George Beeler – Living a Green Life
Beeler is an award-winning Northern California architect whose firm, AIM Associates (Architecture & Interactive Management), designs self-sustaining homes and buildings — structures that strive to leave the smallest possible ‘ecological footprint in the sand’.
For several years, Beeler has been on the Board of Directors for the EarthLab at Sonoma State University, and now his dream of an Environmental Technology Center at the university has become a reality.
It opened in October, 2000 — built with $150,000 from the university, matching funds raised by the students, and a National Science Foundation grant. Using only 10 percent of the energy normally consumed by a building of its’ size, it demonstrates not only the use of solar energy, day lighting, natural ventilation, and resource-efficient materials, but how the interior design choices affect the overall performance and health of inhabitants.
Choices as small as floor coverings can make a difference. Vinyl flooring releases chloride into the air, linoleum doesn’t. Double-paned fiberglass windows are much more energy-efficient than aluminum. Concrete made with ‘fly-ash’, which is a by-product of coal-burning, does not produce carbon monoxide.
Beeler recommends two books for those interested in making a start on sustainable living. The Consumer’s Guide to Effective Choices: Practical Advice from the Union of Concerned Scientists by Michael Bower and Warren Leon (published 1999 by Three Rivers Press) and State of the World, 1999 Millennial Edition: A World Watch Institute Report on Progress Toward a Sustainable Society by Lester Brown and Christopher Flavin.
Beeler is now working with designer Dick Lieb, on a plan for a new self-sustaining homeless shelter in Petaluma, California. Beeler is concerned about the health ramifications of shelter living, and how to design the structure so it will help people who are already suffering. About the plan he says, “The City Council in this city is very progressive, and they are concerned about implementing sustainable buildings. Sustainable buildings are usually designed for the wealthy, because they can afford to hire their own designers and contractors. What a lot of people don’t know is that sustainable buildings aren’t necessarily more expensive. If you spend money on more expensive windows, your heating and air conditioning costs are smaller, so the cost is offset. But only if you downsize your heather and air conditioner after you change the windows…otherwise you’re wasting money. You have to look at the overall design elements.
“In the case of a homeless shelter, in a ‘green’ design building, the occupants will be healthier, have greater satisfaction and increased productivity. These people are already not in the best of health, because of their living situation. We want to do everything we can to make their environment a friendly, healthy one. And in the long run, the city will save money.”
Beeler believes that the public needs to be more aware of how their homes are built. Contractors and developers have no incentive to build with energy-efficient materials because they aren’t going to be living in the houses, and so they opt for the cheapest materials. Down the line, more expensive materials would be more cost-efficient, but aren’t utilized to any great extent. Even California, which has one of the most stringent building codes, doesn’t offer enough incentives to green building.
Beeler’s own house in Petaluma is an example of green energy at work. When he bought it, it was in good shape structurally and visually, but like most older houses had massive energy problems. His remodel saves 75% in energy loss.
“I started with the biggest offenders. It had an old furnace from the 1940’s, and 60% of the heat generated went out the chimney. I replaced that with a furnace that’s 96% efficient. All the windows were single-glazed aluminum and condensation was forming on the windows; it was very damp inside and had mold and mildew. That’s very bad for a house; there are some molds that are extremely toxic. And the house wasn’t insulated much at all. It used to get very hot during the summer. Now, it doesn’t get hot at all inside. I don’t need an air conditioner.
“The important thing to remember about performance-based design is that while I’m doing something good for the environment, I’m also saving money.”
More of Beeler’s advice on home design; pure white paint reflects light better; Beeler uses white in his offices. Use very pale pigments for house walls; a white base of Titanium Oxide (the best base) with a drop of red and several of yellow produces his favorite; a very pale peach. Pale pink is frequently used in hospitals and prisons to produce a calming effect. Dark paint colors cause one to use more electricity to light a room and can cause depression if used on more than one wall.
To contact Beeler or the other associates of AIM, their e-mail address is: aimassocia@metro.net.
