ABSTRACT
In environmental terms the United States is a paradox. On the Federal level it opposes the Kyoto Accord and refuses to acknowledge the spectre of the fossil fuel trap. On the other hand many states have impressive environmental policies, especially on the west coast. One of the great pioneers of the environment movement is Amory Lovens who founded the Rocky Mountain Institute in Colorado in the 1980s. This was a ground-breaking organisation epitomised by its ultra-low energy buildings. The spin-off has been organisations such a ‘Earthship Biotecture’. This promotes a way of building that aims to realise the ultimate aspirations of sustainable architecture with its concept of ‘earthships’.
