Fix it!

Fix it! The Energetic Society as a New Perspective on Governance for a Clean Economy: Maarten Hajer

The ambitious goal of a clean economy and a high-quality society can be achieved.

It is "the existing powers of creativity and innovation within society that offer opportunities for green growth,” says Maarten Hajer in The Energetic Society, the PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency Trends Report. Yet in order to exploit the potential of this energetic society, Hajer says, governments need to adjust and act in a timely way, otherwise they will be exposed to the powers of the energetic society that may effectively obstruct government initiatives. We need a new partnership and a new division of responsibilities.

Innovation means planning for action and initiative, accepting the fact that mistakes will be made, and making certain that improvements are identified and implemented rapidly. Such innovation calls for a different type of government based on the notion of “radical incrementalism.” Putting the sustainable achievements of institutions and businesses in digital, shareable form is important for providing valuable examples and feedback.

The challenge is to do more with less – something for which there is no instant solution. New ideas will constantly be required and may be stimulated by a government that commits itself to clear objectives and engages in new forms of social engagement.

http://www.picnicnetwork.org/maarten-hajer-1

re-act?

Center for Sustainable Technology - Mario Cucinella

Center for Sustainable Technology - Mario Cucinella

The Sustainable Technology Center (Center for Sustainable Energy Technologies - CSET) in Ningbo, China is building the first zero-emissions in that country and is an original design inspired by Mario Cucinella Architects in appearance by light screens east.

With an area of 1,300 square meters the 5 story building has an area for visitors, research laboratories and a special section for master's courses. The building is divided vertically in a very natural environment, using a wide field and a nearby stream.

The volume increase is fully visible skin covered by a double glass patterns that evoke some buildings in the area. With a very dynamic and twisted, this center was designed with a high efficiency bioclimatic design, with proper guidance and with a large opening in the sky thought as a generator of light and ventilation which are distributed to all floors of the building uniformly.

It also includes alternative systems for power generation, and photovoltaic cells for power, an internal system of gray water recycling and geothermal energy which is present to heat and cool the interior floor pavement.

Recall that China, with about a figure close to 1,300 million people, is a country that supplies coal as the main source of energy, which in turn mean tons and tons of annual emissions released into the atmosphere.  The CSET is designed to reduce coal use in saving approximately 449 tons and 1081.8 tons of carbon emissions in 25 years.

The spaces within the building have been configured to support a number and ventilation strategies, as a demonstration of alternatives to conventional systems. Has also been designed to meet the daily and seasonal variations in the climate of Ningbo, to minimize the need for heating in winter and cooling in summer, promoting natural ventilation in spring and autumn when environmental conditions permit. The building is well insulated therefore incorporates internal thermal capacity floors and walls, ventilation and a glass facade to the south. During the summer when it is both warm and humid, it is necessary to de-humidify and cool the air supply, and power for this is provided by the photovoltaic system.

The photovoltaic system will be used to provide artificial lighting and small power office equipment such as computers, fax machines, etc. During the period of maximum sunlight will be enough energy generated from the photovoltaic system to run other teams, like the elevator and mechanical ventilation and chilled water systems. If extra power is not used, is stored in batteries or transferred to the nearby sports center.

http://www.arquitecturacritica.com.ar/2009/09/centro-de-tecnologia-sustentable-mario.html 

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