Beyond Green Paint: Defining Sustainability in Building Design
An August Berres Editorial Opinion
By Robert Kroon
The push for sustainable building practices is laudable, but the definition of "sustainable" has become diluted, often encompassing superficial changes that do little to address core energy inefficiencies. It's time to draw a clearer line between genuine sustainability and mere virtue signaling.
We argue that buildings cannot be considered truly sustainable unless they incorporate DC-power onsite generation, fault-managed power distribution, and battery-powered agile furniture.
Traditional AC power distribution systems are inherently inefficient, losing significant energy during conversion and transmission. Embracing DC power, generated onsite through solar panels or other renewable sources, drastically reduces these losses. This shift not only maximizes the use of clean energy but also simplifies integration with battery storage, creating microgrids resilient to grid outages.
Furthermore, fault-managed power distribution is crucial for safety and efficiency. These intelligent systems can isolate faults instantaneously, preventing cascading failures and minimizing downtime. This is especially important in buildings with complex energy demands, ensuring continuous operation and reducing the risk of electrical fires.
Finally, integration of battery-powered agile furniture represents a paradigm shift in how we utilize energy within buildings. These adaptable systems allow for localized power management, reducing the need for extensive wiring and enabling flexible workspace configurations. Imagine desks and partitions that can be easily repositioned, each with its own independent power source, optimizing energy use based on occupancy and activity.
These three elements – DC power generation, fault-managed distribution, and battery-powered furniture – represent a holistic approach to sustainability. They address not just energy generation but also distribution, management, and utilization, creating a truly integrated and efficient system.
So, where is the line between true sustainability and virtue signaling? It lies in the commitment to fundamental change rather than superficial adjustments. Simply installing solar panels on a building powered by an inefficient AC system is not enough. Painting a building green does not make it sustainable. True sustainability requires a systemic overhaul, embracing innovative technologies that maximize efficiency and resilience.
Critics might argue that these technologies are expensive and complex. However, the long-term benefits – reduced energy costs, increased resilience, and a smaller carbon footprint – far outweigh the initial investment. Moreover, as these technologies mature and become more widely adopted, their costs will inevitably decrease.
It's time for the building industry to move beyond greenwashing and embrace a more rigorous definition of sustainability. By prioritizing DC power, fault-managed distribution, and battery-powered furniture, we can create buildings that are not only environmentally responsible but also more efficient, resilient, and adaptable to the needs of the future.
This is not just about doing what's popular; it's about doing what's necessary.
August Berres has solutions for Flexible Workspaces, Agile Workplaces, and DC-Powered Buildings
