. Just as overproduction can exhaust topsoil, overproductivity can exhaust a workforce.”
“Nearly one-third of the world's workers sense that they have no value in the present economic scheme. Clearly, when 1 billion willing workers can't find a decent job or any employment at all, we need to make fundamental changes.”
“Waste is too expensive; it's cheaper to do the right thing.”
“For example, cars are barely 1 percent efficient in the sense that, for every 100 gallons of gasoline, only one gallon actually moves the passengers.”
“Overall, America's material and energy efficiency is no more than 1 or 2 percent. In other words, American industry uses as much as 100 times more material and energy than theoretically required to deliver consumer services.”
“People want the service that energy provides.”- Lovins
“According to Robert Ayres, a leader in studying industrial metabolism, about 94 percent of the materials extracted for use in manufacturing durable products become waste before the product is even manufactured. More waste is generated in production, and most of that is lost unless the product is reused or recycled. Overall, America's material and energy efficiency is no more than 1 or 2 percent. In other words, American industry uses as much as 100 times more material and energy than theoretically required to deliver consumer services.”
“Specifically, we subsidize carbon-based energy production, particularly oil and coal; we massively subsidize a transportation system that has led to suburban sprawl and urban decay;”
“The purpose of this tax shift would be to change what is taxed, not who is taxed.”
“If economic alternatives are attractive, why aren't we doing them now?”
“An economy that uses progressively less material and energy each year and where the quality of consumer services continues to improve; an economy where environmental deterioration stops and gets reversed as we invest in increasing our natural capital; and, finally, a society where we have more useful and worthy work available than people to do it.”
“if economic "growth" does save us, it will be anything but conventional.”
“Natural capitalism may not guarantee particular outcomes, but it will ensure that economic systems more closely mimic biological systems, which have successfully adapted to dynamic changes over millennia.”
4/5/09
AGAINST ALL ODDS
The Youth Assembly is an annual gathering of hundreds of young people from around the world who seek practical ways to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, global networking and social entrepreneurship skills as well as meeting with and contributing to civil society formally affiliated with the United Nations. The Youth Assembly is about showing how one person can make a difference by engaging with the challenges of the present and being an educated and active citizen.
Last year, I came to the Youth Assembly at the United Nations with no agenda. I was hopeful, and inspired – but I did not know what to expect. It was humbling to be around young individuals, all equally inspirational, devoted, and accomplished, each wanting to make a big difference in the world. I look at this picture and I think, what have I done to get here? Amongst me are accomplished young individuals – and the one thing that I share with them is a passion to change the world.
Let us count the ways. The ever-so-powerful Angela Jhanji from the UK. I am convinced that she will be will be the next UK prime minister, if not, equally as powerful. An International Delegate for London for the Global Youth Parliament, at 19 years of age, and she is already reigning her end of the world. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Micheal, the Youth Ambassador for Nigeria; Imo State. It was reported by BBC news that the happiest people in the world live in Nigeria. Micheal held true to this nature. He was vocal about critical issues challenging our society today and conveyed this with a smile. The ever-so-brilliant Tessa Satherley from Australia, a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar doing her studies on Physics, Political Science, Conflict Resolution, Middle Eastern Studies while living in the Middle East. The good-person always in the quest for gaining more knowledge, Haruka Tanabe from Japan, another Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar doing her studies on International Relations, Political Science, and International Law. A Model UN Delegate of Hungary, Kinga Katus, who is always diplomatic and truthful. The one who inspires, Miguel Toro Gutiérrez. Founder of "Inspire" who help inspire young men and women by giving them hope of becoming successful leaders in their respective communities around the world. Motivated young individual, Amy Brownstein from the US and at a young age, was globally aware. Farah Al-azab from Jordan, the ever-so-loving and strong woman who has a powerful mind of her own. The one who always stands out, Jillian Thomsen. At 16 years of age, already an advocate for the civil and human rights for young people in Australia, having already immersed herself in multiple leadership conferences. She was one of the most inspirational beings I have met by far. This list can go on endlessly, and I don’t even think that can do justice for the gratification that I have from meeting all the above.
When I was 11 years of age, I had a feeling that made me just know that I was destined to do something great. I had no desire to be famous nor did I know how I was going to do it, or even know what great thing I was going to do, but I wanted to do great things at a magnitude enough to save other lives, other than my own. At 11, this must have been quite difficult to succumb to, and indeed it was.
My teen years came and “my calling” wasn’t quite a great reflection in my life. I was a true rebel – without a cause at times. Despite my rebellion, I was able to manage to become part of the student government. I was awkward like that, an academic failure and yet socially appealing. If you asked someone in high school, who would be the least likely to change the world, I confess, I would probably be in the top 10.
College came and I was no less immature than I was in high school, but I still had that passion-- the passion to change lives. With that passion, and the help of family and friends, I was able to produce a fundraising event which also included a concert. I was fortunate enough to meet with a man named Dabs from World Vision in the Philippines. Dabs was one of the aid workers from World Vision who dedicated his whole life to give education and a decent life to the thousands of Filipino children from extremely low-income families. If there was a man who was changing lives, it would be Dabs, God knows those families need him. He helped me arrange the week long fundraising event and brought amazing children with talent who weren’t able to support their own lives to my university in the Philippines, sure enough, the students who saw these kids sing were floored. All the proceeds went to World Vision, and after a week of events for World Vision, we were able to break the record of most sponsored children by a university in the Philippines. This wasn’t in our agenda, but, it’s what we made possible.
It was then when I realized, how much the power of one (with the help of family and friends) could make a difference. Four years ago, still wanting to make a difference in the world, that passion was channeled into environmental advocacy. Since then, I got myself immersed in conferences to further my knowledge on environmental awareness. In these conferences, I was able to meet amazing individuals from diverse professions, each contributing to sustainable development. I started a facebook group three years ago to be able to meet other people on the similar interests and learn from them. Initially, there were less than a hundred members in the first year to almost 3,500 members to this date. Only proving even more how critical people want to be involved in this critical issue—Global Warming & Climate Change. The hindsight I gained from these experiences is more than any education could ever pay for. When I do something with relation to my passion, I don’t question it, I just know that I have to do it (it's quite strange). It is due to these Global Youth Leaders that I met at the Youth Assembly in the UN that will enable me to pursue that passion even further. They are a reminder of the time that I had when I was 11 and thought that I would actually do something to change the world, they are already changing the world themselves.
3/30/09
Architecture for Humanity Design Charette
Architecture for Humanity Design Charette
Location: AFH-SF Headquarters
Date: March 18, 2009
1. Mission Statement: Purpose
Architecture for Humanity San Francisco is a platform for multi-disciplinary professionals to promote awareness of and find solutions for vital issues facing communities in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area region. We practice design activism, by working collaboratively with local communities, non-profits, businesses, and government to provide strategies and solutions for the built environment that become assets for the general public.
Principles & Values
We believe that good design solutions empowers communities and raises the quality of life, regardless of age, race, sex, or economic status. We encourage site and community based development, and utilize appropriate design principles and technologies that engage the local climate, culture, economics, and priorities.
2. New AfH Projects
Rebuilding Together Oakland
Lead: Michael Huang [michael.huang@huanmic.com]
Dates: April 11th, April 18th , April 25th
Locations: TBD - Oakland
Join hundreds of other volunteers who come together to restore homes and community facilities of your low-income neighbors. Home repairs focuse on safety, comfort and independence, and include carpentry, flooring, plumbing, electrical, plastering, painting
Open Architecture Challenge
Lead: Michael Jones [jonesarch@gmail.com]
Registration Deadline: May 4, 2009
Submission Deadline: June 1, 2009
Educating all children worldwide will require the construction of 10 million new classrooms in more than 100 countries by 2015. We are inviting you, teachers, students, architects and designers, to work together to design the classroom of the future for a school of your choosing. Pick a group to work with and start brainstorming a new site.
Designers are encouraged to join Architecture for Humanity's OPEN ARCHITECTURE CHALLENGE. "Designing the classroom of the future."
If your design wins, your school will receive up to $50,000 in funding for classroom construction and upgrading. You will receive a grant of $5,000 to help them do it.
LINK:
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/competitions/challenge/2009
Architecture for Humanity San Francisco Chapter meets every third Wednesday of the month!
Location: AFH-SF Headquarters
Date: March 18, 2009
1. Mission Statement: Purpose
Architecture for Humanity San Francisco is a platform for multi-disciplinary professionals to promote awareness of and find solutions for vital issues facing communities in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area region. We practice design activism, by working collaboratively with local communities, non-profits, businesses, and government to provide strategies and solutions for the built environment that become assets for the general public.
Principles & Values
We believe that good design solutions empowers communities and raises the quality of life, regardless of age, race, sex, or economic status. We encourage site and community based development, and utilize appropriate design principles and technologies that engage the local climate, culture, economics, and priorities.
2. New AfH Projects
Rebuilding Together Oakland
Lead: Michael Huang [michael.huang@huanmic.com]
Dates: April 11th, April 18th , April 25th
Locations: TBD - Oakland
Join hundreds of other volunteers who come together to restore homes and community facilities of your low-income neighbors. Home repairs focuse on safety, comfort and independence, and include carpentry, flooring, plumbing, electrical, plastering, painting
Open Architecture Challenge
Lead: Michael Jones [jonesarch@gmail.com]
Registration Deadline: May 4, 2009
Submission Deadline: June 1, 2009
Educating all children worldwide will require the construction of 10 million new classrooms in more than 100 countries by 2015. We are inviting you, teachers, students, architects and designers, to work together to design the classroom of the future for a school of your choosing. Pick a group to work with and start brainstorming a new site.
Designers are encouraged to join Architecture for Humanity's OPEN ARCHITECTURE CHALLENGE. "Designing the classroom of the future."
If your design wins, your school will receive up to $50,000 in funding for classroom construction and upgrading. You will receive a grant of $5,000 to help them do it.
LINK:
http://www.openarchitecturenetwork.org/competitions/challenge/2009
Architecture for Humanity San Francisco Chapter meets every third Wednesday of the month!
Energy Symposium 2009
Energy Symposium at Columbia University
Date: March 27, 2009
The Energy Symposium's participants' consisted mostly of corporations & academics in the energy industry. Most of them were also currently taking their Master’s and PHD in SIPA, Columbia University.
I found it interesting that with environmental awareness at it’s peak, corporations have to cutback on investing on climate change initiatives (i.e. recycling) and debate taxing the emissions of carbon. Rightfully so, the introduction of additional taxes and increasing the budget for programs that don't necessarily have "financial gains" (i.e. recylcing again) in this economic situation is deemed questionable -- then again at the cost of what, the environment? I am not a connoisseur on both subjects, but I do believe that both actions are integral assets in mitigating climate change. Those were the two issues I wanted to stress on reflecting on.
More importantly, despite the challenges aforementioned, I truly believe that the development in the green agenda is positive, and it is exciting to be part of this venture.
Event: http://www0.gsb.columbia.edu/students/organizations/ert/Symposium/
Date: March 27, 2009
The Energy Symposium's participants' consisted mostly of corporations & academics in the energy industry. Most of them were also currently taking their Master’s and PHD in SIPA, Columbia University.
I found it interesting that with environmental awareness at it’s peak, corporations have to cutback on investing on climate change initiatives (i.e. recycling) and debate taxing the emissions of carbon. Rightfully so, the introduction of additional taxes and increasing the budget for programs that don't necessarily have "financial gains" (i.e. recylcing again) in this economic situation is deemed questionable -- then again at the cost of what, the environment? I am not a connoisseur on both subjects, but I do believe that both actions are integral assets in mitigating climate change. Those were the two issues I wanted to stress on reflecting on.
More importantly, despite the challenges aforementioned, I truly believe that the development in the green agenda is positive, and it is exciting to be part of this venture.
Event: http://www0.gsb.columbia.edu/students/organizations/ert/Symposium/
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