Sustainability seems to be the word and motto of this generation. Finding eco-friendly solutions to save the planet and “go green”. These ideas need to be embraced by all generations and be the approach to commercial as well as residential living in order to make way for life-style changes that will positively impact our planet.
This concept seems to be well received in the design world relating to and influencing many fields including the automotive industry (hybrids, electric cars, etc.), architecture (an example being the reusing and reinventing building resources such as old shipping containers), and rethinking everyday appliances (Energy Star, solar systems, etc.).
Just recently I visited the new Target in the town of Davis. Personally Target is “my happy place” where I like to go if I am bored or feeling down. The happy red colors that pervade the space act as a de-stresser and always make me leave with lifted spirits.
The town of Davis has really embraced the “going green” concept. And this new Target is no exception to the trend. The new Target building is LEED certified, in other words a green building. According to the U.S. Green Building Counsel website, being “LEED is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings,” concentrating on energy and water savings, selecting green building materials, and providing high indoor environmental quality.
Some people argue that it’s not enough, considering Target only is certified at the lowest, bronze level. However, this brings into question when will everyone ever be fully satisfied?? Target took a step in the right direction and did not settle for the cheapest most economical way to build their new store. This behavior from large corporations needs to be rewarded and encouraged if we are to move the entire society towards better green living. The company embraced the design resources available to this generation and made the right decision to “go green”.
(Thanks for the picture go to http://fullyarticulated.typepad.com/sprawledout/images/2007/06/19/davistarget.jpg)
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