Socially Sustainable

Facebook and Twitter -- the twin social media platforms where teens and tweens pour their hearts out into cyberspace -- are also where many green communities are springing up. They range from grassroots groups like Green Architecture (800 members) and nonprofit groups like Architecture for Humanity (1,900 members) to USGBC and AIA groups (4,700 and 2,700 members respectively). The groundswell online suggests the next generation of architects, designers, and engineers are breaking social, professional, and geographic boundaries to share green tips and ideas and learn about current environmental policies.

On Green Architecture Facebook group's public wall, member Ward inquired, "I am looking for a college/university that offers a masters/graduate degree in green architecture. I found a couple in the US, but their tuition fees are too expensive. Anyone an idea?"

Another member Virgil observed, "Green architecture is about better materials, a structure that would take advantage of the environment, a more natural look -- not moving the rainforest on the balcony ... If you want a house with rooms big enough to fit a plane, you have a problem." With brevity and wisdom, another member Lala simply noted, "Save our world, save our life."

On USGBC Facebook group's public wall, member Mohammad inquired, "Does any one have an idea about any books and references [that] may help in preparation for LEED GA exam?" Another member Aislin replied, "I have just received the two texts from USGBC, which are targeted to prepare for the LEED GA. One is the LEED Green Associate Exam Study Guide. The other is Green Building and LEED Core Concepts ..."

If you'd rather network in short blurbs less then 140 characters, you can log into Twitter and subscribe to the messages from many local chapters of USGBC and AIA. You'll also be able to interact with company representatives from Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES), makers of the energy analysis software IES <VE>.

If you subscribe to the tweets (broadcast messages in Twitter lingo) from buildgreenpro, you'll receive updates from the people who run the green social network Green Building Pro. They'll feed you instant updates about how "11 states [are about] to adopt California's low-carbon fuel standard" or point out that  "LED traffic lights don't work well in the snow, but [offer] 80% energy savings."

One clear advantage of social media is, even if you happen to be a lurker (one who observes others' interactions but seldom participates), you stand to benefit from the public discussions taking place all around you.

In virtual space, the bureaucratic deterrences that often prevent ordinary citizens from reaching out to -- or speaking out against -- regulatory agencies don't exist. That's why Facebook user Darian could go on EPA's public wall on Facebook and write, "Why don't you outlaw flushing prescription drugs down the drain?"

AIA, known for its leadership in promoting sustainable architecture, recognizes the value of social media for its outreach. For the first time, it's hosting a Facebook Young Designers Challenge. The official rules states, "To enter the competition and to vote for a winner, you must join the AIA’s Facebook group page and then sign in as a guest ..."

We gathered links to Facebook groups, Facebook fan fan pages, and Twitter handles you might find useful for your quest for green insights. You'll find them under our new Social Media catalog.

Happy tweeting!

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