Written by Emily Sanders, photo courtesy of SCAD
Beginning April 25, the School of Building Arts offered a two-day conference where alumni discussed SCAD’s latest buildings and innovations. ‘The Greenest House” is a concept well known throughout the building community, which presents itself to be the ideal building that saves the planet in the most effective ways.
This lecture on SCAD’s sustainability efforts, took place less than two days after CNN published an article, “How one university saved Savannah’s architectural history.” Which revealed that SCAD is well at the forefront of this green idea in Savannah. Due to the university’s concerns with historic preservation, historic integrity became a passion of numerous alumni. However, these efforts to maintain still incorporate modern trends and procedures.
While the CNN article addressed how SCAD has become dedicated to preserving and restoring historic buildings, the conference presented the product of that passion and dedication within the school’s community. The lecture explored questions that ranged from a technology standpoint to preservation and from solar panels to the budgeting of new building techniques.
Professor Elaine Gallagher Adams said, “The greenest house, is the one that’s already built.” This concept entrusts that historical and sustainable houses can be turned into more functional purposes through modern renovations.
Sustainability is an idea within the architecture and preservation communities that’s become increasingly important. The panel explained how the South East is subject to ‘inertia’ [being stuck in their ways] and the challenges that arise when convincing historic cities to accept new building design strategies. “Sustainability is no option, it’s a given,” Professor Adams said.
Closing comments from Professor Adams reminded attendees, “words only go so far, and the actions we take towards a more sustainable community are what really matter in the long run.”
For information on other conferences visit their website.
