So Many Subjects, So Little Time…

When I finally decided to start this blog, I had in mind writing at least one entry a week.  I actually didn't think I could find enough to write about for very long at that pace but it was a good place to start. However, this last week has me rethinking that preconception; I am currently working on several topics with many more in the queue. It seems over the last couple of weeks, I have seen quite a bit of activity around subjects that affect the architectural design and construction industry, both directly and indirectly. The subject matter for this is not intended to focus solely on codes, but on broader subjects that concern our clients, potential clients and their projects.

The subject I want to touch on here, and may revisit later, has to do with what could be dubbed a reality check for the green building movement and its place in the broader subject of global warming. The concepts behind environmentalism and the effects it has on the built environment have been in the background for decades but have garnered immense attention in the last few years. If we were to graph the attention these issues have received in the last decade, I believe we would be looking at an exceptionally steep curve in the last few years. And unfortunately, most of it seems to be one-sided. Many behind this movement might say "it's about time". Others might claim it is simply the latest trend and like all things trendy will pass. However, with all things trendy, there are takeaways that endure; some good and some bad.

One noteworthy takeaway is the legislation. The regulations and codes being produced in response to these issues are important because they demonstrate a fundamental shift in the way the built environment is developed. The implication is higher costs on every front and the speed at which some of these policies are being ratified begs many questions about their appropriateness and timing. With so much debate still surrounding this subject, some feel the proponents of this movement are "riding the wave" of popular support and trying to pass as much legislation as possible before the hype fades. The fear is these policies are misguided, poorly written and racked with unintended consequences.

There have been a few events recently that may represent the beginnings of a shift in the support of these issues. Last month saw the filing of the first high profile lawsuit against the US Green Building Council and their LEED rating system alleging several fraudulent practices. See one article here. This suit will arguably set the stage for many more to follow. From what I have read, the merits of this case seem valid and valuable. It appears to be the first critical evaluation of this system.

From a different, but related direction, last week was the release of the movie "Cool It" a mainstream production that offers a counterpoint to "An inconvenient Truth". http://www.coolit-themovie.com/. The movie is from Bjorn Lomborg, the author of "The Skeptical Environmentalist". I haven't yet seen the picture, but am interested in the position it presents. It appears again to be a reality check for the more popular environmentalist rhetoric. I look forward to seeing how this movie adds to the discussion.

The real tests of these issues, I believe, are yet to come; my concern is with how many unnecessary costs will be paid in the process.