TIME TO LIMIT NEW CONSTRUCTION
Rather than demolishing old buildings to build new ones, why not add new footage, more natural light, and visual verve to existing buildings, creating living spaces that are appealing, energy efficient, and far less costly? Some “green” architects advocate such an approach as one answer to a warming world. Build as little as possible and use what’s already there. Instead of demolishing, recycle. Sustainability involves making already existing things last longer.
As the Six Big Moves in our One Climate Future plan advise:
We will improve the way we design, build, and retrofit our buildings – creating spaces to live and work that are more energy efficient, comfortable, healthier, resilient to extreme weather, and powered by renewable energy. The goal is to build smarter, not more expensively, and to ensure everyone can benefit from climate-ready homes. We will work to expand beneficial incentives to make retrofits more affordable… and continue to expand our cities’ low-carbon and resilient affordable housing.
Such a tall assignment may only be achievable by limiting new construction. The focus needs to be on providing affordable housing while limiting construction of high-end housing. This strategy can help Portland avoid divisions found in many U.S. cities that are increasingly occupied by the ultra-rich and the homeless. It also inspires a more livable, neighborly place for everyone. Offices emptied by the pandemic can be repurposed for reasonably priced living spaces. Derelict retail spaces like shopping malls, shuttered in the short term, can offer new residential opportunities as well.
BRIGHT IDEA: Let’s be creative in devising solutions that work for most people.
Pursuing another One Climate Future goal, we should center both new and renovated construction around neighborhood hubs that provide a full range of services – transportation, schools, markets, etc. The mix of housing and businesses near transit would bring people closer to jobs. This ensures that those who most rely on public transportation – due to income, disability, or otherwise – have ready access.
These measures, and many others, will improve our lives while cutting energy costs and dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Acknowledgements
- Most of our content this month is thanks to Frances Anderson. Read her article “To Build or Not to Build” in Sierra Club Magazine, Winter 2021.
- For more information on the Portland-South Portland One Climate Future plan, go to oneclimatefuture.org.
Bright Ideas is brought to you by Portland Climate Action Team which meets on the fourth Thursday of the month, 6-7:30 p.m. All are welcome to join. FMI: portlandclimateaction@gmail.com.
