As more people understand the environmental challenges we face, living “green” has become a popular, even trendy choice. But what does it mean to live sustainably on the land? This lecture series examines both theory and practice in the latest green technology and opens a discussion on the influence this trend can have on our health.
Defining Sustainability: How sustainable design builds a healthier world
Betsy del Monte, AIA, LEED AP Beck Group, Dallas
Green Roofs from Prairie Barrens: Inviting the Fort Worth Prairie into the city
Tony Burgess, Ph.D., Professor of Professional Studies
The Institute for Environmental Studies, Texas Christian University
Will the future be "Geen"?
Hugh Hardy, FAIA
H3 HARDY Collaboration Architecture
Press Release
The Botanical Research Institute of Texas is fortunate to be building its new home in a time when the public has an elevated awareness of environmental issues. Americans have become mindful of the need to use the planet’s finite material resources in a more responsible manner and to find ways to cultivate new forms of renewable energy. BRIT’s exploration of the natural world through field study, scientific research, botanical analysis and educational programs place this institution in the forefront of public attention.
This new building will present a case study in conservation, energy management, site placement and material selection that warrants recognition from the U.S. Green Building Council with a gold LEED rating. Every aspect of construction will be monitored to insure the new structure causes the least possible environmental damage, from water management of rainfall to window orientation. BRIT will become an appropriate neighbor to the Botanical Garden through an exchange of program ideas, becoming a scientific complement to aesthetic and educational assets of the Garden. Taken all together, the landscape, building and systems’ design of BRIT’s new building are responsive to both old and new technologies.
Sustainability and Health by Design [Press Release] [Top of Page]
Kirk Teske, AIA, LEED AP, HKS Inc.
Founding chairperson of the U.S. Green Building Council North Texas Chapter
The phrase, “first, do no harm,” has for many years been a hallowed pledge for physicians — one that recognizes human acts with good intentions may have unwanted consequences. Sustainable development teams can apply the same basic premise to the facilities on which they work. This entails design, procurement, construction and operational methodologies that look beyond the cheapest first-cost solutions to a more holistic approach that targets the institution’s long-term economic goals without compromising the health of the community it serves
For almost a decade, we have seen reports about high-performance schools that enhance learning, sustainable office buildings that improve worker productivity, green retail spaces with increased sales, and energy-efficient residential units that sell faster than the competition. These headlining projects all have a common thread — extraordinary design and a conscientious attempt to minimize the use of natural resources.
Plants and Cities: A new relationship [Press Release] [Top of Page]
Diana Balmori, IFLA, landscape design
Balmori Associates, New York
In the past, landscape in cities concentrated on plants and planting; landscape was seen as the "shrubbing-up" of architecture. Today landscape has a much broader scope – still dealing with vegetation, but now also with soils, with water, with air, and with climate. In other words, the discipline has transformed into a tool of much greater complexity. Its fusion with ecology has added to its growth and comprehensiveness. Only in the late twentieth century did we realize the relevance landscape has for cities. Only now is the power of this tool being tested on urban problems. Diana Balmori will discuss several examples from her work that demonstrate this changed role for landscape, in particular the role that landscape plays in BRIT's planning for its new LEED certified facility in Fort Worth.
DFW International - Green Clean and Energy Efficient [Press Release] [Top of Page]
Jeffrey Fegan, CEO
DFW International Airport
The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is one of the premier commercial aviation facilities in the world and a key element in the national aviation system. DFW is also the established economic engine of the North Central Texas region generating over $16 billion in total economic output annually along with 308,000 jobs. Like many industries, airports have long been impacted by resource, community and land use issues. However, debates on aviation have often been dominated by environmental issues.
The concept of sustainable development with its framework for balancing economic, social and environmental effects provides for a broader approach to issues facing the industry. The DFW Airport Board plays a unique role requiring a balance between its public policy obligations and bottom line results for its businesspartners. Mr. Fegan will discuss how DFW has successfully and increasingly turned to sustainable practices to satisfy the diverse interests of its stakeholders. From energy efficiency to materials reuse to waste minimization, DFW has applied sustainable practices to achieve results benefiting the region, the local community and the bottom line.
Reweaving Nature’s Web:
Bringing sustainability to 21st century Botanic Garden design [Press Release] [Top of Page]
Carol Franklin, RLA, FASLA
Andropogon Associates, Philadelphia
Large public parks, gardens and botanical institutions are increasingly taking a leading role in issues of biodiversity and global climate change through in-depth research and innovative programs. Their facilities are not only environmentally sensitive but also reveal the unique qualities of the site and region.
Sustainable design is a natural expression of the mission of a botanical institution. Beyond conserving energy within a building or using renewable building materials, their challenge is to conserve, repair and enrich the fundamental resources of their site — its land, water, and vegetation, its cultural heritage and traditions, as well as its human resources (board, staff, volunteers, associated experts, and its relationship to the larger community). These concerns extend to the broader impacts of global climate change, and the need to preserve and restore plant and animal biodiversity worldwide.
These functions are critical and position these institutions to make important contributions to planetary survival. This lecture will explore how the concepts of sustainability can permeate every facet of a public garden with programs, facilities and landscapes that are beautiful, inviting and compelling.
Carol Franklin, a founding principal of Andropogon Associates, is an internationally recognized expert in sustainable landscape design. She has worked with a wide range of public gardens in all stages of development—from those that are just beginning, to those that are not fully appreciated and need revitalization, to very successful institutions struggling to deal with their popularity. She is currently working with James Toal of Gideon Toal on a master plan for the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
Building for the Future: Green development in Fort Worth [Press Release] [Top of Page]
Jyl DeHaven, CEO
Green Urban Development, Fort Worth
As the last lecturer in the 2009-2010 series, Jyl DeHaven will bring the discussion back home to Fort Worth. With over a decade of experience in the rapidly growing “green” industry, DeHaven will discuss how Fort Worth is turning its attention to sustainable development and smart growth. With vast improvements in the availability and quality of green products and increasingly competitive pricing, Fort Worth can become a leader in environmental practices, making the leap beyond sustainable development to restorative development.
As a member of Fort Worth's Sustainability Task Force, Ms. DeHaven has a close eye on efforts underway to sustain the city’s ecological and social systems while tackling the costs of infrastructure expenses, traffic growth, air quality, etc. One example is the Urban Race Street project, a mixed-use development located a mile from downtown and within walking distance of the Trinity River. It will be a live / work / play environment that focuses on energy efficiency and environmental sensitivity, while creating a true community center.
