Unit Originally Created By:
Mike Morris
Green Technology
Part of Course: Cabinetmaking Model
Unit Overview / Details
The focus of this unit is to contrast traditional construction
and design methods with those that are more environmentally
friendly. These "green" construction methods focus on
designing buildings with as small a resource and energy use
footprint as possible.
Green building design includes optimal site selection and
architectural design for minimum energy use and
Use of recycled or more easily renewed materials is a
tangible example of green construction, and reduced or
"distributed" energy use with "living roofs" solar power, rainwater
cachement or xeriscaping are a few of the several examples of how
green construction techniques look at the larger picture of
resource use over the life (and eventual demolition) of the
building.
The field of "green technology" encompasses a continuously
evolving group of methods and materials, from techniques for
generating energy to non-toxic cleaning products.
The present expectation is that this field will bring
innovation and changes in daily life of similar magnitude to the
"information technology" explosion over the last two decades. In
these early stages, it is impossible to predict what "green
technology" may eventually encompass.
The goals that inform developments in this rapidly growing
field include:
Sustainability - meeting the needs of society in ways that
can continue indefinitely into the future without damaging or
depleting natural resources. In short, meeting present needs
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs.
"Cradle to cradle" design - ending the "cradle to grave"
cycle of manufactured products, by creating products that can be
fully reclaimed or re-used.
Source reduction - reducing waste and pollution by changing
patterns of production and consumption.
Innovation - developing alternatives to technologies -
whether fossil fuel or chemical intensive agriculture - that have
been demonstrated to damage health and the environment.
Viability - creating a center of economic activity around
technologies and products that benefit the environment, speeding
their implementation and creating new careers that truly protect
the planet.
Instructional Hours
- Classroom/Lab
- 10 Hours
Standards
- California Academic Content Standards: Reinforced: 2
- All Standards
- Full Details
Content / Concepts
- Green Technology Definition
- Historical Trends Personal
- Green Practices ( green lesson)
- Economic Benefits
- Green Cabinetmaking Practices (green lesson)
At the conclusion of this unit, students should be able to
articulate green and traditional construction methods, and contrast
the differences, advantages and disadvantages of each.
The student should be able to describe core elements forming
the foundation of sustainable design; design, resource/energy use,
and construction.
Examples of green technology subject areas
Energy
Perhaps the most urgent issue for green technology, this
includes the development of alternative fuels, new means of
generating energy and energy efficiency.
Green building
Green building encompasses everything from the choice of
building materials to where a building is located.
Environmentally preferred purchasing
This government innovation involves the search for products
whose contents and methods of production have the smallest possible
impact on the environment, and mandates that these be the preferred
products for government purchasing.
Green chemistry
The invention, design and application of chemical products
and processes to reduce or to eliminate the use and generation of
hazardous substances.
Green nanotechnology
Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of materials at the
scale of the nanometer, one billionth of a meter. Some scientists
believe that mastery of this subject is forthcoming that will
transform the way that everything in the world is manufactured.
"Green nanotechnology" is the application of green chemistry and
green engineering principles to this field.
Historical Trends
The history of sustainable living in the United States was
one borne of the counterculture movement of the '60s.
Teepees, yurts and cobb houses and the "back to the land" movement
and "Earth Day" starting in 1970 were all elements of the brew that
would ferment and begat the green "canon" that we know today.
Additional information can be found on the EPA's website:
http://www.marble-institute.com/industryresources/historystoneingreenbuilding.pdf
Personal Green Practices
"Paper or Plastic?" If your answer is "Neither, I
brought my NPR recycled hemp tote" you're well on the way to
understanding the intent of personal green practices.
Personal Green Practices review one's own attitude and
actions in the materials and resources we use in the day-to-day.
Recycling is good, pre-cycling or NOT having something that needs
to be disposed of is even better (a coffee cup, instead of a paper
cup, as an example)
Green Cabinetmaking Practices - these include using
sustainable (FSA), locally sourced or recycled materials instead of
exotics, grey or black market material from Asia, Oceana or
Europe. Using water or soy based, low VOC finishing materials
and non-toxic adhesives are another example of green
cabinetmaking. Again, the overarching element is reduction of
resource and energy use and adopting a "cradle to cradle" design
and building philosopy.
Lessons in this Unit
Industry Survey
The student will assess local applications of green technology in related shops or businesses, including cabinet making shops, lumber yards, suppliers, etc. The instructor will model employer contact and provide students with an opportunity to practice prior to the actual contact. Survey results will be compiled to assess local industries approach to green technology. Modeled practice, small groups, and discussion/lecture will be used to teach the lesson plan.
