SHOULD CARBON REDUCTION BE THE FOCUS IN SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

Should carbon reduction be the focus in sustainable design and development?



Carbon reduction and sustainable design

Introduction

In order to answer the question “should carbon reduction be the focus in sustainable design and development” we will critically analyze the impacts of the carbon gas emission and its significance in the design and development. We all know what the problem is and the most recent and hostile evidence and the seriousness of the issue can be seen in the shape of the “Tsunami's” such as 1th, march 2011 tsunami in Japan. In the past few decades there has been extensive research work done on this important subject and it has successfully track down the causes for the global warming and witnessed a gradual increase in carbon emission over the years. (Stephen A. 2009, Pp. 5-20)The significance and importance of finding a solution to lowering down the emission of carbon can't be understated. The emission of this hazardous gas is highly contributed by the industrial activities and therefore the major responsibility is on their shoulders to tackle with the issue.

Discussion

The design and development has many aspects for which we need immense devotion and focus. The question which arises is that what elements we need to focus more? In the last two decades we have seen a growing realization that the current prevailing model of development is unsustainable. In other words, we are living beyond means. From the loss of biodiversity with the ruining of rainforests or over fishing to the negative effect our consumption patterns are having on the environment and the climate. (Byrne, J. 2008, Pp. 27-53)Our way of life is placing an increasing burden on our planet.

Therefore the basic concept and aim behind the sustainable design and development is to educate and enable people by providing the structure and tools to value their environment and climate and at the same time 'satisfy their needs and enjoy a better quality of life' without creating problems for our future generations and ensuring the same quality of life for them or even better. Here we are focusing on the word 'sustainable' which focuses on both aspects “reduction and measures for future prevention” the sustainable design and development implies the fact that the industries which are the major contributors of carbon emissions must incorporate this sustainable design and development for their future and current production facilities. (Porter, M. 1995 ,Pp. 120-133)There is no doubt that it appears difficult and overstated as it involves huge costs for the industries if they go for the implementation of these different sustainable designs and developments.

Sustainability

In broad terms sustainability can be defined as 'the ability of the natural systems to maintain them over time'. Motivation at collective and individual level to adopt a less consumptive approach is required to support the concept of sustainability of the environment. In the year 1987, the UN world commission on environment and development, made a persuasive statement for sustainable development defined as “development ...