Earth Day: Building a Greener Future
Happy Earth Day from Burdge Architects! There’s no better time for reflection (and action!) on how we can better protect our planet. At Burdge, we're proud to be incorporating sustainable building practices in our work without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality. Join us as we explore our low-carbon agenda and learn more about ways to reduce carbon emissions when designing and building homes.
The Low Carbon Initiative
We've partnered with MariSol Malibu and the Malibu Foundation to spearhead the Low Carbon Initiative. This collaborative effort aims to establish legislation incentivizing and/or mandating the use of low-carbon building materials in our local communities. By focusing on building decarbonization codes, we can implement impactful solutions without sacrificing cost or aesthetics.
Low-Carbon Concrete
A cornerstone of the Low Carbon Initiative is the adoption of low-carbon concrete. This material swap is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce carbon emissions. By limiting the use of Portland cement and incorporating recycled or natural alternatives, we can significantly lessen the environmental impact of concrete without compromising on material performance, cost, or aesthetics. This approach is exemplified in Marisol Zero 2, where low-carbon concrete was seamlessly integrated into the design of the home.
Marisol Zero 2
One of our recent projects, Marisol Zero 2, embodies our commitment to sustainability. This Hawaiian-style home boasts features such as induction cooktops, heat pumps, sustainably sourced wood, and of course, low-carbon concrete, showcasing our dedication to reducing both embodied and operational carbon. As this home hits the market, we're excited to highlight its environmentally friendly design elements and how they contribute to a greener future.
Sustainable Building Materials
In addition to low-carbon concrete, we prioritized the use of sustainable materials and systems throughout our Marisol project. From sourcing USA-made rebar with high-recycled content to opting for local lumber to minimize transportation emissions, every decision was made with environmental stewardship in mind. Our commitment extends to embracing renewable energy sources, such as rooftop solar systems and all-electric appliances, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions further.
Happy Earth Day!
As we celebrate Earth Day, it's essential to recognize the collective responsibility we have to protect our planet. By designing with sustainable building practices in mind, we can create homes and buildings that not only enhance our quality of life but also preserve the natural world for future generations. At Burdge Architects, we're proud to lead by example and advocate for a greener, more sustainable future. Join us in our commitment to building a better world—one project at a time.
To learn more about the low carbon agenda, visit www.lowcarboninitiative.org