The world have finally come to the realization that environmental change is in deed a reality. Even though politicians and governments are moving very slow to tackle the problems there is a large number of people, companies, cities and organizations that lead the development towards a sustainable world. Here are some of those who inspire and share knowledge on sustainable building and architecture.
Any and all tips on resources that can spread knowledge on this subjects are welcome.
Building
Active House
The Active House vision defines highly ambitious long term goals for the future building stock. The purpose of the vision is to unite interested parties based on a balanced and holistic approach to building design and performance, and to facilitate cooperation on e.g. building projects, product development, research initiatives and performance targets that can move us further towards the vision.
inhabitat
Inhabitat.com is a weblog devoted to the future of design, tracking the innovations in technology, practices and materials that are pushing architecture and home design towards a smarter and more sustainable future.
Architecture 2030
Architecture 2030, a non-profit, non-partisan and independent organization whose mission is to rapidly transform the U.S. and global Building Sector from the major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions to a central part of the solution to the climate change, energy consumption, and economic crises.
Building energy consumption for NYC
Estimated total annual building energy consumption at the block and lot level for NYC
Techniques and Materials
Ecovative Design
One of the most interesting companies out there, working with nature to replace unsustainable plastics, foams and other harmful materials with natural composites. Literarily growing the future of high performance, affordable, and environmentally sensible materials. Check it out!
City Planning
The Playbook
The Playbook, a web-based resource, provides strategies, tips, and tools that cities and counties can use to take immediate action on climate change through: Green building, green neighborhoods, and sustainable infrastructure.
Mainly in Swedish
IQ Samhällsbyggnad
Their mission is to foster cooperation between the government, the industry and the research community.
Delegationen för hållbara städer
The Delegation for Sustainable Cities was appointed by the Swedish Government in 2008 and are expected to present its final report in December 2012.
The mission includes: contributing to knowledge development; supporting existing initiatives; collecting and disseminating best practice examples; promoting dialogue and coordinating different sectors and skills; facilitating public-private cooperation; strengthening the development, use and export of green technology; and promoting international cooperation on sustainable urban development.
Social Architecture
Free Association Design (F.A.D.)
This is a blog exploring space, place and systems through a range of writings and design research methods. Very interesting and highly recommended.
Open Architecture Network
Worldchanging is an online, open-source community dedicated to improving living conditions through innovative and sustainable design. Here designers of all persuasions can:
• Share their ideas, designs and plans
• View and review designs posted by others
• Collaborate with each other, people in other professions and community leaders to address specific design challenges
• Manage design projects from concept to implementation
• Communicate easily amongst team members
• Protect their intellectual property rights using the Creative Commons “some rights reserved” licensing system and be shielded from unwarranted liability
• Build a more sustainable future
Arkitekter utan Gränser
Or ASF-Sweden is the Swedish chapter of ASF International, a non-profit organisation concerned with the equitable, social, cultural and environmental commitment of architecture, construction, urbanism and the conservation of historical heritages to ‘human development’.
Urban Farming
A.M.P.S.
Aquaponic Modular Production Systems design and build water efficient aquaponic and hydroponic farms that grow plants using 90% less water and nutrients, without the need for pesticides and herbicides. It can be used in a small or big scale virtually anywhere.
Statistics
City Data
This is a site presents a massive amount of data for US Cities.