Learning Objective: This is a discussion class. At the end of the session, the students are expected to be able to develop critical thinking skills, deepen comprehension and list possible alternatives of using renewable energy.


Morocco has to import 90 percent of its energy - a very expensive form of dependence. Through traditional architecture, a Moroccan is attempting to save energy. Her concept is being met with success.

It's a very unusual building site in Tahanaoute, a village near Marrakech. Salima Naji, one of the most famous architects in Morocco, has the say here. She is an architect that places a lot of value on her country's cultural tradition.

Some 50 workers are employed here at Salima's construction site. They are building a vacation complex. The building material comes from the earth: mud. It's a traditional building material in Morocco with which Salima has a very particular relationship.

"You could say that I am stuck on a rather unlikely material," Salima said. "Everything takes so long, and you cannot see the results immediately. But it is so satisfying to experience what you can do just by using pure dirt."



It's comfortably cool inside of the construction, in contrast to the torrid heat of more than 40 degrees Celsius outside.

"Just by using common sense, you realize that mud is better than cement," Salima said.

Houses built from mud could be an ideal solution for Morocco - a country in which the summer is very hot but the winter cold. Mud preserves heat and regulates humidity. It's like a natural air conditioner, which is an important factor in Salima's decision to work with it. It's well known that air conditioners pollute, she said.

"Energy costs rise, and furthermore, these systems are never 100 percent reliable, and they can make you sick," she said. "So, if we can make it work without air conditioning, then it's better that way."



Discussion

1. Rate this article. What can you personally say about this?

2. Do you think this kind of construction activity somehow helps in saving energy and the environment?

3. What is renewable energy? What are the its importance?

4. What are the other alternatives of producing and using renewable energy?