LINKS FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

It takes many interconnected hands to change the world. The following links include some of the many with whom Ecosa works towards a more sustainable future.

The Aboriginal Living Skills School Specializing in primitive and modern wilderness living and survival skills adventures.

The American Institute of Architects home page.

The home page of the American Institute of Architecture Students

The American Solar Energy Society (ASES)is a national organization dedicated to advancing the use of solar energy for the benefit of U.S. citizens and the global environment. ASES promotes the widespread near-term and long-term use of solar energy.

Arcosanti is a prototype: if successful, it will become a model for how the world builds its cities. In 1970, the Cosanti Foundation began building Arcosanti, an experimental town in the high desert of Arizona, 70 miles north of metropolitan Phoenix . When complete, Arcosanti will house 7000 people, demonstrating ways to improve urban conditions and lessen our destructive impact on the earth. Its large, compact structures and large-scale solar greenhouses will occupy only 25 acres of a 4060 acre land preserve, keeping the natural countryside in close proximity to urban dwellers.

Architects / Designers / Planners for Social Responsiblity, works for peace, environmental protection, ecological building, social justice, and the development of healthy communities.

Arizona Solar Center is your source for information on solar energy in Arizona.

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture is a nonprofit, membership association founded in 1912 to advance the quality of architectural education.

The ATHENATM Sustainable Materials Institute is finding answers to critical questions about the environmental impact of buildings and building products.

BRIDGES to Sustainability is a 501(c)(3) educational not-for-profit organization. Our mission is to foster global sustainable development through innovative partnerships between universities and industry, educational programs emphasizing practical solutions and leadership development.

Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability The BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability) software brings to your fingertips a powerful technique for selecting cost-effective, environmentally-preferable building products. The tool is based on consensus standards and designed to be practical, flexible, and transparent. Version 3.0 of the Windows-based decision support software, aimed at designers, builders, and product manufacturers, includes actual environmental and economic performance data for nearly 200 building products.  BEES measures the environmental performance of building products by using the life-cycle assessment approach.  All stages in the life of a product are analyzed: raw material acquisition, manufacture, transportation, installation, use, and recycling and waste management. Economic performance is measured using the ASTM standard life-cycle cost method, which covers the costs of initial investment, replacement, operation, maintenance and repair, and disposal. Environmental and economic performance are combined into an overall performance measure using the ASTM standard for Multi-Attribute Decision Analysis. For the entire BEES analysis, building products are defined and classified according to the ASTM standard classification for building elements known as UNIFORMAT II.

Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems (Max's Pot is a non-profit education, demonstration, and research organization with over 70 years combined experience in the application of appropriate technologies and sustainable design practices to meet the needs of a broad range of users, from individual home builders to regional planning and natural resource agencies.

Center for Resourceful Building Technology CRBT is a project of the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT).  CRBT is dedicated to promoting environmentally responsible practices in construction. It works to serve as both catalyst and facilitator in encouraging building technologies which realize a sustainable and efficient use of resources.

Civano is a 1,200-acre community in Tucson, Arizona that combines homes, workplace, neighborhood/retail center, school and recreation. Over the next seven years 2,600 homes are planned to be built showcasing state of the art solar, fiber optics and new technologies. Civano is an environmentally and pedestrian-friendly community, being developed around the principles of sustainability.

The Construction Specifications Institute CSI's mission is unique. It's to continuously improve the process of creating and sustaining the built environment. We do that by facilitating communication among all those involved in that process. Our approximately 17,000 members represent all the disciplines engaged in non-residential building design and construction.

Development Center for Appropriate Technology The Development Center for Appropriate Technology works to enhance the health of the planet and our communities by promoting a shift to sustainable construction and development through leadership, strategic relationships, and education.Founded in 1991 as a non-profit organization, DCAT draws on extensive experience in traditional and alternative building and development, providing strategic support for the shift to sustainable building practices.

The Dharma House is a community project located in the south of France-- a small community, drawing inspiration from the teachings of the Buddha and the ideal of living and connecting with others close to nature. It is our aim to explore a way of life centred around ecological and sustainable ethics, placing an emphasis on integrating mindful awareness into daily activities.

DSIRE The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy.

Ecohood.info A permaculture retrofit of a mid- to low-income neighborhood with a high potential for ecological sustainability. Transforming urban neighborhoods into ecological, sustainable landscapes by offering interactive edu-tainment in the form of video and audio mod/pod blogcasting. EcoHood is a website created to educate people about the current state of the human/environmental relationship as we see it, and offer real solutions based on eco design, green building and permaculture principles such as recycling water, growing food, and raising animals.  EcoHood also acts as a forum for the perspectives of indigenous leaders and eco-revolutionaries of our time, including Ecosa faculty member Andrew Millison. The greater goal of this work is to catalyze a mass movement towards a regenerative and sustainable civilization that reflects our potential for symbiosis with the life-support systems of the earth. 

The mission of the Eco-Home™ Network (E-HN) is to enhance individual quality of life and planetary well beling through demonstration, educcation and building a constituency for sustainable urban living. E-HN is a nonprofit, tax-exempt educational organizaton. Contact: ecohome@pacbell.net for information about membership, tours of the environmental demonstration home and other programs.

The EcoIQ.com Green Design & Building website is for everyone interested in making smart choices about how we build our structures and infrastructure -- choices that are both economically and ecologically intelligent.

Ecological Design Institute "Designing to meet human needs while preserving the health of planetary life is the fundamental task of ecological design, and the primary mission of the Ecological Design Institute (EDI) and Van der Ryn Architects."

Education for Sustainability Western Network (EFSWN) The mission of the Education for Sustainability Western Network is to make sustainability a foundation of all higher education learning and practice in the western United States and Canada. We do this through collaboration among members and information that will assist them in making sustainability a central focus of teaching, learning, research, professional development, campus planning, operations, facilities, purchasing, investments, and community collaborations. EFSWN is a partnership with Second Nature, Inc.

ENERGY STAR Energy Star is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.  In 1992 the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced ENERGY STAR as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through its partnerships with more than 8,000 private and public sector organizations, ENERGY STAR delivers the technical information and tools that organizations and consumers need to choose energy-efficient solutions and best management practices.

EnvironmentalCareers.com The leading site dedicated to environmental employment and the home of the Environmental Career Center (ECC). Posting and finding environmental jobs is fast, easy and efficient. This is part of our commitment to provide the most comprehensive environmental job information available today, where leading environmental employers, and the best candidates, are brought together to help build a better environment. We have been doing just that since 1980.

Green Building Press Information and publications to help you create healthy and ecological homes and buildings.

The Green Picture Gallery If you enjoy nature & growth, plants & mushrooms, come along and take a walk around forests, fields, meadows and gardens of southern Germany. Explore with me different species, habitats, locations, and changes of seasons and marvel with me at the colours & shapes of flora. Nature and plant photography for print & web, pictures of and information on currently 550 species of plants and fungi, a collection of botany and environment-related links and many features more.

GreenSpec - The Environmental Building News Product Directory.

HENSE, the Higher Education Network for Sustainability and the Environment, is a new North American network of individuals and organizations from academia, associations, government, non-profits, community interests and business who are dedicated to improving the quality of life for all through the realm of higher education.

HOK Suatainable Design After a decade of developing in-house resources and specialists, HOK has broadened our vision to include aggressively integrating sustainable design principles into all our work.

The Ecosa Institute gratefully acknowledges the support of HOK as a sponsor of our Fall 2004 semester program.

HOPES (Holistic Options for Planet Earth Sustainability) is a student organization within the School of Architecture and Allied Arts, University of Oregon, which was formed in the spring of 1994 by a group of students who felt strongly about the environment and long term quality of life. The fields of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Art and Planning, offer opportunities to balance the built environment with the natural systems which sustain it. HOPES strives to create a mulitdisciplinary dialogue which will raise awareness of the roles, responsibilities and opportunities for people in the creative professions to encourage positive change.

International Institute for Sustainable Development promotes the transition toward a sustainable future. We seek to demonstrate how human ingenuity can be applied to improve the well-being of the environment, economy and society.

Interface is a carpet manufacturer with an outstanding sustainability portfolio. Led by Chairman and CEO Ray Anderson, they have a new vision: to become a leader in industrial ecology by first becoming a sustainable corporation and eventually a restorative enterprise. To realize that vision they've laid out a path designed to take them to sustainability.

In quarterly publication since 1993, The Last Straw is the subscriber-supported, reader-written journal of straw-bale construction and natural building, providing up-to-date information on techniques, projects, related issues.

Living Routes Ecovillage Education Consortium. We are working closely with the Global Ecovillage Network, the Fellowship for Intentional Community, and a growing consortium of ecovillages and leading academic institutions in order to create an international "communiversity" that will help educate for a sustainable future. College Credit is available for all Living Routes programs. To learn more, please enjoy exploring our site.

National Renewable Energy Lab The U.S. Department of Energy's premier laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research, development and deployment.

National Wildlife Federation's Campus Ecology Program has become a cornerstone conservation initiative in higher education, helping transform the nation's college campuses into living models of an ecologically sustainable society, to train a new generation of environmental leaders, and to ensure a strong future for America's environmental movement.

Natural Capitalism Solutions strives to educate senior decision-makers in business, government and civil society about the principles of sustainability. NCS shows how to restore and further enhance the natural and human capital while increasing prosperity and quality of life. In partnership with leading thinkers and groups, NCS creates innovative, practical tools and implementation strategies for companies, communities and countries.

Natural Environmental Ecological Management The Natural, Environmental and Ecological Management (N.E.E.M.) group is an activist organization with the purpose of affecting public and/or private sector policies and decisions that impact human health, the environment and sustainability. The N.E.E.M. organization seeks to effect positive change by introduction to the agricultural and general communities of the numerous uses of neem tree products and by-products in proven and new applications.

Natural Home Magazine offers today's health-conscious, environmentally concerned homeowners the information they need to practice earth-inspired living. Since our first issue in May 1999, Natural Home has brought together the best in home design, earth-friendly décor and natural living. Our bimonthly magazine and dynamic website feature sustainable, healthy homes, decorating tips, and the latest green products and services.

The Natural Step is an international organization that uses a science- based systems framework to help organizations and communities understand and move towards sustainability.

The New Earth Foundation Our work is to offer educational support and grants to projects that bring transforming energy and new life to communities and the world. We particularly seek to fund efforts which combine high purpose, intelligence, and inclusive love with a practical approach to implementation.

No Impact Man What would it be like to try to live a no impact lifestyle? Is it possible? Could it catch on? Is living this way more fun or less fun? More satisfying or less satisfying? Harder or easier? Is it worthwhile or senseless? Are we all doomed or is there hope?” These are the questions posed and mused over by Colin Beavan, a.k.a. No Impact Man, on his in-depth blog about living with a lighter footprint in NYC.

Ocean Arks International is a non-profit ecological research, education, and technological development organization founded in 1981 by John and Nancy Todd. Our mission is to purify the waters of the earth, develop strategies for living more lightly on the planet, and foster the emergence of a lasting planetary culture.

OIKOS, an online green building resource featuring products, classifieds, a bookstore, library, and more.

Presidio World College, an affiliate of Alliant International University, offers a distinctive, leading-edge MBA in Sustainable Management. The College's MBA program integrates environmental, ethical and social values with practical business skills. The program is designed for working adults who are committed to creating healthier relationships among society, the environment and business. It's for people who see themselves as change agents and know that "business as usual" is not a sustainable option. If you are searching for an integrative graduate program that is more in alignment with your values, we invite you to learn more about our MBA in Sustainable Management.

Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands Turn water scarcity into water abundance! Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands, Volume 1 is the core of the complete three-volume guide on how to conceptualize, design, and implement sustainable water-harvesting systems for your home, landscape, and community. This book enables you to access your on-site resources (rainwater, greywater, topsoil, sun, plants, and more), gives you a diverse array of strategies to maximize their potential, and empowers you with guiding principles to create an integrated, multi-functional, and water-sustainable water-harvesting landscape plan specific to your site and needs. Written by Ecosa faculty member Brad Lancaster.

Renewable Energy Policy Project REPP's goal is to accelerate the use of renewable energy by providing credible information, insightful policy analysis, and innovative strategies amid changing energy markets and mounting environmental needs by researching, publishing, and disseminating information, creating policy tools, and hosting highly active, on-line, renewable energy discussion groups.

Rocky Mountain Institute is an entrepreneurial, nonprofit organization that fosters the efficient and restorative use of resources to create a more secure, prosperous, and life-sustaining world.

Scottsdale Green Building Program Home builders and prospective home buyers in Scottsdale interested in environmentally compatible homes now have access to a comprehensive building initiative called the Green Building Program. The program encourages the use of environmentally responsible building in our precious desert environment by incorporating healthy, resource-and energy-efficient materials and methods in the design and construction of homes. It offers options to home-buyers for sustainable desert living and long term advantages of owning an environmentally sound home. We believe that home-buyers will make an environmentally-friendly choice when given the opportunity.

Second Nature is a nonprofit organization that helps colleges and universities expand their efforts to make environmentally sustainable and just action a foundation of learning and practice. Education for Sustainability (EFS) is a lifelong learning process that leads to an informed and involved citizenry having the creative problem-solving skills, scientific and social literacy, and commitment to engage in responsible individual and cooperative actions. Second Nature focuses on colleges and universities because they educate our future teachers, leaders, managers, policymakers and other professionals.

The Sol Source, Inc. Sol Source is commited to architecture and education about the efficient use of all resources: those of energy, those of environment and those of economy. We pursue environmentally responsible design in every facet of our projects; believing that integrated, holistic design - beyond picking right products, or using "natureal" styles - is the most effective means to that end. We seek to utilize the available natural energies and capabilities of a particular site, with the design of the project, before applying imported "green products" or make-up comfort systems - saving energy, materials and cost. Our goal is to create projects that have an inherent "rightness" and understandable aesthetic, that blend with their site and become timeless by avoiding the arbitrary.

Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC, pronounced "seek,") is a student and youth run national network of progressive organizations and individuals whose aim is to uproot environmental injustices through action and education. We define the environment to include the physical, economical, political and cultural conditions in which we live. By challenging the power structure which threatens these environmental conditions, SEAC works to create progressive social change on both the local and global levels.

Sustainable Architecture, Building and Culture:A unique compendium of links and content oriented to the global community of ecological and natural building proponents.

Sustainable Business Institute A non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to bringing about increased understanding of, and commitment to, the concept of sustainability within business and communities worldwide.

Sustainable Development Indicators In June 1993, President Clinton established the President's Council on Sustainable Development (PCSD) with a mandate to develop recommendations on steps the United States could take to realize sustainable development. The Council presented its initial findings to the President in March 1996 in the document Sustainable America: a New Consensus for Prosperity, Opportunity, and a Healthy Environment for the Future. In this report, the Council noted the importance of monitoring the Nation's progress toward national sustainability goals. It recommended that the Federal Government intensify its efforts to develop national indicators of progress toward sustainable development in collaboration with nongovernmental organizations and the private sector. In response to this recommendation, the Administration established the U.S. Interagency Working Group on Sustainable Development Indicators (SDI Group) in 1996.

Sustainable Communities Network Linking citizens to resources and one another to create healthy, vital, sustainable communities.

Sustainable Route Join Ecosa alumna Ashley Hodson and friends as they travel around the country seeking out people who are riding the crest of a green wave, asking themselves these basic questions: “Where is our food coming from? How do we get electricity? What is the impact of our lifestyles on the world around us? What are average people, like ourselves, doing in their communities to define and work towards ‘sustainability’?

Sustainable Sources At Sustainable Sources we do our best to provide not only information sources, but the tools to create them, through web sites, search engines, listservs, FTP access, bulletin board services, and online databases.  We can now do Ecommerce as well.  We empower you to manage your own information by providing not only the knowledge we've gained through our years on the internet, but direct access to the tools you need to spread your information as efficiently and economically as possible.

The United Nations Sustainable Development

The U.S. Green Building Council The mission of this unprecedented coalition is to accelerate the adoption of green building practices, technologies, policies, and standards. Through our committee-based organization, we are endeavoring to move the green building industry forward with market-based solutions. Another vital function of the Council is linking industry and government. The Council has formed effective relationships and priority programs with key federal agencies, including the U.S. DOE, EPA, NIST, and GSA.

U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy  Your comprehensive resource for DOE's comprehensive energy efficiency and renewable energy information, plus access to more than 600 links and 80,000 documents.

University Leaders for a Sustainable Future (ULSF) works in partnership with more than 275 signatories of the Talloires Declaration and other colleges and universities pursuing sustainability. ULSF fosters institutional capacity to develop ecologically sound policies and practices, and strives to make sustainability a major focus of curriculum, research, operations and outreach at higher education institutions worldwide.

Whole Building Design Guide The WBDG is the only web-based portal providing government and industry practitioners with one-stop access up-to-date information on a wide range of building-related guidance, criteria and technology from a 'whole buildings' perspective.  Currently organized into two major categories - Design Guidance and Project Management - at the heart of the WBDG are Resource Pages, reductive summaries on particular topics. Development of the WBDG is a collaborative effort among federal agencies, private sector companies, non-profit organizations and educational institutions. Its success depends on industry and government experts contributing their knowledge and experience to better serve the building community.

The Wild Green Yonder Ecosa alumnus and NYU Gallatin student Adam Brock began this blog about sustainability in January of 2007 as a testbed for his ideas and a springboard to inspire others. He says: “If we are to take sustainability seriously as a society (and what choice do we really have?) our current system just won’t do... Addressing the root of the problem will require talent, cooperation, and most of all, courage. Those of us in the overdeveloped world will need to think critically about some of our most basic values -- and convince everyone around us to do the same.

William McDonough + Partners focuses on the long-term consequences of design across all scales -- from the molecule to the master plan -- to create affordable, profitable places that build community, encourage diversity, and connect to the natural world in healthy and productive ways.

Yestermorrow Design/Build School, the non-profit, founded in 1980,  believes that the best built environment is dependent on the joint involvement and close cooperation of designers, builders, and owners. Our mission is to re-establish the continuity and inter-relationship between the processes of conceiving, making, and using the buildings and landscape and to empower individuals to house themselves.

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