Samsø, Denmark
“Let’s make no mistake about this: The American Dream starts with the neighborhoods. If we wish to rebuild our cities, we must first rebuild our neighborhoods. And to do that, we must understand that the quality of life is more important than the standard of living. To sit on the front steps--whether it’s a veranda in a small town or a concrete stoop in a big city--and to talk to our neighborhoods is infinitely more important than to huddle on the living-room lounger and watch a make-believe world in not-quite living color. ... And I hardly need to tell you that in the 19- or 24-inch view of the world, cleanliness has long since eclipsed godliness. Soon we’ll all smell, look, and actually be laboratory clean, as sterile on the inside as on the out. The perfect consumer, surrounded by the latest appliances. The perfect audience, with a ringside seat to almost any event in the world, without smell, without taste, without feel--alone and unhappy in the vast wasteland of our living rooms. I think that what we actually need, of course, is a little more dirt on the seat of our pants as we sit on the front stoop and talk to our neighbors once again, enjoying the type of summer day where the smell of garlic travels slightly faster than the speed of sound.” Harvey Milk
Catriona M Macdonald Personnummer: 891120C401 Course Assignment AMU018 Sustainable Development in the Design Professions
“Something in the world is deeply wrong.” Erik Berg, 2012
sus•tain•able adj
Definition of SUSTAINABLE 1: capable of being sustained 2a: of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged <sustainable techniques> <sustainable agriculture> b: of or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods <sustainable society> (Merriam Webster dictionary, 2012) The challenges within sustainable development may be split into three categories: • climate change • economic viability • issues of morality Contemporary definitions of sustainability are often hollow and superficial, ignoring the interconnected relationships and hierarchy between these three elements. I believe that one of the main challenges facing “Sustainable Development” is its considerably ambiguous definition, or lack thereof. It is disappointing that despite over fifty years since its inception in Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, 1962, that its definition has not yet been clarified. For example, the Bruntland Commission 1987 definition is largely focused on anthropocentric needs. But, how can these needs be universally defined? How, therefore, can people; governments; countries; continents be expected to agree on the right way to proceed, if all are unsure as to what exactly it is we are striving to achieve? It is with certainty that the world is changing. 50% of the Earth’s surface has been substantially altered by humans. (The Planet, 2006) Earth surface temperatures are rising; ecosystems are losing their ability to maintain stable local climates; depletion of the ozone layer; amount of carbon in the atmosphere is increasing; peak oil. Each year the planet loses woodland area the size of Portugal. Extinction of species is occurring one thousand times faster through human impact. The occurrence of natural disasters has increased four times. Recent reports suggest the Arctic will be ice free by 2030. Since 1990, China’s CO2 emissions have increased by 67%. Now, we have a cultural challenge ahead of us: After thousands of years of working with nature, now, we work against it. That is not to say that we must cease advancement, but use the technology we have today to secure our future. “...treat others as we wish others to treat us,” Declaration of Global Ethic, Parliament of the World Religions, 1993 We know it is wrong to lie, wrong to hurt, wrong to steal. Yet, these are precisely the things we are inflicting on the planet. We are stealing the planet from our children. It is crucial that we re-evaluate our own morality. We must turn our backs on greed and selfishness: characteristics that have subconsciously seeped into modern society. Social inequality has driven consumption, with the population more concerned with achieving assured social status and driving jealousy that common decency. The line between perceived luxuries and entitlements has been blurred and we are living longer lives, but hollow years. We must think what we can do to improve the quality of our own lives and, in turn, the lives of others. For example, the Transition Towns lecture explored the notion that the recent conflict in the Egypt, may have been a result of the country´s inability to export as much oil as it had previously, leading to the withdrawal of bread subsidies and causing much anger and resentment amongst the population. We must have respect for human dignity and human rights. Unfortunately, all too often those who suffer at the hands of global over consumption are the poor. “The rich live where they want to, the poor live where they have to,” Samuel Okello, IFHP. There is strong correlation between social and environmental inequality. The dominant classes are largely responsible but are largely unaffected. In my opinion, the crux of the matter is that we take individual responsibility. Sometimes one person can feel insignificant; as though whatever you try to do will not make a difference on a global scale. However, if each person were to ignite their conscience, do a little to help, the task ahead would seem much less daunting. Millenium Ecosystem Assessment 2005, suggests that measures to conserve natural resources are more likely to succeed if local communities are given ownership, share decisions and share benefits. We must create a meaningful sense of prosperity. It is interesting to note that an increase in material wealth in the wealthiest nations has not necessarily resulted in an increase in happiness. Moreover, groups at local level must take the lead as there is little time to wait for politicians on a national or international platform to create systematic change; illustrated by indecisive or weak bureaucratic efforts as demonstrated by: Bruntland Commission 1987; Agenda 21, 1992; Kyoto Protocol, 1997; Copenhagen UN Climate Change Conference, 2009 and in Cape Town, 2011. The sustainable society must not: deplete natural resources or use its resources inefficiently or unjustly (Kushnir, 2012) It must develop a higher degree of resilience through: an increase in local food production; reclaiming local knowledge and skills; building
networks, and a reduction of emissions and fossil fuel consumption. (Transition Towns, 2012) The most important question we must ask ourselves is: how do we want to be remembered in the future? As a result, as professionals in the construction industry, an industry responsible for 50% of carbon emissions globally, architects must recognise their profound responsibility to protect, preserve and better both the natural and built environments. In my opinion, good design is, and always has been, design that responds to its cultural, historical, material and physical context. Good design should always enhance its surroundings and bring positive benefits to its users and neighbours. These factors should thus always form criteria in sustainable design, supplemented by renewable technologies and energy efficiencies. This is illustrated in, Sustainable Preservation: Greening Existing Buildings, where Jean Carroon puts forward her thoughts on what makes existing buildings green. In this chapter, she highlights that, traditionally, part of an architect’s work was to find solutions to issues such as: durability; working with indigenous materials; reparability; long-life/loose fit; transit oriented design; and passive survivability. For example, natural day light was always optimised through the narrowing of plan depth, light wells and prism glass to encourage light refraction. Natural air movement was always evident in the design through door and window placement to allow cross-ventilation. As a result of these “passive” attributes, research from the US Department of Energy concluded that, “commercial buildings constructed before 1920 use less energy per square foot than buildings from any other decade up until 2000.” This emphasises that not only must these principles be applied to the existing building stock, but as an holistic architectural design approach to new construction. Management is also a key issue. Through management of the design phase, construction, right through to occupation and beyond, control and precision in the decision making-process can be achieved. Implementation of best and optimal use after occupancy may be monitored successfully through positive management practices. In, ‘What is Sustainable Architecture?’ Kristel Myttenaere discussed key principles: integration, equity, responsibility and precaution. What is evident is that significant change in design attitude is necessary. We must see nature as potential for design and inspiration rather than something to contrast and contradict. Interestingly, the topic for discussion at the 2008 World Architecture Festival was, “The Death of Iconic Architecture.” The movement seems to be towards a more honest, humble design approach. One that responds more sensitively to its immediate physical and cultural context, in contrast to many buildings constructed in the last few decades. On the other hand, I fear that projects such as Soleri’s Arcosanti, Arup’s Dong-Tan and Foster’s Masdar City may be detrimental to the naturalisation of sustainable development: it becoming a mainstream element within society. Although experiments must be made and ideas must be tested, I feel that the establishment of new ‘eco-communities’ is often alienating and fails to give most of the demographic the opportunity to experience them. In contrast, I believe the way forward is to make our current building stock more resilient and efficient and to integrate sustainable design as good design practice principle. Architects should question their place in society and the work environment. Our career is one of problem solving, equally whether on a small or large scale; local or global context; and we have a duty to highlight and try to resolve issues. We must always ask questions of ourselves; our clients; and the programme we are designing. Sustainable design criteria should be, although not exclusively: technically; ecologically; aesthetically; health; socially; and culturally oriented. In the UK, the Royal Institute of British Architects indicates its acknowledgement of the necessity for sustainable development in its Environmental Manifesto and Guide for Sustainable Development. Unfortunately, as is all too often the case, the document is filled with vague and apathetic language. For this reason, it is on the onus of the individual to be proactive. Ultimately, architecture must respond to the most basic human and environmental needs. It must provide shelter; a place for passion and play; and a place to endure, for the better of the world.
SAMSØ: The sustainable isle? With a population of just 4300, Samsø is a small island (114000km²) 15km off the Jutland peninsula, Denmark. In 1997, the Danish Ministry of the Environment launched a competition to create Denmark’s first Renewable Energy Island. The government’s vision was to demonstrate the viability of renewable industries by creating the first zero-carbon community using existing technologies and available subsidies. Interested participants were offered a small amount of money to present their proposals. Through widespread public participation, instigated by the local Mayor, the island of Samsø won. Their vision was a 10 year plan, aiming for 100% self-sufficiency in renewable technology by 2008. Samsø had once been an isle of traditional industries, with arable agriculture, dairy farming and blacksmiths providing the islanders with income. However, the community had become increasingly reliant on coal and oil imported from the mainland. Those spearheading the campaign realised that they were less likely to encounter resistance to the project if the local community was invited to invest. By creating community participation, involvement and engagement at grass roots level, the locals felt a sense of inclusion and an intrinsic element in the decision-making process, intended to create an energy democracy. The island’s mantra being, “think local, act local.” As director of the Samsø Energy Academy, Soren Hermansen explained to The Scientific American, “If you own a share in a wind turbine it looks better, sounds better...it sounds like money in the bank.” Not only was the community investing in their ecological future, they were hoping to invest in social change. It was Hermansen’s task to persuade the islanders that the proposal was the way forward. Despite his best efforts, only 50 residents attended the first public consultation meeting. However, following the redundancy of 100 locals through closure of one of the island’s slaughterhouses, the promise of new economic opportunity became more attractive. Now, on average, 30 new jobs have been developed each year, for the past 10 years. Firstly, 10 offshore wind turbines were constructed in the Kattegat Strait. In just 4 years, fossil fuel use had been reduced by 50% through investment in the existing building stock, with the addition of cellulose insulation; replacement of oil boilers with wood stoves; and solar hot water: preserving the cultural integrity of the community. Straw, grown in abundance on the island, is used to fuel its district heating system for heat and hot water. Just one of the island’s 11 wind turbines generates enough electrical energy to meet the demand of approximately 2000 homes. An islander who invested in shares of the energy created on the island began to glean pay-back of his investment after eight years. For example, farmer Jorgen Tranberg can expect to earn up to $4000 per day from his turbine. It was “crucial to provide islanders a sense of purpose, and jobs.” (Hermansen, 2012) The newly instated renewable technologies created many new local jobs on an island with a dwindling and ever decreasing population. Local tradesmen were re-educated and trained to work with the new technologies. The new Energi Akademi was opened in 2007. The academy provides eco-tourists with an information point. It highlights and helps maintain a process of education and engagement with the local community. However, inherent, long-standing social problems have failed to be addressed cohesively. Although a number of new jobs have been created through investment in renewables, there is long-term depopulation, as rural life still fails to attract the 20 to 35 year old demographic, and there is no provision of high school education for students over 16. Samsø is proof that it is possible to create a carbon neutral community within a medium-term time period. However, no project of this ilk is perfect. Admirable achievement was made in both the environmental efforts and economic endeavours. Its residents have to be highly commended on their ambition and drive in making the project the success it has been. Nevertheless, even in this small community, inequality is pronounced. Those who had not enough money to make opportune investment in the technologies upfront, failed to reap the financial benefits. In fact, non-participants Lasse Weiman and Grethe Henriksen have seen their water bill increase from 300 kroners, to 6000 kr. per annum. (Partly due to the general energy tax increases in Denmark and the higher cost of energy produced by the turbines.) Futhermore, the irony of Samsø’s success has been the increase in tourism which brings further detriment to the island’s vision for carbon-neutrality. The ferry alone consumes 9000 litres of diesel daily and tourists most often travel around the island using their own
petrol or diesel fuelled cars, rather than renting the available bicycles. “Behavioural change is more difficult to create than technological change.” Ko Sakamoto, senior economics and policy consultant at UK Transport Research Library (scientificamerican.com) This also brings contention to the terminology used to describe the island’s energy status. Samsø is effectively carbon neutral, with renewables offsetting any fossil fuels produced in transport emissions etc. However, this in turn illustrates that it is not, in fact, zero carbon. In addition, the community district heating system (burning of straw to produce heat) while promoting and sustaining local agriculture, is not the least harmful way to produce heat, and releases carbon into the atmosphere. Due to Samsø’s location, there are other opportunities to harvest such as, tidal and waves power. Furthermore, Samsø’s legacy would not have been possible had it not been for government subsidies and initiatives. It is, without doubt, the renewable island. However, perhaps what is needed now is a precedent to illustrate a sustainable island: something more accessible to local people; that promotes social equity and encourages more diverse economic viability. Nevertheless, the community must be praised for their courage, determination and perseverance. They braved to take the first steps towards saving the planet… no mean feat indeed.
BIBLIOGRAPHY Erik Berg, Lecture, 2012 Film, The Planet, 2006 State of the World: Transformation of Cultures- From Consumerism to Sustainability, Erik Assadourian, 2010 What is Sustainable Architecture?’ Kristel Myttenaere, Lecture, 2012 From Physical Foundations to Socio-technical Challenges, Duncan Kushnir, 2012 Sustainable Preservation: Greening Existing Buildings, Jean Carroon Exploring Sustainable Architectures, Simon Guy The Biosphere, Dr David Grierson, 2011 Arcology and Arcosanti: Towards a Sustainable Built Environment, David Grierson, 2003 Towards a Sustainable City, David Grierson Cities for a Small Planet, Rogers, 1997 Lecture, Soren Hermansen, IFHP World Congress, September 2012 http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/samsoe-a-role-model-in-self-sufficiency http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/30/world/europe/30samso.html?_r=0 http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=samso-attempts-100-percent-renewable-power http://samsoe.wordpress.com/ The Danish School of Media and Journalism, 2010 http://www.veo.dk Samsø Energi Akademi http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/gallery/2008/sep/21/samso.windfarms The Guardian newspaper