Environmental Sustainability
One of the main concerns in this project is the drought that has plagued Southern California for the last 5 years. It is essential to install a system into the mosque that will filter and reuse water to lessen the environmental impact of the mosque on the surrounding region. There will be a system implemented in the mosque to take the water used in the abolition stalls and to reuse it for other purposes such as watering the plants and gardens through an underground drip irrigation system that is very efficient and uses very little water. The mosque should be as eco-friendly as possible to reduce the stain on the local water supply. This recycled water will also cut down on the costs of using water which will save money in the long run.
Another important decision is to use native species in this mosque that require less water to begin with, so that it requires less attention and more closely resembles the natural landscape. Certain plants are more suited for the arid, dry conditions in Southern California. As far as the tree selection goes, White Alders, Arroyo willows and Quaking Aspens would look good in the garden. As well as being pretty to look at, these tree species require very little water and maintenance and can stay healthy even in a drought. It is important to conserve water in this way. We could also incorporate bushes and shrubs like the blue palo verde, the creosote bush, or even a cactus like the Mojave yucca or the California barrel cactus. All of the plants use a fraction of the water that grass and non-native species use and save water usage. The choice of flowers is up to the people in charge of running the mosque, but blazing stars and the California poppy are low water options that look great an dare easy to maintain in this climate.
Along with the changes in water use our mosque will also have 20 large, 700 Watt photovoltaic solar panels on the roof to collect sunlight and convert it to useable electricity to make this mosque self sufficient and take it off of the grid,meaning it doesn't contribute to electricity generated by burning coal or fossil fuels which are bad for the environment. The walls will also be constructed in an eco friendly manner by using recycled shipping pallets filled with recycled debris and covered in concrete and given a stucco facade. This design uses much less harmful materials, recycles old products and is very stable in the event of an earthquake. With the stucco facade, the walls will look undistinguishable from any normal walls and may be decorated as desired.
Another important decision is to use native species in this mosque that require less water to begin with, so that it requires less attention and more closely resembles the natural landscape. Certain plants are more suited for the arid, dry conditions in Southern California. As far as the tree selection goes, White Alders, Arroyo willows and Quaking Aspens would look good in the garden. As well as being pretty to look at, these tree species require very little water and maintenance and can stay healthy even in a drought. It is important to conserve water in this way. We could also incorporate bushes and shrubs like the blue palo verde, the creosote bush, or even a cactus like the Mojave yucca or the California barrel cactus. All of the plants use a fraction of the water that grass and non-native species use and save water usage. The choice of flowers is up to the people in charge of running the mosque, but blazing stars and the California poppy are low water options that look great an dare easy to maintain in this climate.
Along with the changes in water use our mosque will also have 20 large, 700 Watt photovoltaic solar panels on the roof to collect sunlight and convert it to useable electricity to make this mosque self sufficient and take it off of the grid,meaning it doesn't contribute to electricity generated by burning coal or fossil fuels which are bad for the environment. The walls will also be constructed in an eco friendly manner by using recycled shipping pallets filled with recycled debris and covered in concrete and given a stucco facade. This design uses much less harmful materials, recycles old products and is very stable in the event of an earthquake. With the stucco facade, the walls will look undistinguishable from any normal walls and may be decorated as desired.
As for the physical construction of the mosque's walls, we will be hiring a licensed contractor and using materials purchased through Green Building Supply which are guaranteed to be sustainably made, safe and long lasting. For the walls we will use a mixture of 75% recycled glass mixed with concrete and reinforced to provide safe stable walls, that do not impose a burden on the environment. This blend of material would then be covered over with a layer of insulation and a facade, to allow it to be decorated however desired. Green Building Supply also offers energy efficient windows and doors as well as eco-friendly paint, coatings, and treatments. We will also incorporate water saving appliances and a tankless water heater.
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