ChinaDialogue: Latest responses to An architect’s sustainable dreams

Economics essential

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 07:13:36 -0500

Intriguing article. Dunster's success can largely be attributed to an awareness of the overarching power of incentives in sustainable development. From the ‘greener’ lifestyle BedZED offers to industrial cost cutting, profitability provides environmental pragmatism with a reward. Particularly in relation to China in the current climate of unrestrained growth. The economic logic of the utilization of renewable resources must be promoted if there's to be any real chance of success. M.J.S

BedZED in UK

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 13:54:55 -0400

Replying to the student's question in comment no. 4, "BedZED in the UK" -- the figures can be attributed to the BioRegional Development Group, which initiated BedZED, or the Beddington Zero Energy Development. The steep decline in BedZED's on-site renewable-energy production in the last few years stems from its trouble-plagued combined heating and power (CHP) plant, which is no longer running. The 11% figure represents electricity produced by BedZED's solar photovoltaic panels. At present, the balance of the development's power needs are met through the national grid and back-up gas boilers. However, BedZED fully intends to return to "zero-carbon" status (that is, zero use of fossil fuels) with a new-generation power plant in the future, according to BioRegional. Please see director Sue Riddlestone's recent comments on zero-carbon housing in Bioregional's newsletter number 16, here -- Maryann Bird

BedZed in UK

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 11:05:17 -0400

Maryann Bird has quoted figures of a reduction from 80% to 11% in renewable energy supply at BedZED. I would like to use these figures in my student essay. Is it possible to say where the figures came from?

Microgeneration

Sat, 11 Nov 2006 11:46:24 -0500

What I like about this article is the message that learning from mistakes is integral to the success of innovative solutions. Microgeneration has to battle against vested interests. There are problems in applying this approach in different social, economic and technical circumstances. But it offers what is needed - local solutions to global problems. Iain Orr (biodiplomacy@yahoo.co.uk)

[TRANSLATED] Unfortunate buildings

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 16:09:15 -0500

Recently very many of China's buildings have achieved fame at high cost and by consuming lots of energy. The Chinese National Theatre, that huge globe, is ugly and that's all. But consuming electricity and water at a high rate really makes people feel sick at heart, and no wonder they want to build behind the back of the public electricity bureau. There are also "birds' nests" used by the Olympics, are these buildings also towing the line of the "Green Olympics"?

The future of China's cities

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 15:26:02 -0500

Low-rise, low impact designs like BedZED show the way for future city design, particularly in China, where gated communities and bland high-rises are now the norm. But I wonder how the Beijing designs will fit with the surrounding community - will they be commuter suburbs for workers in central Beijing (with underground parking, I notice)? Or will they work for local and poorer communities too? These will be considerations not only for the architects but also the city planners who should give these projects support. -SL