Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Introduction


In this first chapter on Greenology lets understand with to the point examples for the need & use of Greenology.




Whether it be the ancient mystic science or the basics of architectural planning or the latest in technology all are based on the same principles of " using maximum ecological resources such that we give back more & cause maximum or zero damages to the environment.



To understand better lets have an example to Begin with; in the olden days or let me say the heritage structures discovered around the world all implicit the extensive used of sun and wind directions (sometimes even the planetary positions), along with the best available ecological resources to save energy during construction. (Note: When I mean Construction it is not limited to construction of palaces, houses, buildings, complexes, worship places, etc but also would include various means of transport & communication devices.) Lets consider the example of one of the heritage structures "Indraprastha or Dwarka" which was found submerged under water in the Eastern region of India.This structure was built under the guidance of "Viswakarma", the celestial Architect who extensively utilized all the best possible means of sun and wind directions, using the best ecological resources available following the best architectural principles of planning & designing. In India even today he is considered as the God of Architecture / Construction. In today's modern world of Architecture / construction a meager 5 - 10% of the planning & designing used during this ancient period is seen with more focus only on using latest technology (that to at some places only).
During & till recent centuries we saw the extensive studies made in understanding the use of Sun / Wind Directions, Vastu Shilp shastra, ecological & environmental impact, global warming, ozone depletion components, etc. with researches made in developing energies through solar (heat energy from sun), Wind, Water, nuclear, etc. The enthusiasts involved in researches on the above topics focused more towards better / maximum utilization of ecology having minimum impact on the environment but in the whole process they forgot to research on giving back the equivalent to the environment.
During an latest competition held in the United States on Building better energy efficient houses (videos available on the net) it was observed that more emphasis was on creating energy through latest in solar panels & use of natural/energy efficient resources (Use of Wind / water was under researched), some enthusiasts did focus on ecology & maximization of efficiency but not even an single applicant bothered on giving back the equivalent to the environment. What this would mean, even by creating the best possible design all across the world we will be imbalancing the ecology and might even lead to bigger failures bigger than what our heritage structures couldn't withstand the environmental disasters.
Also, thanks to the initiative taken by the US Government but couldn't understand why was the same limited to House construction, why the theme was put as an challenge for developing better means of transport (they are one of the biggest challenge). Further could only observe 20 countries taking participation, since this is an Global Cause for brotherhood & equality and since each and every individual human being shall be affected by the impact on the environment. An request to all the countries should be made to contribute towards this Global cause and further should be restricted to House construction.
The use of natural resources like solar, wind, water, etc with the help of latest technology & use of energy efficient products with an better focus on giving back the environment an equivalent of what is being derived from the ecology would be the need of the hour. Thus greenology should be extensively studied and researched so to have better ecological impact rather than waiting for the next environmental disaster leading to pre-existence of human being.
As mentioned earlier a lot of good research is being done to save ecology & also a lot of basics being taught in the Architectural / Construction Knowledge houses but then why the entire world or the Architectural / Construction Fraternity/Authorities is not imposing heavy penalties for those not using the basic principles of planning & designing. Today there are still a lot involved in meager construction as a business for making money with least focus on the environmental impact. Whether it may be buildings, complexes or Energy Efficient products or transport means even through we have Leeds certifications or energy efficiency ratings or euro emission certifications; there's an high need of giving subsidies and benefits to human beings using any of the above having lesser impact on the environment rather than charging them heavily; as small example high energy HVAC Machines or best euro compliant car will cost more and being human beings many tend to use an cheaper product damaging more and being the prime cause of environmental imbalance without even noticing the damages caused. Thus there's an high need of Greenology in the field of construction; whether it may be battery operated transport means, solar / wind operated transport means, or high efficient homes / buildings / complexes / products; giving back the equivalent to the environment rather than only causing damage.
Further I do appreciate the advancement in communication & Information Technology sectors who have introduced work from home concept, adapted by many companies. The reduction in ecological impact definitely should be credited to them also, as the amount of reduction in transport means might have lessen the impact on the environment.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Why Go Green ?

We all are experiencing the enviormental changes around us, we talk a lot but when it comes to implementation we feel others should start so as we follow..............why? Why don't we start to "do our bit". As Human Beings the most knowledable animal we look either at earning our life cycle growth and start neglecting to everything others. We love an weekend gateway or a vacation in an enviornment which is untouched......fresh......green.....clean......and then????
There is a lot in going towards, what I call "Greenology" : the science of using the latest in technology for the benifit of ecology moving towards an greener / clean / safe enviornment not only for us but for out coming generations.
My collegues used to ask why should I start bearing the costs for damages done by other and pay an hefty amount? This is simple by "doing your bit" you don't bear the costs; but in turn you start reaping the benifits of savings through green and would love to move towards an Greener and better plannet.

I think' I have lot to discuss, but lets directly come to the point..........Why Go Green.....because I want savings / cost cuttings more profitability wether in my organization or in my life.