SUSTAINABLE DESIGN IN WNC

by Antoinette Prisco

Why we want to live here.

Western North Carolina (WNC) is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultural heritage. As rural communities grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, economic challenges and population growth, sustainable design has emerged as a focus and approach to fostering resilience and improving quality of life. Let’s discuss the ideas and principles of sustainable design.

Understanding Sustainable Design

Sustainable design focuses on minimizing negative environmental impacts while enhancing social equity and economic viability. It is an interdisciplinary approach combining architecture and interior design, landscape design, and social advocacy. The key principles and practices can include energy efficiency, use of renewable materials, water conservation, waste reduction, and the promotion of healthy living environments. Here in our local counties, where nature and community are intricately laced, sustainable design offers a pathway to preserving both the environment and the rich cultural heritage of the Appalachian way of life.

Natural

Environment

We all know that WNC is characterized by its majestic green peaks and valleys, such as the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains along with the beauty of the rolling hills seen in Ela, adorned with numerous rivers and lakes. This natural beauty is a magnet for all things great and a few real challenges such as threats from development pressures, deforestation, and climate change. Sustainable design practices can clearly mitigate these negative impacts by encouraging developments that harmonize with the natural landscape while preserving our clean-living environment that we all cherish simultaneously.

Site-Sensitive Design

One of the first steps in sustainable design is site-sensitive planning, which involves assessing the natural features of a site before construction begins. This process is critical here, where steep slopes, waterways, and fragile ecosystems must be considered and respected. By learning and professionally discovering the natural contours and materials of the land, architects and builders can create structures that blend seamlessly into their surroundings while minimizing soil erosion and protecting local wildlife habitats. We all want that stunning view and create “windows” to capitalize on it, but considering how it impacts our neighbors, our mountain tops, should be the first consideration when planning our homes.

Green Building Practices

During the past decade, several commercial and residential developers and builders have adopted green building practices. For instance, the use of reclaimed wood and metals, use of local stone, and other long lasting sustainable materials reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and extraction. Other design methods often include passive solar elements, maximizing natural light and reducing reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems. This not only lowers energy bills for homeowners but also contributes to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions as well as light pollution. The use of these sustainable practices can reach beyond individual buildings; it can encompass entire neighborhoods and communities. This encouragement of residents to incorporate these elements in the planning stages can be extremely beneficial to future generations who want to call this beautiful area “home.”

Transportation Options

Another critical aspect of sustainability is transportation and the carbon footprint it creates. Although we all know that it takes vehicles to go to most supply stores there is an uptick in the interest of exploring alternative transportation options, such as bike paths, public transit, and pedestrian-friendly downtown communities. Towns like Sylva and Waynesville have thriving multi-use communities and bike paths and trails can be seen on many of our most scenic roads.