Adoption of a network approach to sustainable building standard process

Adoption of a network approach to sustainable building standard process, not product: a response column to 'A political-ecology of the built environment: LEED certification for green buildings', Cidell, 2009, Local Environment, 14(7), pp. 621-633.

Authors:

Spinks, Martine¹ m.spinks@ucl.ac.uk

Source:

Local Environment; Jan2011, Vol. 16 Issue 1, p87-92, 6p

Document Type:

Article

Subject Terms:

*SUSTAINABLE buildings -- Design & construction
*CERTIFICATION
*ENVIRONMENTAL standards
*POLITICAL ecology
*BUILT environment
*ACTOR-network theory
LEADERSHIP in Energy & Environmental Design Green Building Rating System

Author-Supplied Keywords:

actor-network theory
boundary objects
hybridity
LEED
networks
sustainable building

Abstract:

Cidell's (2009) A political-ecology of the built environment: LEED certification for green buildings (Local Environment, 14 (7), 621-633) presented a political-ecology approach to analyse and champion LEED. In this response column, I propose that a network approach is a more appropriate conceptual framework. Using elements found in actor-network theory, I present a more complete conceptualisation of socio-material hybridity, enabling a deconstruction of the processes of sustainable building as opposed to a focus on the products of sustainable building certification. I propose that a risk associated with reifying social actor agency and specialist techno-ecological knowledge, as Cidell's (2009) work implies, is the black boxing of sustainable buildings. I contend that researchers should approach sustainable building standards such as LEED as the mobilisers of network actions instead of the inputs and outputs of epistemic engagements. In relation, I also present the concepts of boundary object and translation as alternative concepts for analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

 
 

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Author Affiliations:

¹Bartlett School of Planning, University College London, London, U.K.

ISSN:

13549839

DOI:

10.1080/13549839.2010.541232

Accession Number:

57949118

Database:

Academic Source Complete

Publisher Logo: