http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php Copyright 2009, Julie Pollack Julie Pollack en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.8 http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry080316-052644
Q: What do you believe is the single most critical issue we face as environmentally responsible designers?

A: One of the most critical issues we currently face, in my mind, is educating all new graduates from our schools and university about green design so they are ready to join and contribute to projects with a sustainable mindset from day one. Currently, most students are given the choice about whether or not to pursue the study of this important topic. We soon won’t have this luxury and as ADA and safety and welfare issues are mandatory, I believe green design skills absolutely must be too. Creating responsible designs is imperative to ensuring our world remains healthy and beautiful.

The next most critical issue is related – finding enough educated faculty members across the country able and willing to teach interior design students about this important subject as well!

Q: If you could add a new credit category to the LEED rating systems, what would it be and why?

A: I applaud USGBC for creating LEED. Despite some shortcomings, it has become a transformational tool in our lifetime, bringing all buildings closer to becoming sustaining. I’m not sure which needs to occur first but one without the other won’t work: our industry infrastructure needs to make greener products and materials available to wider markets and, in addition, there is a need to take the certification to a higher level. It is time to go beyond Platinum. Both these are intertwined issues. One can’t occur without the other, I realize, but both need to occur quickly. Time is of the essence if we’re to see sustainable design as the norm in our lifetime too.

Q: What have you done in your personal life to become more environmentally responsible?

A: I try to take new challenge myself to make more of a difference, to speak out and educate others about new information often. One great thing about email is the ability to copy everyone about them! There is new information every day! I also read recently about how un-cool being an eco-snob is. I hope I’m not one and I hope I don’t look down my nose at folks that aren’t moving at breakneck speed in this area. I know at a basic level we all have to become aware of the need to change our lives – we all have to experience the “spear to the chest” Ray Anderson experienced and described in his book "Mid-Course Correction" to understand the sense of urgency needed to benefit our planet rather than give instant gratification to ourselves. It comes to us all!

Q: How do you respond to people who argue that global warming is a myth?

A: I try to appeal to their most basic human instinct – and most folks do respond at some level to this one – that we all need to responsible for ourselves, our lives and what we do to be kind and caring to others. The big picture of global warming may be out of reach for some minds, but realizing that species are declining, landscapes are degrading, children are dying from hunger and lack of water – these kinds of social issues are sometimes enough of a common ground to begin a dialogue about the bigger picture. I have a friend who has been writing a book making the case AGAINST global warming existing. It has been an ongoing project for many years. Each year goes by and it is no closer to being done. When I ask how it is going, the response is that they are still researching and gathering information to make their case. Hmmm, me thinks they never will. But, hey, they are at least thinking about it and maybe that will eventually help them make the case that global warming IS here and real. I’m not holding my breath, but I do appreciate the fact that they are taking the subject seriously. More people need to take it seriously. Not enough of us do.

Q: If you could recommend one book for green design students to read, what would it be and why?

A: What a loaded question – while self promoting, I might consider recommending the book "Sustainable Residential Interiors," of which I am co-author with Kari Foster and Annette Stelmack. If I look further afield from my own ego, the book that was the tipping point for me personally was Daniel Quinn’s book "Ishmael." I was in a place in my life where I was searching for more in terms of meaning and understanding of my purpose in life. This and Daniel’s other books are inspiring and eye opening. I’d recommend them above ours!

Q: What is your favorite sustainability newsletter or website?

A: I do love Treehugger too http://www.treehugger.com but I look for the Interior Design Magazines e-newsletter that comes out about twice a month, plus their green focused one once a month now. It gives great insight into our specific industry – design and architecture. I learn lots from it. Penny Bonda’s GreenZone is great - http://www.interiordesign.net/GreenZone/CA451322.html

Q: What area of green design interests/intrigues you the most and why?

A: As I have been a part of Associates III for many years, and we primarily focus on residential projects – I am most attentive to the residential market and clients. A year or more ago, we made a commitment to work only for clients that support green principles at some level, and this has increased my appetite for all things green. I’m lucky enough to work in an environment that not only supports green design but requires it for all our projects. My main role in the company is to find like-minded teams to work with on projects, and as I seek new work for our design team, I find myself asking those I meet about their level of understanding of green design and its application. When I see the lack of information around me, it fuels my desire to promote green design education at every turn.

We’re working on Mountain Living Magazine’s Natural Green Dream Home this year. Part of the reason we took on this project was to use it as a vehicle to educate: that good design and green design are synonymous, and to be as transparent as we could about the design process. It’s not perfect but others will learn from what we do and hopefully it will inspire them and promote a greater understanding of how to apply green design and take it to the next level. It will hit the spotlight for a brief moment in time…and then the next better version will overtake it!

Q: Who are some of your favorite "environmental champions?"

A: This is another loaded question: the answers change almost daily. So, note this is my list as of today:

I have great admiration for many of the people we study in our Green Design I class: that’s probably why we look to them and learn about them, and each semester I re-discover them anew. My all-time favorite is Bucky Fuller. His ability to question the assumptions in life and look into the future makes him a true visionary.

I mostly look to friends and those I work closely with – pioneers in the field. They are the ones who daily inspire and urge me on to do my part – Kari Foster, owner and principal designer at Associates III, my boss and friend for 26 years, pioneer in the residential design field. David Johnston of What’s Working, eco-consultant extraordinaire, he is the recipient of the International Sustainability Pioneer Award, often described in European business circles as “the Nobel Prize for Sustainability.” Penny Bonda, FASID, who has probably put interior design seriously on the radar through her efforts in greening the commercial interiors world.

Q: Please add anything else you would like to share

A: I’d love to challenge you to add green into your work: each project you work on, look for 3 ways to add a new green dimension to your work. Choose a green material, ask a green consultant about their work so your project will benefit, read a book on a new area – whatever it is, incorporate 3 things into your current project. Then, on your next project, incorporate these PLUS another 3, and so on. Share the information with all you can and then do it again, and again, and again. Pay it forward.

Contact Debbie Hindman: dhindman@rmcad.edu
]]> http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry080316-052644 Julie Pollack Sun, 16 Mar 2008 11:26:44 GMT http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/comments.php?y=08&m=03&entry=entry080316-052644 http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry080218-132716
Kelly Webb
Instructor:Department of Interior Design, Green Design Area of Emphasis
Managing Member, Context Designs, LLC

Kelly combines a strong background in business and environmental policy together with her education and experience in green design to teach the Green Design 2 course in the Area of Emphasis. She is the owner of Context Designs, LLC, where she brings this same background, education and experience to the design of commercial and residential projects using integrated, green design strategies.

Kelly has a Bachelors of Business, a Masters of Environmental Policy and Bachelors of Interior Design with an Emphasis in Green Design, as well as a Certificate in Green Building.

She is a member of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Boulder Green Building Guild, and is an allied member of the American Society of Interior Design.


Q: What do you believe is the single most critical issue we face as environmentally responsible designers?

Because buildings use almost half of all of the energy used in the US (and other countries), and because some estimates say we only have seven years to cut our green house gas emissions in at least half, I believe designers are in a position to make a real impact upon global warming. However, it means we can no longer say that it is “ok” for our clients to get everything they want. That is going to be very hard, because they are paying the bills. I also think it is time for us to stop over designing or “decorating” our spaces. I think we should show our clients that simplicity is practical, aesthetically pleasing and in the end can make us our lives happier and calmer.

Q: If you could add a new credit category to the LEED rating systems, what would it be and why?

I would like for LEED to have an operating credit where the operator of the building is responsible for re-certifying the building each year or every five years. At this point the designers can work their computers (we rarely use fingers anymore) to the bone and the operator can turn around and run the building in a non-sustainable manner.

On a broader (and much more difficult) note I think LEED should up the ante on almost all credits, especially water. I would also like to see LEED get out of the specific specifications of how to meet each credit and open it up to innovation. Maybe they could just set a carbon footprint for construction and another for operation and let the designers, contractors and operators make it happen. If we did this I think we might see some real innovative solutions. Upping the ante and innovation are not mutually exclusive, but I think it means an entire overhaul of the LEED rating system. I hate to slam LEED but they are the leader in this arena and although we are making big steps, the science is saying we need to be making GIANT steps.

Q: What have you done in your personal life to become more environmentally responsible?

The biggest thing we have done as a family is to stay in a home that we do not like, actually hate at times. But we hung in here until we could afford, and until the technology would allow us to build a green home that not only works for us but works for the environment also. We are now in the process of designing a new home that does both. In the meantime we have been “greening” our current home even though we will not see the payback but someone – and the environment- will see it.

Q: How do you respond to people who argue that global warming is a myth?
Is there really anyone out there that still thinks that? Even Bush? I have a hard time responding to people that argue that it is a myth, I would rather spend my time conversing with people that want to collaborate on what we can do to make a difference. If I had to respond to those that still think it is a myth, I would say to go read the 90% of the real scientists, not the extremists that have an agenda, but the real scientists from NOAA, NASA, NCAR, EPA, Scripps, etc. that say it is happening. If the science is over their heads I would say “OK lets say we do make major changes and you are right there is no global warming, what happens – not much would happen (maybe some new jobs and some cleaner air, maybe some money gets spent.) Then what happens if you are wrong and we do nothing – a global disaster (25% of species extinction, 30% Rocky Mountain snow pack reduction, coral reef destruction that holds 25% of ocean species, weather extremes, ocean level rise at just the 1 meter rise not the 6 meter extreme) that we cannot buy our way out of, one that makes the hundreds of billons of dollars in the Katrina buy out look like nothing. Check out the New York Times Katrina Diaspora (http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2005/10/02/national/nationalspecial/20051002diaspora_graphic.html) to see what impacts Katrina had on our country and then imagine that along all our coastlines.

Q: If you could recommend one book for green design students to read, what would it be and why?

Wow that is hard! From a philosophical perspective I think Natural Capitalism by Paul Hawken had the biggest impact upon me, maybe because in my previous life I was in Business Administration and Business Management. From strictly a design perspective the Not So Big House series by Sarah Susanka, gave me practical ideas I could implement – and have implemented them. I am currently reading Paul Hawken’s new book Blessed Unrest and I love it!

Q: What is your favorite sustainability newsletter or website?

Again, this is really hard! There are so many great ones. I think Environmental Building News, gives me the most detailed pro and con information on products and construction processes. On the other hand, Treehugger.com is a great place for a broader, more superficial take on environmental issues and a great launching place for real research because they source their articles. But I am also on the Architecture 2030 website every day also.

Q: What area of green design interests/intrigues you the most and why?

I am not sure we can have an area of interest because we really have to integrate all areas of design. But from a more macro perspective I have found more interest in Residential Design because I think that is where the bulk of the work is left to be done. We are making great inroads into Commercial Design – granted we have a long way to go- but for me, I see more room for innovation and education in residential design.

Q: Who are some of your favorite "environmental champions?"

Again there are so many, Al Gore, Paul Hawken, Ray Anderson, William McDonough, Rachel Carson….however, the person that seems to me to speak in ]]> http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry080218-132716 Julie Pollack Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:27:16 GMT http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/comments.php?y=08&m=02&entry=entry080218-132716 http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry080209-141725
• What do you believe is the single most critical issue we face as environmentally responsible designers?
• If you could add a new credit category to the LEED rating systems, what would it be and why?
• What have you done in your personal life to become more environmentally responsible?
• How do you respond to people who argue that global warming is a myth?
• If you could recommend one book for green design students to read, what would it be and why?
• What is your favorite sustainability newsletter or website?
• What area of green design interests/intrigues you the most and why?
• Who are some of your favorite "environmental champions?"

Look for the first interview 2/16/08
]]> http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry080209-141725 Julie Pollack Sat, 09 Feb 2008 21:17:25 GMT http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/comments.php?y=08&m=02&entry=entry080209-141725 http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry080130-101820
Before design students or design professionals specify another square yard of carpet or any other interior material, we should all watch "The Story of Stuff": http://www.storyofstuff.com/

The Story of Stuff is an extremely interesting, thought provoking, even humorous 20 minute video that looks at where our "stuff "come from, how it is made, used and disposed of ….a must-see for ALL designers of the built environment.

Think about it: if you don't have 20 minutes to spend considering the real effects of YOUR design decisions on the health of the planet, you should perhaps consider another profession. The future belongs to designers who are educated in and committed to environmental responsibility. Is there any doubt that this is our greatest responsibility?

]]> http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry080130-101820 Julie Pollack Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:18:20 GMT http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/comments.php?y=08&m=01&entry=entry080130-101820 http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry080119-125159
The book presents the insights of nearly 200 architects, designers, activists, policymakers, writers, educators, and students, on a variety of topics from communities to buildings to interior design to product design. The authors also reviewed a number of studies, compared statistics from various organizations, and surveyed a broad range of literature to draw their conclusions that women have historically played - and continue to play - key roles as catalysts in all aspects of sustainability.

Green design students and professionals….this is a must-read book for women and men interested in how the future of design and the planet will be shaped by a new ethic of collaboration!. Read it now and be a part of this new ethic....read it now!!

Available from: Ecotone Publishing LLC, the first exclusive green architecture and design publisher. Visit http://www.ecotonedesign.com. It is also available from Amazon.

]]> http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry080119-125159 Julie Pollack Sat, 19 Jan 2008 19:51:59 GMT http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/comments.php?y=08&m=01&entry=entry080119-125159 http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry080115-071257
Is there really any viable argument for designing interiors that release harmful toxins into the air, deplete natural resources, swell landfills and consume excessive energy? Regardless of how beautiful or functional a design may be, it cannot ultimately be GOOD DESIGN if it is bad for the environment (or relies on products that are produced in socially unjust ways and/or cause pain and suffering to human beings or to animals). This fact must become central to our interior design professional ethics if we are to contribute meaningfully and effectively to solving environmental problems caused, in no small part, by the ways we design, construct and operate the built environment.

The Facts
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) - the leading international network of climate scientists - released in late 2007 their assessment report on the future of climate for the planet. The climate change report acknowledges, unequivocally, that human activities are contributing significantly to global warming. The report states with 90 percent certainty that human beings are the primary cause of the increase in global temperatures, AND that the built environment is the single most significant contributor of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. The buildings we design, build and operate produce more than 41 percent of all the global carbon emissions.

Skeptical?
Some people think we should just "wait and see" on climate change…that because there are still those who doubt the reality of global warming we shouldn't be that concerned. After all, what's the worst that could happen? Check out this explanation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zORv8wwiadQ


Responsibilities of the Interior Design Profession
The interior design profession is beginning to recognize the responsibility and role we play in reducing the environmental impact of design, but we have been slow to contribute to the solutions. Interior design MUST contribute to the body of knowledge driving sustainable design and become a resource for our clients to learn how to live more sustainably and in better harmony with the earth. But until all interior design educational programs make sustainability as important a part of their programs as are building codes and ADA, our profession will remain sadly behind as leaders in sustainable design.

Ultimately, sustainable design will not and cannot be viewed as a separate area of expertise for interior designers but rather it must be a standard of ethical, good design for all interior designers, whether they specialize in designing homes, schools, hotels, restaurants, offices, hospitals or stores. This is - and has been for several years - our approach to interior design education at RMCAD. But we too must improve and expand our sustainable design education to the entire campus.

Could this be the year GOOD DESIGN becomes synonymous with SUSTAINABLE DESIGN? There are many reasons to be optimistic and many ways to contribute to the dialogue so stay tuned.

]]> http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry080115-071257 Julie Pollack Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:12:57 GMT http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/comments.php?y=08&m=01&entry=entry080115-071257 http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry070826-075007
This is the first of several articles discussing the process of transitioning to a sustainable RMCAD campus. Your comments and suggestions are encouraged!

There is a growing international consensus regarding the
virtues of sustainability. This consensus reflects an obvious and increasing need in today’s world for institutions, as well as individuals, to become aware of our impact on the earth and its resources and to make every effort to behave with responsibility toward the environment. From large corporations to small businesses, NGO’s, and grassroots organizations, from large public institutions to private homes, in both developed and developing nations alike, we are witnessing a new approach to economic and ecological efficiency.

Sustainability, the balance of environmental, social, and economic needs, continues to grow as a major issue on all college campuses creating a demand for a commitment to environmental responsibility that all educational institutions must address. According to The Essex Report on the Principles of Sustainability in Higher Education, “…society must adopt new strategies that allow the needs of an expanding population to be met in an environmentally sustainable and equitable manner. Higher education will play a critical role in determining whether we succeed or fail.”

Public perception of the importance of environmental issues continues to grow. According to the results of a recently conducted Harris Interactive Poll, nearly three-quarters of American adults agree that protecting the environment is important and standards cannot be too high.

Increasingly, colleges and universities are updating their academic curriculum with topics on sustainability—and this goes beyond building and design courses on sustainability—they are infusing sustainability topics into their entire academic curriculum across all disciplines. In some cases, course work in sustainability topics has become an academic requirement. Additionally, campus sustainability initiatives have been developed for thousands of colleges and universities in the US and around the world.

Questions surrounding environmental sustainability -- our ability to conserve and distribute vital natural resources for the health and well-being of future generations -- are a fundamental part of a global conversation about the planet’s future. RMCAD should be a part of that conversation. Further, RMCAD should be a model for solutions.

RMCAD’s Green Design Area of Emphasis provides an academic and practical foundation upon which to build this model by utilizing our Green Design curriculum that emphasizes energy efficient designs and healthy materials, water conservation and waste-reduction strategies, natural lighting and ventilation, and minimizing toxic byproducts. Our Green Design courses emphasize long-term community health that allows individuals and institutions to prosper. It promotes economic growth while minimizing the impact on landscapes and ecosystems. And it merges the best features of economy and design with the most innovative building technologies.

There is no better way for an institution to demonstrate the promise of sustainability than to revitalize its own practices.

Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design can become a working laboratory demonstrating how to transform a historic campus into a model of sustainable design. This phased initiative will require the entire RMCAD community to develop a long-term commitment to sustainability, and will raise local, national and international awareness of our commitments and actions. RMCAD’s unique configuration of academic programs presents it with an unprecedented opportunity to play a leadership role. Utilizing our network of art and design faculty and students, we can demonstrate the real-world applications and potential accomplishments of this approach, in turn training a new generation of sustainability leadership.

Sustainability is not only an academic idea, but an active endeavor as well.

Embarking on a policy of campus sustainability requires rethinking campus strategies, systems and internal education and training (please see 3 papers attached: The University Modeling Sustainability as an Institution, Education for Sustainability, Leveraging Change: The Role of the University in a Sustainable Future).

A culture of environmental responsibility should pervade all sectors of the campus following a stepped-up emphasis on sustainability, increased conservation of resources and public support from the top of the college’s administrative tiers including the Board.

RMCAD‘s history and mission includes educating artists and designers to become leaders, thinkers and problem-solvers on behalf of society. As an educational institution, we have a responsibility to send our students out with the knowledge and sensibility of sustainable design and living. Helping construct an environmentally sustainable future will be some of the best thinking and creativity our graduates can provide.


A sustainability initiative will enable us to develop RMCAD’s campus in ways that assure long-term sustainability in our use of resources.

In addition, RMCAD’s campus will model:

-The most ecological and economically efficient use of energy and materials
-A blend of functionality, efficiency, and economy
-Evidence that sustainable design can be cost-efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and life enhancing
-An integration of art, design, and new technologies
-Longevity, posterity, and a vision for the future
-A daily, living laboratory for sustainable design and living
-How natural history and earth system processes emerge in a built environment
- A seamless integration of public and private space that facilitates and enhances learning, living, and social responsibility
]]> http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry070826-075007 Julie Pollack Sun, 26 Aug 2007 13:50:07 GMT http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/comments.php?y=07&m=08&entry=entry070826-075007 http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry070614-164109 http://www.buildinggreentv.com/bgtv

Much better than the typical "designing with staples, scotch tape, and plastic" shows on HGTV. ]]> http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry070614-164109 Julie Pollack Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:41:09 GMT http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/comments.php?y=07&m=06&entry=entry070614-164109 http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry070531-094357
For me, it was a combination of reading Daniel Quinn's book Ishmael and Edward O' Wilson's book Biophilia. I realized through these books that the traditional/conventional design of the built environment was destroying the very source of our species health and well-being = nature. I knew there had to be another way to design and build beyond the slash-and-burn, petrochemical dependent products and processes we have used for the last hundred years. And there is! Sustainable design is the only future we have as designers.

]]> http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry070531-094357 Julie Pollack Thu, 31 May 2007 15:43:57 GMT http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/comments.php?y=07&m=05&entry=entry070531-094357 http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry070514-180715
Check out these websites for info:
Climate change questions answered: http://us.oneworld.net/section/us/persp ... etalk#real

Union of Concerned Scientists 5 Common Sense Solutions to Climate Change:
http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/so ... -suvs.html
]]> http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/index.php?entry=entry070514-180715 Julie Pollack Tue, 15 May 2007 00:07:15 GMT http://www.rmcad.org/blogs/green-design/comments.php?y=07&m=05&entry=entry070514-180715