As the global community makes the transition from a paradigm of consumption and waste to one of ecological harmony, we must explore broadly and deeply the meaning of sustainability, particularly but not exclusively in the built environment.

Sustainability in the human environment is much more than ecological methods and materials, much deeper than energy- and resource-efficiency, much broader than ecological footprint. Living, designing and building sustainability is as much about philosophy and metaphysics, spirituality and vision, as it is about tools and technology, methods and methodology.

In this course, we will explore the very nature of sustainability and the mindsets and perspectives that make it possible. We will delve into both traditional and modern “roadmaps” that mark the course of a sustainable lifestyle and the built environment that grows from it.

We will investigate and discuss such topics as: developing and “out-of-the-box” technologies, embodied energy, operating energy, exergy, durability, life-cycle costs, externalities, technical vs cultural shifts, transportation impacts, land and community, ecological footprint, resource efficiency, waste reduction & recycling, the Happy Planet Index & the Global Manifesto, permaculture, the Hannover Principles, the Earth Charter, the web of life, and sacred space.

Through presentation, brainstorm, discussion, guided meditation, experiential exercises, and small and whole group exploration, we will create templates for revisioning what we manifest in the world and, in so doing, help build a bridge to an authentically sustainable world and better guide our hands and hearts in our own work and lives.

Certificate in Sustainable Building and Design