"Survey Shows 'Green' Paradox." ASHRAE Journal 48.1 (Jan. 2006): 9-46. Print. According to to the ASHRAE Journal, a survey conducted by The Turner Construction company, one of the largest construction companies in the world, indicates that most school executives hold false ideas of green construction costs. Included in the study was all types of building construction dealing with K-12 schools. The participants involved were about 25% actual school executives, with the rest being building executives.
"Green" Construction Promoted in Legislation. Indoor Environment Quality Strategies 17.9 (Sep. 2004): 14-15. Print. According to Indoor Environmental Quality Startegies (IEQS), two senators are working on passing legislation regarding green construction. Percentages of certain areas of environmental impact by construction are given. In addition, an outline of the legislation is provided.
Levermore, G. J. "A review of the IPCC Assessment Report Four, Part 1: the IPCC process and greenhouse gas emission trends from buildings worldwide." Building Services Engineering Research & Technology 29.4 (Nov. 2008): 349-361. Print. G.J. Levermore provides a detailed un-biased report on the IPCC's findings of man-caused environmental change. He provides information on what critics of the IPCC believe to be false information and provides graphs of varying scopes. Levermore also explains that in order to understand the initial report of the IPCC, one must understand how it is written, with which he provides insight.
Persram, Sonja. "Waking Up to Potential of Green Construction." Toronto Star 1 Oct. 2007: B04. Print. Sonja Persram explains that worker performance studies have shown an increase in productivity by workers in a green facility. Persram also notes some percentages provided by the president of the green building council.
Ries, Robert, Melissa M. Bilec, Nuri Mehmet Gokhan, and Kim LaScola Needy. "The Economic Benefits of Green Buildings: A Comprehensive Case Study" Engineering Economist 51.3 (2006): 259-295. Print. The authors explain the various economic benefits of green construction. Contained are charts showing different options for efficiency, as well as information regarding employee performance in the form of graphs and analysis. The approach is aimed toward the cost-benefit side of the argument for green construction.
Ross, Phillip M. "Being Green May Be Easier Than You Think." Westchester County Business Journal 47.19 (12 May 2008): S4-S9. Print. Phillip Ross explains the phenomenon of green construction in relation to the many false beliefs associated with it. Ross also covers the Environment Incentives Tax Act of 2005 and outlines its details.
"'Green' construction costs dramatically lower than believed." Mortgage Banking 67.13 (Oct. 2007): 167-168. Print. Mortgage Banking concludes that the initial estimated costs of green construction are incorrect. Dealing with the most prevalent aspect of green construction opposition, they lay down the facts of its cost.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Works Cited for Current Sources
Persram, Sonja. "Waking Up to Potential of Green Construction." Toronto Star 1 Oct. 2007: B04. Print.
Ries, Robert, Melissa M. Bilec, Nuri Mehmet Gokhan, and Kim LaScola Needy. "The Economic Benefits of Green Buildings: A Comprehensive Case Study" Engineering Economist 51.3 (2006): 259-295. Print.
Ross, Philip M. "Being Green May Be Easier Than You Think" Fairfield County Business Journal 47.19 (2008): S4-S9. Print.
Galehouse, Maggie. "Building Green is the Buzz Phrase" Houston Chronicle 18 Mar. 2007: npg. Print.
Matlock, Staci. "Home Under Constuction is Model for Green Design." The Sante Fe New Mexican 30 Jun. 2008: npg. Print.
This is all I have right now. I am trying to find the time to get some sources from the library; the online sources are vast and hard to pick through.
Ries, Robert, Melissa M. Bilec, Nuri Mehmet Gokhan, and Kim LaScola Needy. "The Economic Benefits of Green Buildings: A Comprehensive Case Study" Engineering Economist 51.3 (2006): 259-295. Print.
Ross, Philip M. "Being Green May Be Easier Than You Think" Fairfield County Business Journal 47.19 (2008): S4-S9. Print.
Galehouse, Maggie. "Building Green is the Buzz Phrase" Houston Chronicle 18 Mar. 2007: npg. Print.
Matlock, Staci. "Home Under Constuction is Model for Green Design." The Sante Fe New Mexican 30 Jun. 2008: npg. Print.
This is all I have right now. I am trying to find the time to get some sources from the library; the online sources are vast and hard to pick through.
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Necessity for a 'Green' Argument
Today, society is faced with numerous problems with no concrete solutions. Of these problems, the issue of global warming has plagued the hearts and minds of many across the globe. It is time for responsibility; it is time to use our greatest attribute, intellegence. Although many understand the various ways in combatting this particular problem, they just do not seem to be acting. Well, my question is why not? Stuctures are one area which could make a detrimental difference in the changing climate. By practicing 'green' construction the world could live in great harmony with the environment; however, many people refuse to jump on the bandwagon. Again, my question is why not? Throughout the short history of building 'green,' society has come up with excuses not to apply a 'green' mindset to their building projects. Of course, their are several reasons people have done this. The disbelief in cost-savings, the disbelief in functionality, and the close-minded societal ideal of needing the most luxurious and not the most efficient are just a few on the long list of excuses. This is an issue that calls for action; this is an issue that calls for many to rise up and create a better place to live, not just for us, but for our children. Finally, the proof of the positive and necessary impact of 'green' construction must be shouted for the world to hear.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Class Assignments - Addressing an Issue
In the world today, there are vast numbers of differing languages, some resemble others and some are completely unconnected. However, they all have one thing in common and that is to communicate meaning from one individual to another or from one individual to a number of others. As a result of the necessity for communication, problems inevitably arise. [TOPIC SENTENCE] Society is now faced with the controversial issue of the 'right' way to speak and whether or not the opposite is to be accepted.
[TOPIC SENTENCE] I ask this question, is there a 'right' way to speak? Amy Tan provides a powerful opinion in her essay entitled "Mother Tongue," "Her language, as I hear it, is vivid, direct, full of observation and imagery. That was the language that helped shape the way I saw things, expressed things, made sense of the world"(805). Here she expresses how fully and accurately her mothers so-called broken Chinese-American English describes her mother's particular perception of things. Some will protest this sort of communication, while others will naturally embrace it. In such occasions, comes an issue of whether or not this sort of speaking should be tolerated? Furthermore, if it is tolerated should it be implemented in our education system?
[TOPIC SENTENCE] Ebonics is another issue which could bring considerable heated debate into the bilingual issue. After all, as John Rickford notes, the Oakland School Board believes that ebonics can be considered a primary language of African Americans(810). If it is considered as a primary language should they then approve Ebonics in a bilingual system? As David S. Troutt explains, "[Ebonics] is the dumbness against which all smartness is measured"(818). Keep in mind Troutt is not expressing his individual opinion of ebonics, but rather he is addressing a social stigma that many Americans latch onto. With this statement one can almost certainly assume that including ebonics in our education system will bring about uproar among "proper" speaking people. Nevertheless, why is this issue important? What pushed it out into our minds? Well, as was spoken earlier, John Rickford provides an example with Ebonics as an accepted primary language. However, what was most important was not the fact that this event had happened, but the public outcry that soon ensued. Rickford notes some e-mails posted on America on-line calling ebonics 'lazy' and 'bastardized'(810). Of course, this depicts some American's utter contempt for diversity. That said, should a bilingual education model be accepted by the American school system?
[TOPIC SENTENCE] I ask this question, is there a 'right' way to speak? Amy Tan provides a powerful opinion in her essay entitled "Mother Tongue," "Her language, as I hear it, is vivid, direct, full of observation and imagery. That was the language that helped shape the way I saw things, expressed things, made sense of the world"(805). Here she expresses how fully and accurately her mothers so-called broken Chinese-American English describes her mother's particular perception of things. Some will protest this sort of communication, while others will naturally embrace it. In such occasions, comes an issue of whether or not this sort of speaking should be tolerated? Furthermore, if it is tolerated should it be implemented in our education system?
[TOPIC SENTENCE] Ebonics is another issue which could bring considerable heated debate into the bilingual issue. After all, as John Rickford notes, the Oakland School Board believes that ebonics can be considered a primary language of African Americans(810). If it is considered as a primary language should they then approve Ebonics in a bilingual system? As David S. Troutt explains, "[Ebonics] is the dumbness against which all smartness is measured"(818). Keep in mind Troutt is not expressing his individual opinion of ebonics, but rather he is addressing a social stigma that many Americans latch onto. With this statement one can almost certainly assume that including ebonics in our education system will bring about uproar among "proper" speaking people. Nevertheless, why is this issue important? What pushed it out into our minds? Well, as was spoken earlier, John Rickford provides an example with Ebonics as an accepted primary language. However, what was most important was not the fact that this event had happened, but the public outcry that soon ensued. Rickford notes some e-mails posted on America on-line calling ebonics 'lazy' and 'bastardized'(810). Of course, this depicts some American's utter contempt for diversity. That said, should a bilingual education model be accepted by the American school system?
Summaries
"If Only We All Spoke Two Languages"
Perhaps an exceptional argument which attempts to defy the cultural gap of modern society lies in "If Only We All Spoke Two Languages" by Ariel Dorfman. As implied by the title, Dorfman criticizes the world's seemingly monocentric customs, specifically the language divide. The purpose is explained in the story of Dorfman's life, which was torn between the English and Spanish language. She applies an undeniably emotional appeal to indicate her opinions on this particular matter saying, "...this thrilling experience of being dual, of taking from one liguistic river and then dipping into the other, until the confluence of the two vocabularies connects distant communities. This is an experience I wish all Americans could share." Dorfman also explains the importance of bilingualism in understanding differing cultures.
"Mother Tongue"
In "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan, a specific language experience is examined. The issue is a decidedly individual experience between Tan and her mother's communication in the English language. Tan argues that while many would think of this verbal exchange as "broken", it perfectly exemplifies to her the ideas of her mother with undisputed clarity. However, she explains that this particular communication is not observed in a similar fashion by other, more "fluent" citizens. Tan gives a real example of a talk she had with her mother in the text, which provides an idea of this relationship of thoughts between the two women. Most would have great difficulty in understanding this conversation, but to Tan it's as comprehendable as her own thoughts. Tan also raises questions about the influence this communication has on her intellectual ability as a younger women trying to score on english exams.
"Suite for Ebony and Phonics"
In "Suite for Ebony and Phonics" by John Rickford, the question of ebonics as a primary language of centrally African Americans is addressed. Rickford argues that Ebonics does follow the standards of a language with precise rules and usages. This amazingly intuitive response details these specific rules and explains their function in completing this sub-english language. He acknowledges the general public's disapproval of this language and describes how it came to be. The idea of a ebonics being a pidgin language is also discussed.
"Defining Who We Are in Society"
In "Defining Who We Are in Society" by David Trout, the problem surrounding how society views ebonics is addressed. Trout assesses the probelms with ebonics as well as the positives. He is trying to explain that one should step outside of his or her close-minded opinions and see ebonics for what it truly is.
"Can We Talk?"
In "Can We Talk?" by Deborah Tannen, the inticate nature of the relationship between a mother and daughter is detailed. Tannen explains why these difficulties exist within this type of communication. She realizes that the inherent bond and attachment in this type of coexistance often times creates an easily heated relationship. Tannen uses specific examples from daughters to describe her meaning.
Perhaps an exceptional argument which attempts to defy the cultural gap of modern society lies in "If Only We All Spoke Two Languages" by Ariel Dorfman. As implied by the title, Dorfman criticizes the world's seemingly monocentric customs, specifically the language divide. The purpose is explained in the story of Dorfman's life, which was torn between the English and Spanish language. She applies an undeniably emotional appeal to indicate her opinions on this particular matter saying, "...this thrilling experience of being dual, of taking from one liguistic river and then dipping into the other, until the confluence of the two vocabularies connects distant communities. This is an experience I wish all Americans could share." Dorfman also explains the importance of bilingualism in understanding differing cultures.
"Mother Tongue"
In "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan, a specific language experience is examined. The issue is a decidedly individual experience between Tan and her mother's communication in the English language. Tan argues that while many would think of this verbal exchange as "broken", it perfectly exemplifies to her the ideas of her mother with undisputed clarity. However, she explains that this particular communication is not observed in a similar fashion by other, more "fluent" citizens. Tan gives a real example of a talk she had with her mother in the text, which provides an idea of this relationship of thoughts between the two women. Most would have great difficulty in understanding this conversation, but to Tan it's as comprehendable as her own thoughts. Tan also raises questions about the influence this communication has on her intellectual ability as a younger women trying to score on english exams.
"Suite for Ebony and Phonics"
In "Suite for Ebony and Phonics" by John Rickford, the question of ebonics as a primary language of centrally African Americans is addressed. Rickford argues that Ebonics does follow the standards of a language with precise rules and usages. This amazingly intuitive response details these specific rules and explains their function in completing this sub-english language. He acknowledges the general public's disapproval of this language and describes how it came to be. The idea of a ebonics being a pidgin language is also discussed.
"Defining Who We Are in Society"
In "Defining Who We Are in Society" by David Trout, the problem surrounding how society views ebonics is addressed. Trout assesses the probelms with ebonics as well as the positives. He is trying to explain that one should step outside of his or her close-minded opinions and see ebonics for what it truly is.
"Can We Talk?"
In "Can We Talk?" by Deborah Tannen, the inticate nature of the relationship between a mother and daughter is detailed. Tannen explains why these difficulties exist within this type of communication. She realizes that the inherent bond and attachment in this type of coexistance often times creates an easily heated relationship. Tannen uses specific examples from daughters to describe her meaning.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
2/18 Source Summaries
Source 1:
"Green" Building and its Discontent
Written by Alex Beam
Appears in the Boston Globe Nov. 21 2008
In "'Green' Building and its Discontent" by Alex Beam, the current design and practice of so-called 'green' building is blatantly criticized. Throughout the article, Beam attacks specifically architects for their idea of 'green' construction. He opinionates everything from how 'green' buildings look to whether it was efficient in bringing materials to the job site. To end the article, Beam pokes fun at a recently published 'green' bible.
Source 2:
"Waking Up to Potential of Green Construction"
Written by Sonja Persram
Appears Toronto Star Oct. 1, 2007
"Waking Up to Potential of Green Construction" composed by Sonja Persram, details the issue of 'green' building in association with a positive environmental impact. Persram uses research-based evidence to evoke a positive attitude towards sustainable and energy-efficient structures. She also addresses some fairly unobvious benefits such as occupant performance and health which promotes higher productivity. In addition, Persram incorporates a small cost analysis for building these types of structures.
"Green" Building and its Discontent
Written by Alex Beam
Appears in the Boston Globe Nov. 21 2008
In "'Green' Building and its Discontent" by Alex Beam, the current design and practice of so-called 'green' building is blatantly criticized. Throughout the article, Beam attacks specifically architects for their idea of 'green' construction. He opinionates everything from how 'green' buildings look to whether it was efficient in bringing materials to the job site. To end the article, Beam pokes fun at a recently published 'green' bible.
Source 2:
"Waking Up to Potential of Green Construction"
Written by Sonja Persram
Appears Toronto Star Oct. 1, 2007
"Waking Up to Potential of Green Construction" composed by Sonja Persram, details the issue of 'green' building in association with a positive environmental impact. Persram uses research-based evidence to evoke a positive attitude towards sustainable and energy-efficient structures. She also addresses some fairly unobvious benefits such as occupant performance and health which promotes higher productivity. In addition, Persram incorporates a small cost analysis for building these types of structures.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Rhetorical Analysis:
"Collegiate Life: An Obituary" composed by Arthur Levine and Jeanette S. Cureton, focuses on the transformation of colleges and universities from a type of brotherhood living together to achieve the goal of a higher education to a studentship less dominated by extracurricular activities, student government involvement, and on-campus living. As the author's explain, "The notion of a living-learning community is dead or dying on most campuses today", it is clear they believe they have discovered a growing change among these particular American institutions. But how do they present these findings? To begin with, they attempt to construct a message based on logic and statistics. A 5-year study of "many universities and colleges" was conducted by the authors from 1992 - 1997 in an attempt to explain this developing phenomenon. Through this inspection, they were able to accumulate accurate statistics based on student affairs officials and the actual students themselves. Upon looking at this derived data at the present date, one can conclude that it is not, by any means, recent. However, as explained in the foreword, this information was presented in a book which was published in 1998. Therefore, at the time of its release it was extremely recent and added neccesary support to the the claim.
Additional assistance appears naturally with the ethos of these authors as described in the prologue, with Artur Levine and Jeanette S. Cureton respectively being prsident of Teacher's College at Columbia University and an educational researcher at Harvard. Of course, Harvard is arguably the most prestigous institution in the nation. One can see that credibility is not quite an issue with persons in these types of acedemic positions. An individual can also conclude that their motives were most likely of the most honorable nature; they are concerned with whether or not the institutions that they have come to be so much associated with are wandering off the beaten path. Its seems they are merely trying to focus on a problem with which they would like a solution, which is made clear in the conclusion.
The emotional aspect of this claim is not of major proportions. Nostalgia may be the only application of pathos in this particular argument. It seems as though the authors are trying provoke certain alumna to taking a stance in the issue, which would make sense. Obviously, if a father (or mother) went to a certain college and developed a sort of bond with the institution he would most likely wish the same for his children and future generations. This could be an example of how pathos was incorporated by the authors. However, emotion holds negligible audacity in the claim.
The style of this presentation, appears to work magnificently. It can be understood by experts in the field as well as current college students, which is absolutely necessary if the authors are striving to bring back the past college archetype. Not only will it be necessary for the experts and highly educated citizens to get involved; the students must almost certainly get additionally engaged. An anology is used with complete success in the "What Students Want Section". It makes the comparison of a students role as a consumer to their bank being more representative of the attitude towards their specific institution. This is a terrific example for the average student to pick up on and surely drives the reader deeper into the issue. All of these aspects of the argument were presented with excellent clarity and structure.
Additional assistance appears naturally with the ethos of these authors as described in the prologue, with Artur Levine and Jeanette S. Cureton respectively being prsident of Teacher's College at Columbia University and an educational researcher at Harvard. Of course, Harvard is arguably the most prestigous institution in the nation. One can see that credibility is not quite an issue with persons in these types of acedemic positions. An individual can also conclude that their motives were most likely of the most honorable nature; they are concerned with whether or not the institutions that they have come to be so much associated with are wandering off the beaten path. Its seems they are merely trying to focus on a problem with which they would like a solution, which is made clear in the conclusion.
The emotional aspect of this claim is not of major proportions. Nostalgia may be the only application of pathos in this particular argument. It seems as though the authors are trying provoke certain alumna to taking a stance in the issue, which would make sense. Obviously, if a father (or mother) went to a certain college and developed a sort of bond with the institution he would most likely wish the same for his children and future generations. This could be an example of how pathos was incorporated by the authors. However, emotion holds negligible audacity in the claim.
The style of this presentation, appears to work magnificently. It can be understood by experts in the field as well as current college students, which is absolutely necessary if the authors are striving to bring back the past college archetype. Not only will it be necessary for the experts and highly educated citizens to get involved; the students must almost certainly get additionally engaged. An anology is used with complete success in the "What Students Want Section". It makes the comparison of a students role as a consumer to their bank being more representative of the attitude towards their specific institution. This is a terrific example for the average student to pick up on and surely drives the reader deeper into the issue. All of these aspects of the argument were presented with excellent clarity and structure.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Homework - 2/04 - Paper Topic
As I recently discussed in my previous blog post, I am focusing my argument on the issue of construction and our environment. Of course, it is imperative to have a thorough knowledge of how our structures affect the environment so that we, as a society, may advance into the future. Essentially, I will be attempting to sway my audience into advocating and participating in green construction. Obviously, some will not need much convincing. However, others strongly deny our influence on the environment. Therefore, I will have to prove that human activity (specifically the building and operation of structures) does, in fact, change our environment. Naturally, I will then have to provide cost effective materials and designs which will have a positive impact on the environment. However, I will also include other, less cost efficient, aspects of green construction for the more enthusiastic environmental saviors. Now, all these variables will contribute to the persuasiveness of the paper, yet, the most important thing I must do is convey to my audience that the benefits of green construction vastly overshadow the opposite. Furthermore, I will confirm that the benefits of green construction go past the simplicity of expense on to a healthier and more sustainable way of life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)