"Sustainability doesn't involve a major investment; you can save a lot just by changing your mindset."
University of Oregon professor Nicolás Larco gave an international seminar lecture at the University of Oregon.
Nicolás Larco, Professor of Architecture at the University of Oregon (USA), said at the University that there are two ways of approaching sustainability: "When there are economic problems, an ecological and sustainable system can mean a higher cost; but in most circumstances sustainability brings savings. Only with a change of mindset can things be done, without any added expense ."
Nicolás Larco participated in the "International Seminar. Sustainable urban design", where he gave different sessions on sustainability in urbanism. The Visiting Professor is co-founder of the organization Sustainable Cities Initiative, an institution whose mission statement is promote the Education, service, public outreach and research on the design and development of sustainable cities.
Energy use and pedestrianism
About the points core topic to be taken into account in urban planning, the professor cited "energy use and pollution, transportation, and water and energy needs Building", as concepts that need to be assessed before urbanizing a area.
In this sense, Larco also referred to the importance of pedestrianism and stressed that the automobile has always been promoted as the main means of transportation for mobility "without considering pedestrianism and the benefits it generates".
He also valued the status of Pamplona and Spain in terms of urban planning: "I like how green Pamplona is and the care it shows when it comes to urban development. However, we are undergoing meteorological changes that will influence cities. Spain is at the limit in many aspects, especially in issues such as access to water".
Finally, the American was optimistic when referring to the new generations of students and their high level of sustainable awareness. In his opinion, "the interest and sustainable mentality they show when developing projects, together with the awareness that they are the ones who will change the world, gives rise to hope and optimism".