MODELING SUSTAINABLE INDICATORS:
AIR

AIR (one can only live 2-3 minutes without oxygen). Air quality is an often overlooked, yet a critical resource to human and planetary health (reducing ozone depletion and global warming). Although air exchanges are complex, the carbon dioxide to oxygen (CO2 to O2) cycle becomes a useful technique for modeling sustainability. Society, locally and globally, must reduce the burning of carbons and place CO2 in balance with the oxygen producing photosynthesis. Modeling CO2 to O2 exchanges mandate a truly green world and creates fundamental sustainable relationships between plants and human (and animal) habitat.

The use of energy is driving the air exchange imbalance, especially the combustion of fossil fuels. Fortunately, state, national and international directives are recommending and/or mandating 50% levels of conservation (50% recycling, 50% energy conservation in buildings, etc.). Unfortunately, automobiles (and trucks), the largest consumer of air and energy, are not part of these recommendations. President Carter was able to enact significant efficiency standards in our automobile fleet. Unfortunately, this leadership has been repealed and progress on nurturing transportation efficiencies has been reversed. Our highly subsidized, inexpensive gasoline and related politics make it next to impossible to achieve increases in conservation close to the 50% level in the foreseeable future. Truly sustainable communities will require a significant improvement in auto efficiencies and their reduced use by fostering a more accessible and efficient pedestrian and transit priorities within neighborhoods and communities.

This web site was developed with the authors and Michael Mahaffy, Computer Systems Professional, School of Architecture, Washington State University