'Beware of Green-Washing,' Architecture Students Warned

MILWAUKEE, Jan. 3, 2008 (VNS) – Students of architecture and design need to be alert to “green-washing” as they work toward a more sustainable future, attendees were cautioned at the conference of the American Institute of Architecture Students here.

“Don’t accept vague notions about what someone says is ‘green,’” advised speaker Judith Nordgren, director of industry affairs of the Vinyl Institute. “Ask the same tough questions and demand the same level of hard scientific data about all competing materials or products.”

All materials have an environmental impact at some point over their life-span, she noted. Independent analysis of the life cycles of the products and materials being considered should be part of the due diligence of all design professionals.

Nordgren urged students to base their design decisions on sound research and credible data. As an example, she noted that while the popular concept of “renewable” is usually considered a plus for the environment, other important aspects such as durability, energy efficiency, recyclability, low embodied energy, and lightness of weight, also need to be considered and may result in even greater environmental benefits.

“It is my hope that we embrace the lessons learned from the past and transition toward a more sustainable future,” she concluded, noting that “sustainability is a journey, not simply a destination.”