Green technology isn't everything, says Arthesia

Design should change habits, such as getting people onto trains and out of cars.

We cannot rely solely on new technologies to create carbon neutral cities, Arthesia CEO Thomas Sevcik stated at this week's World Future Energy Summit.

Sevcik explained to delegates that architects have to think of how they can influence lifestyle changes, as well as incorporating technologies to create the ideal city.

“Technology can’t change everything. We can make electronic cars, but there will still be congestion,” he said.

“We need to create public transport, cycle paths and footpaths so people have the ability to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Foster and Partners senior partner Gerard Evenden agreed with Sevcik's comments and said that architects have taken away individual choices.

“Because of design, some people don’t have the option to open a window in their apartment or open their office door onto a garden. Now we should focus on how to give people back those choices,” he said.

Sevick went on to say that some developers are using sustainability as a marketing tool.

“Everyone is claiming to be the leader in sustainability; this is dangerous,” he said.

“We shouldn’t promote sustainability for marketing reasons. Green building should be about changing the world.”

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FEATURED COMMENT Well yes absolutely right,, the word green is bein used as a marketing tool rather than actually implementing. Conserve   2 Comments Read more comments »