Jane Ahrens is building a greener planet for us all – literally. Blending urban sensibilities with green values is second nature to this architect and Uptown mother of two (a 3-year-old son and baby due this month). Her sustainability course at The University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Architecture is now required of all architecture undergraduates — “a great sign for the profession.” She serves on numerous local and regional green building committees and trains local contractors in green building practices.
In honor of Earth Day this month, DallasChild asked Ahrens to share the insights gained from a lifelong passion for architecture and ecology. Her quick-witted, passionate perspective explains why she’s at the forefront of sustainability issues in Dallas.
How long have you been interested in sustainable building? What sparked your passion for green issues?
When I was 4, I told my grandmother that I wanted to build buildings, make wedding cakes and be a mother. Never got very far with the wedding cakes. I grew up addicted to This Old House and learned the value of existing structures and materials through that program. My family was very ahead of its time as far as organic foods, natural fibers and a general respect for the environment. My parents were true hippies and some of that mentality stuck.
As far as sustainable building, I don’t know how an architect could possibly in good conscience separate the two. We are responsible for the built environment, but it’s the natural systems that the Earth provides that allow us to have the resources we need. If we destroy the later, we eventually destroy the former. I always saw them as intertwined.
What’s your take on the state of green building in North Texas? What is Dallas doing right? Where are we falling short?
Dallas wants to do the right thing and we are ahead of the curve on many initiatives. The city is really trying to lead by example. They are doing it first before they ask others to do it. Change is always hard and it goes slowly, especially with the mayor/city manager/city council model we have. The new focus on education and city parks can really help bring residents back to Dallas proper and help curb devastating urban sprawl. Currently, city buildings over 10,000 square feet must be built to LEED Silver standards, but for some reason this does not apply to schools.
Are North Texas consumers generally aware of and interested in sustainable building for their homes?
Yes, our chapter of the USGBC gets constant calls and e-mails asking questions about this. I am optimistic that homeowners will start to think about staying in their homes a bit longer and be willing to invest in things that will improve the energy efficiency of the structures rather than thinking what they can do to get the quick sale and upgrade to an even bigger energy hog.
What is the single most important thing a homeowner who is concerned about sustainability and ecological impact can do when planning a new home?
Purchase or build near where you work or near viable mass transit. Reducing commuting is going to be critical in the upcoming years in North Texas. The population is expected to double in the next 50 years and if you think traffic is bad now, just wait. With unreliable oil sources, the current commuting scenario so popular here is simply unsustainable.
Second, I would say evaluate your needs. How much space do you really need versus what your neighbors have or what maxes out the lot. Building less means you have to heat and cool less before you even start to worry about where your energy comes from or how efficient the structure is. One pet peeve I’ll admit to is seeing "upscale" homes with cheap windows. It’s a clear indication of a cultural preference for quantity over quality.
Where does Dallas need to focus its energies right now in terms of ecological awareness and progress?
We need to focus on air quality. Every summer we have ozone alert days. These are days when we are told the air is unhealthy to breathe. We take this for granted, and no one seems to be incensed. This truly confounds me. If people were told the water was too dangerous to drink for most of the summer, people would really pay attention.
We can all impact this, but it takes some effort. Simple things like reducing your personal electricity consumption during peak hours (3-7 pm during the summer) can have an effect. Don’t run unnecessary appliances during this time like dishwashers and washing machines. Buy 100 percent renewable non-polluting power rather than dirty coal power. Reduce your driving and drive a more efficient vehicle. Upgrade your HVAC unit, water heater and windows. Install a radiant barrier and make sure your attic is properly insulated. Most of these items will save money over time and have an impact on the air we breath and the health and well-being of all of the residents of our area.
Is there an aspect of your work with environmental issues that’s especially challenging?
Actually, the limelight has caused some real challenges. When I started teaching sustainability, I had to teach what it was. Now I spend so much time teaching what it’s not. Sustainability is about reducing, not consuming.
How do you balance a very demanding position with nurturing your own family?
My professional work is focused on the aviation industry, which means I travel a lot. I try not to be out of town more than one night at a time, but sometimes that’s impossible. I used to stay very late and come in very early. Now I do my work, but make sure I spend time with my family before and after work. My husband works mostly from home and is the primary caregiver. It’s not what I had planned, but he’s an excellent father and that’s the only reason this works for us.
What’s your family’s favorite thing to do or place to go in Dallas County?
My son loves trains, so we ride the Uptown Trolley regularly. It’s free and fun and within walking distance of our house. Another favorite is to visit the ducks and turtles at NorthPark Center. We live on the Katy Trail and take advantage of that amenity quite often.
