19. Look through the unit again and make notes under the following headings. Then use your notes to talk about sustainability and green building.
Sustainability and its application in architecture.
The main principles of green building.
Sustainable building design and materials.
Examples of an interesting building design.
Possible benefits of living in such houses.
Underground construction.
Extra activities
1. Do this questionnaire to find out how green you are. Make use of the list of unknown words at the end of it. Then discuss the results in class.
"Going green" has become as mainstream as baseball and apple pie, and Earth Day has morphed from an also-ran government holiday to a full-fledged international celebration of all things eco-friendly. Are you on the green bandwagon, or still wondering how to take part? Who do you think is making a difference, and whose lifestyle annoys you?
1. Which celebrity is doing the most to save the world?
a) Brad Pitt - The King of Abs and Eco-Building
b) Leonardo DiCaprio - The King of Environmental Movie Stars
c) Angelina Jolie – a mother for every child
d) Heather Mills – go vegan or go home!
e) Oprah – the Expert of Everything
2. Who is the least green celebrity?
a) Chris Brown – he’ll buy new clothes before he’ll do laundry
b) John Travolta – responsible for 800 tons of carbon emissions per year just from his private jet trips
c) Jennifer Aniston – does yoga, but shills SmartWater in plastic bottles
d) Mariah Carey – flies her trainer to NYC from St. Barts every day
e) Madonna – voted PETA’s most evil fur wearer
3. What's the easiest thing to do in going green?
a) Recycle and compost
b) Bring reuseable shopping bags to the store
c) Switch to CFL bulbs
d) Unplug electronics when you’re not using them
e) Go vegetarian one day a week
4. What's the hardest part about going green?
a) Walking or biking instead of using the car
b) Spending more money for organic food
c) Giving up bottled water
d) Using recycled toilet paper
e) Avoiding wearing fur-coats
5. On a scale of 1 to 5, how green are you?
a) 1 - Not at all
b) 2 - I do a little when a can
c) 3 - It's important to me
d) 4 - Being green is a huge part of my life
e) 5 - I consider the planet's health in every decision I make
6. What's your number one green priority?
a) Wildlife conservation
b) Reducing pollution
c) Managing over-population
d) Developing alternative energy
f) Ending world hunger
7. What’s at the top of your eco-wishlist?
a) Hybrid car
b) Energy efficient appliances
c) Bamboo flooring and recycled carpeting
d) Solar panels
e) Organic clothing
8. What do you think is the most pressing environmental issue?
a) Climate Change
b) Preserving the rainforests
c) Protecting endangered animals
d) Running out of oil
e) Saving the honeybees
PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
to shill – to advertise something by actively using it
vegan - a person who refrains from using any animal product whatever for food, clothing, or any other purpose
also-ran - an unsuccessful person; a loser
fledged – grown up
to morph – to transform
mainstream – the main current, the majority
to be on the bandwagon - to join or give support to a party or movement that seems to be assured of success