Green Building….You’ve heard the words, but what do­ they mean? Green building is a trend in the architecture field to build structures that are water and energy efficient out ­of environmentally friendly materials.

A general philosophy behind the design and construction process guides our studies at Kennedy. The goal of attaining limited or zero waste of these five design factors: waste, energy, water, carbon, and emissions is a process which requires creativity and ingenuity.

Award winning Eugene architect, Nir Pearlson, has helped pave the way for Kennedy students to study the profession of designing buildings, open areas, communities, and other constructions and environments in a way that is not only sustainable, but is beautiful and functional.  As Nir states,

“After centuries of spearheading the transformation of wilderness into cities, it is clear that architecture’s most important and sacred task today is to hold a vision of balance among all living systems on earth. We know that restoring such balance depends on making far-reaching adjustments in how we humans design, build, and occupy our homes, workplaces and communities. As architects, we believe that positive change is possible, and are committed to playing a critical leadership role in this forward movement and transformation.”

In partnership with Aprovecho Research Center, Nir Pearlson and his staff have helped students and teachers at Kennedy begin to understand the interplay between various “systems” in a structure.  these include:

• Micro wind tubines
• Solar thermal and photovoltaic arrays
• Rainwater harvesting
• Sustainable waste-water treatment and water reclamation
• Living roof systems
• Modular construction
• Alternative building practices
• Natural ventilation