When talking about sustainable design it is inevitable that the conversation will lead to sustainable energy productions.
Wind farms, tidal and wave harvesters, solar power, geothermic energy and hydroelectricity technologies are being constantly developed.
Japan, the leading manufacturer of solar panel technology has developed spherical solar cells that are designed to absorb light from any angle. This solves the problem that conventional photovoltaic cells have in relying on the position of the sun.
Unless a motorised system that follows the path of the sun is used (which consumes energy) traditional solar panels only function well at certain times of the day. [1]
Architects are going to extraordinary lengths to make their buildings “eco-friendly”
The recently opened Terminal 5 at Heathrow boasts that it recycles rainwater and heat (although that will be little comfort to those that argue that it will encourage more flying which is of course not environmentally friendly). [2]
One of the most impressive buildings being developed that utilises eco-concepts is the as yet unnamed revolving tower designed by architect David Fisher
Each floor will be able to revolve 360° independently and all the energy the tower consumes will be produced by wind turbines between every floor.
In every field of engineering innovative ideas provide great leaps forward for sustainable design.
It’s a little disconcerting to think that countries like Dubai (itself only rich because of oil) can spend millions upon millions of pounds on creating revolving eco-buildings when 3rd world counties would benefit so much more from the innovation and creative thinking being directed towards them.
This imbalance though is seen all across the world. Al Gore won the Nobel Peace prize for his work in combating global warming yet he spends $30,000 a year on energy bills for his own home! [3]
The ethical question is then: If I have the creative means to do something am I obliged to do it?
To avoid the hypocrisy of “do as I say not as I do” we as designers must insure that no matter what we create we have to root the ideas in sustainability, whether that’s the packaging or the end-life of a product or the innovation of something completely new.
[1] http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/006018.html
[2] http://www.bbc.co.uk
[3] http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/national_world&id=5072659
