GREEN DESIGN

Green Design is not a new idea; but it is one that has a particular urgency in a world of growing population, limited resources, and increasing consumption. Schools and universities, businesses, government agencies and private individuals are showing greater interest in the theory and practice of green design. Books, articles, and examples abound. Two good places to begin learning about green design are the Hannover Priciples, the National Academy of Sciences' "Life-Cycle Analysis," and the Center for Sustainability's Design Criteria. You may also wish to view some sample projects. Also, check out our Green Living Guide.
Projects in the Green Design Competition have been judged using the "Hannover Principles." This document, written by William McDonough for the World's Fair 2000, establishes the design principles for sustainability. In it, McDonough provides a primer on ecology for designers and anyone concerned about intelligent use of our natural resources. The Hannover Prinicples should be seen as a living document committed to transformation and growth in the understanding of our interdependence with nature, in order that they may adapt as our knowledge of the world evolves.
1. Insist on rights of humanity and nature to co-exist in a healthy, supportive, diverse and sustainable condition.
2. Recognize interdependence. The elements of human design interact with and depend upon the natural world, with broad and diverse implications at every scale. Expand design considerations to recognizing even distant effects.

3. Respect relationships between spirit and matter. Consider all aspects of human settlment including community, dwelling, industry and trade in terms of existing and evolving connections between spiritual and material consciousness.

4. Accept responsibility for the consequences of design decisions upon human well-being, the viability of natural systems and their right to co-exist.

5. Create safe objects of long-term value. Do not burden future generations with requirements for maintenance or vigilant administration of potential danger due to the careless creation of products, processes or standards.

6. Eliminate the concept of waste. Evaluate and optimize the full life-cycle of products and processes, to approach the state of natural systems, in which there is no waste.

7. Rely on natural energy flows. Human designs should, like the living world, derive their creative forces from perpetual solar income. Incorporate this energy efficiently and safely for responsible use.

8. Understand the limitations of design. No human creation lasts forever, and design does not solve all problems. Those who create and plan should practice humility in the face of nature. Treat nature as a model and mentor, not as an inconvenience to be evaded or controlled.
9. Seek constant improvement by the sharing of knowledge. Encourage direct and open communication between colleagues, patrons, manufacturers and users to link long-term sustainable considerations with ethical responsibility, and re-establish the integral relationship between natural processes and human activity.