SUDBURY – On October 6, Laurentian University's McEwen School of Architecture hosted architectural expert Jason McLennan at a workshop on sustainable projects now and in the future.
McLennan is considered one of the world's most influential individuals in the field of architecture and environmentally sustainable projects.
In 2006, he launched the Living Building Challenge to the building industry.
"It's really catching on in many markets and we have living building around the world and these are building that will never have an energy bill, never have a water bill, and they are free of toxic chemicals… they reach a very different level of performance and are healthier for people… it's really showing. It's positive proof that we can do what we need to do with technology that we have today," said McLennan.
He says it's important for schools to be thinking about the future and arming students with the skills and knowledge they'll need to make a difference.
"I think just from his lecture and the discussions we've had here, I think there's so ,uch potential for change and we realize that we'll only move forward if we all move together. That's something I've really take away as a designer and I really hope to better change Sudbury," says Maeve MacDonald, McEwen School of Architecture student.
Those who participated came up with ways to meet climate change goals in Sudbury.
"Even a brand new building like this… four years old… how can we think about retrofitting or adjusting this building to actually hitting our own targets and how could, for instance, this building give back water and give back power to the city and our neighbours downtown rather than every building being a kind of sink for energy and water and resources," asked David Fortin, McEwen School of Architecture.
McLennan says with the science around climate change, students will realize they have to practice architecture in a different way in the coming years.
