On Becoming a Green Designer

I am asked quite frequently how to become a green designer. Generally, these queries arise from folks not currently working as design professionals, but possessing an interest in the environment, green architecture and materials and sustainable living. They are considering a change of careers or continuing their education in a green direction. Here are a few ideas and sources from my experience.

No Single Way to Do It: the Power of Hyphenation

My first response to the "how to" question is that there is no single way to become a green designer. Instead, it is quite possible to approach green design from a number of directions including, but – not – limited - to: architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, environmental planning, engineering, product design, materials science and chemistry, etc. In each of these disciplines you can follow a green track, depending on the academic and career path chosen.

By the same token you will in all likelihood not find academic or professional programs that begin with green design. Instead, within the professional world, green design is often an adjunct to a larger discipline; thus the hyphenation. For example, architects don’t just practice green architecture; they practice architecture with a green slant. In fact, much of even a green architect’s time will be spent doing other things than addressing green design problems. Similarly, you may pursue engineering with a green orientation, product design with green emphasis and so forth. The point is you should find a profession or discipline you enjoy and are good at, as well as one that offers green opportunities.

Is it the Green or the Design that Most Interests You?

You may find that your interest in green design has more to do with the adoption of sustainable products or policies and less to do with the making or creation of them. If this is the case they are ample opportunities to be involved in marketing green products, promoting green policies and lifestyles and very importantly, teaching others about these issues.

Local Resources

Check your local colleges and universities for continuing education courses that will introduce you to green design topics or to a profession like architecture, associated with green design. This is a low cost way to sample various career options without a major commitment. Local organizations, such as your Audubon Society www.audubon.org, will probably have green oriented programs too. If you like building see if there is a Habitat for Humanity www.habitat.org program in your area.

The Web

You probably found me through a web search, but this is just a start. There are hundreds of web sites offering reputable information on green design and living. Here are just a few options:

· US EPA’s Energy Star Program www.energystar.gov is a good place to learn about energy efficiency in the home,

· US Department of Energy’s various national laboratories support research in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. www.nrel.gov, www.lbl.gov, www.netl.gov, www.ornl.gov,

· US Green Building Council sponsors the LEED Certification Program, www.usgbc.org,

· Natural Resources Defense Council NRDC, www.nrdc.org, has numerous green initiatives

· Green Biz www.greenbiz.com provides a roundup of corporate greening efforts.

· Terra Pass www.terrapass.org, allows you to purchase carbon offsets and learn about ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

The Bottom Line

Green design is still a new and dynamic field. This is both bad – and good – news, depending on how you look at it. The bad news is that there are few totally established career paths. The good news is that you can make it up as you go!