Architectural design is progressive.
I recently attended a talk on recycling and sustainability on the building site. While I think it’s a good idea, it’s not new. While its once again in vogue, it has been quietly ongoing.
Greta Thunberg mistakenly accused the older generation of taking away her generation’s future. I believe it is she who is taking away her generation’s hope for the future.
I’m amazed at man’s ability to change, re-invent, modify, adapt for the future good. The oil crisis of the 1970s was overcome by fuel injection, drilling deeper, and computers.
Instead of jettisoning fuel over the ocean when approaching an airport and joining a queue of spiralling aircraft before landing at the airport, computers now allow planes to just land, saving fuel, and the oceans.
Yes, we really used to do that!
We all accepted the dual flush on our toilet cistern. Developed in Australia as a water-saving device after drought, it is now a global standard. Originally the buttons were 12 litres and six litres. That changed to six litres and three litres. Now its four and a half litres and three litres.
Wondered why you sometimes need a double flush? And is four-and-a-half litres enough to transport your donation through the public drainage system to its destination?
Your tap has gone from 12 litres to 14 litres to now five litres per minute.
Showers went from 14 litres to 16 litres per minute to now being seven and a half litres to nine litres per minute and heading towards six litres per minute.
Take that, Watercare bills!
Air-conditioning units used to be so noisy neighbours complained. Now you need to go outside to check they are running as they’re so quiet. With better engineering and refrigerant, they are 40% more efficient than several years ago.
Household appliances are now so efficient I was told by a visiting energy expert if Germany unplugged their old second fridges in the garage there would be enough power saved to power Belgium for a year.
Singapore is lowering city temperatures by greening their city with street trees and green roofs – and it’s working. A pleasant environment, less reliant on air-conditioning. Other cities around the world are following suit.
Voltaic paint is being developed in Melbourne, Toronto, and the UK. It’s some years away from becoming commercially available but imagine powering your house with the paint on your roof or powering your car with its body paint.
Japan has just developed a plastic which dissolves in sea water leaving behind no micro plastics.
And on the good news goes.
paul@leuschkekahn.co.nz | 021 894 895 | leuschkekahn.co.nz
