Where design and sustainability cross paths

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Sustainable Development For Those Who Need It Most

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Sustainable South Bronx, founded in 2001 by Majora Carter, a life long resident of the area, is an organization that promotes environmental justice through sustainable environmental and economic development projects. By addressing problems of infrastructure, education and poverty, SSB hopes to develop the South Bronx into an effective example of responsible, and postive urban growth.

One of the major programs created by SSB is called BEST, which stands for the Bronx Environmental Stewardship Training program. BEST is a 10-week, hands on curriculum that provides skilled training in horticulture, construction, wildlife management and other green collar fields. By providing those in need with marketable skills and training, BEST is able to create opportunities for the people and places who need it most.

Another initiative put forth by SSB is focused on using green roofs to help combat the problem of storm water run off and increase the green space in an otherwise concrete dominated area. The use of green roofs are beneficial not only for decreasing flooding from water run-off but also reducing noise pollution, absorbing heat, and act as an added layer of insulation to buildings.

By reshaping the make up of the community, improving green space and educating and training residents in sustainable development, Sustainable South Bronx is breaking new ground in community development. The ongoing work of SSB is helping to build a stronger community both economically and culturally in the South Bronx in an effective and more responsible way.

For more information visit the Sustainable South Bronx website

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Making Greenburg Greener While Improving Their Community

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Images from the National Geographic Society. Video from KTKA 49 ABC News.

Students at Kansas State University are taking the initiative to make Greenburg more sustainable while rebuilding their community. Their effort is being called Project Cubed and it aims to bring “pavilion cubes of sustainable living to Greenburg”. Every cube they are creating is eco-friendly. One might recycle rain water while another provides a place for gathering bottles and cans for recycling. Perhaps the best aspect of the project is that the students are focused on carefully designing and constructing each cube with the equally important purpose of being able to withstand severe tornado weather. The project was created in response to the massive F5 category tornado that ripped through Greensburg in 2007. It flattened the town and caused 8 deaths. With winds of 205 miles an hour (330 kilometers) the tornado was the first first recorded F5 storm since 1999 in the US.

Kansas State University Architecture student, Melody Meek mentioned that ”it’s one way to connect the world of architecture with people in our community. Design can really help improve lives. This could start to lay the groundwork of how we can respond to natural disasters such as tornadoes.” Their green initiative has been in the planning and development stages for 2 semesters. The students of Project Cubed are scheduled to deliver the finished product to the Greenburg community on the 4th of May 2008, the anniversary date of last year’s devastating tornado which destroyed so much of their local architecture and infrastructure.