Articles
Let’s join hands not only to build a greener world but also a equitable one.
At GBRI, we believe that education and knowledge just at the hands of one person are not enough. The recent past has shown us that to see real change in this world, we need all our minds to come together and work towards the things that truly make a difference. Thousands of years of ideas, innovation, and action have led humankind to where we are today, and we wouldn’t have got here alone. And it is this true sense of collaboration and far-sightedness that will take us to the distant future.
For students, academics, or professionals of sustainability, the GBRI Community is a wonderful way to invite countless thinkers and innovators from all cultures, races, and walks of life to work together. As an organization and a community, we firmly believe a truly sustainable future must also be an equitable one where every human is treated equally and fairly irrespective of color, shape, gender, religion, political belief, or nationality—and our community is a hub for empowering all its members to learn beyond the borders and boundaries of convention.
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Taking the “Gross” Out of GDP and Adding ISEW
Gross National Product (GDP) is the common global metric for measuring economic growth, but it does not include the costs of development. The Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare (ISEW) seeks to add the costs of achieving GDP to reflect the social and environmental harm that growth incurs. The ultimate goal is to achieve a Steady State Economy, defined as a state of dynamic stability in which development is balanced with the positive and negative impacts that growth causes. The ISEW calculation begins with GDP and to that is added and subtracted all the factors reflecting the true impact on human lives and the environment. The ISEW is more complex which has slowed its adoption on a global basis. However, it has critics that believe it is too subjective. The long-term trend is increased adoption on a country-by-country basis which could eventually lead to its recognition as the global standard.
So Cool: Tackling Global Warming with the Lowly Fungi
Fungi got little attention in the past and certainly not as a pathway for lowering carbon emissions. Mycologists are now researching Mycorrhiza, the symbiotic relationship of a plant and a fungus, and are already making surprising discoveries. The microscopic fungus that clings to tree roots is supplying the tree with nutrients and, in return, obtains nutrients from the tree. During this process is the absorption, release, and storage of carbon at various steps of nutrient exchanges. Fungi are proving to be efficient at retaining some of the carbon which means less carbon in the atmosphere. Should fungi be on environmental protection lists as one pathway to preventing some amount of global warming?
Gentrification vs Revitalization: How We Can Create Social Equity Through Responsible Real Estate Development
This article takes a deep dive into each process, the history behind them, and how we can move forward in a better, socially equitable way.
The Role of Design in Racial Equity: How the Built Environment Impacts Issues of Race
This article takes a deep dive into the ways that design and racism have closely intermingled over time.
The World’s Fair in Dubai: Iconic Buildings and Structures
Part 2 of the Dubai Expo series includes some of the iconic buildings and structures at the World’s Fair in Dubai including the entry portal made from Carbon-fiber ribbon, formed from thousands of ultra-thin carbon fibers, and the Al Wasl Dome with a 360-degree projection surface.
The World’s Fair In Dubai: Connecting Minds And Creating The Future Through Sustainability, Mobility, And Opportunity
More than a century-and-a-half of World Expos have displayed life-changing inventions and cultural treasures. The World’s Fair in Dubai shows the possibilities of the technology that can change the way we live to a safer better future. Join us as GBRI International Sustainability Program (ISP) – graduate and Sustainability Ambassador Nandana Sobhanan explores the world’s fair in Dubai with her friend Anagha Ajith
Mit.Nano Massachusetts Institute Of Technology -An AIA COTE TOP 10 Case Study
Learn about MIT’s one of the largest commitments to research and sustainability through MIT.nano – a 2021 AIA COTE Top Ten Award recipient!
CIVITAS – An AIA Top 10 Case Study
Check out this extensive case study to learn more about how Civitas successfully makes high-design and high-performance houses a reality.
Lafayette College Rockwell Integrated Sciences Center – An AIA Top 10 Case Study
Architecture and Carbon: The Odd Couple Destined for Partnership
Ever wonder about the odd couple, Architecture and Carbon, and how they interact with each other online and offline? Are they compatible with each other? Will the current carbon emissions trend overhaul their relationship and is their relationship sustainable? Find these answers and more in this in-depth article.
Arizona State University Hayden Library Reinvention – An AIA Top 10 Case Study
Check out this extensive case study to determine how the Hayden Library reinvention project made it to the top ten in 2021!
Accelerating Building Decarbonization:Where Are We & How Will We Reach Our Goals?
We discuss key government initiatives as it relates to decarbonizing building and also explore DOE’s Better Energy, Emissions, and Equity (E3) initiative.
