In the article, "This
Detroit House Is Being Turned Into A Living Model Of Cost-Saving Sustainable
Design”, Peters (2016), introduced us to
a project titled “Motown Movement”, for which three architecture students
purchased a house and converted it into a sustainable cost-efficient living
model in Detroit. Their aim was to achieve sustainability through
cost-efficient approach by transforming old houses into affordable and
sustainable buildings. In their house, the lower level will be a “training
centre” while the upper level houses a family in need. In-house systems
includes solar panels, a “greywater system” and a “septic tank” as sources of
renewable energy. Lukkes, one of the three students, stated that through
collaboration with their university, they can ensure that their project can
become universal and reach other countries. In
my opinion, the students have a practical idea in implementing these changes
within the Detroit community, yet these changes may be too ambitious due to the
capital needed.
The ideas the students came up with for the project are
practical since it utilizes various natural sources of such as sunlight and
rainwater which could be further tapped into. Sunlight can be converted into
solar energy and rainwater could be collected. Thus, it is practical and easy
to sustain. The septic tank and connection of the house to waste heat from
nearby industry are also practical since the systems convert waste into
productive materials.
Although the implementation of the solar panels may seem
practical, the cost for each panel does not come cheap. The initial capital
needed for the solar panels would cost an enormous amount. For example,
a 5-kilowatt rooftop solar installation from “Srinergy”, a program formed
by the partnership between MI Solar Works and Novi Solar, costs $14,800(CBS
Detroit, 2013). The installation cost is definitely not cheap, but in the long
run, it reduces the monthly electric bill. It has a life span of 25 to 30
years. However, the beauty of the roofs will be damaged since the solar panels
spoil the outlook of the roofs. According to Sortfix (2016), an average septic
tank installation cost around $5,170. The septic tanks should be placed at
suitable locations. Environmental impacts such as odour and gas emissions as
well as groundwater pollution may occur if placed at unsuitable conditions (Wikipedia,
2016). Therefore, the students should survey the cheapest yet reliable
manufacturers which builds these systems.
Investors will create jobs for the community residing there
if they invest in Detroit since it spans over 139 square miles. Cox, (2016)
Detroit's chief city planner mentions that necessity supplies such as
water, electricity and police protection will be applicable to all neighbourhoods.
However, all these necessities need finances to thrive. Vacant houses also pose
a problem. Hendrickx, one of the students from the project, said vacant houses
will be set on fire by neighbours next door. Thus, people will be afraid
to reside in Detroit due to the instability of the situation.
Ultimately, the most important factor in ensuring this
project becomes successful is for financial help for the Detroit community. Investors
could use this opportunity to invest in this project to create more jobs for
the residents. This project could come a long way in being an inspiration for
other countries to follow suit in increasing awareness about sustainability and
reducing environmental impacts on a global scale.
References
CBS Detroit. (2013). New
Low-Cost Residential Solar Power Available.
Retrieved from http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/09/23/new-low-cost-residential-solar-power-available/
Klinefelter, Q. (2016). Must
Detroit Shrink to Survive?
Retrieved from
http://wdet.org/posts/2016/08/15/83707-must-detroit-shrink-to-survive/
Michael D. S. (2006). What A
Waste: Septic Tanks And Their Environmental Problems.
Retrieved from https://www.gasdetection.com/interscan-in-the-news/magazine-articles/waste-septic-tanks-environmental-problems/
Peters, A. (2016). This Detroit
House Is Being Turned Into A Living Model Of Cost-Saving Sustainable Design.
World Changing Ideas.
Retrieved from https://www.fastcoexist.com/3061563/world-changing-ideas/this-detroit-house-is-being-turned-into-a-living-model-of-cost-saving-s
Sortfix. (2016). Low Cost
Septic Tank Installation in Detroit, Michigan.
Wikipedia. (2016).
Environmental Concerns of Septic Tanks.
No comments:
Post a Comment