As we look further into
the sustainability of green building then a discussion of priorities is in
order. First a point of clarification:
when I use the term “green building” I am referring to the practice of building
and remodeling homes with products that are sustainable/renewable, and that are
as efficient as possible to reduce the consumption of energy and maximize the
quality of the indoor air.
In last week’s blog
I suggested that the priorities of most that are pursuing a “green” lifestyle
are backwards – particularly when it comes to building and maintaining an
energy efficient home. The priorities of
most seem to be 1) environment, 2) money, 3) people. Let’s look at why that is problematic.
I love the
outdoors. Camping, hiking, fishing,
skiing, biking… you name it. I am a firm
believer in environmental stewardship and protecting our natural
resources. That being said, I also
believe that the earth was given to us for our use – to make our lives safer,
better, and yes, more convenient. Does
our use of the earth and its resources get abused, absolutely. Far too many things are done without
considering their long-term effects on the environment, leading to
deforestation, water and soil contamination, endangering various species, etc. Unfortunately as these abuses have become
acknowledged they have caused many to put the earth and its resources ahead of
their families and themselves in terms of value. In short, the philosophies of individuals and
policy makers alike have become more concerned about the earth than the people
who live on it.
When the groups and individuals
that regulate the building trades care more about the earth than its
inhabitants, then the regulations that get put into place cannot be sustained
for very long. When the earth is the
number one priority then the assumption is that it should be protected whatever
the cost. Yet, just as the earth has
limited resources, so, too, do those who live, work, and play on it. Most people already want to do what is right
for the environment - who doesn’t want to lower their energy bill?!? But when their resources – monetary,
intellectual, physical – are being disproportionately levied for the sake of
the environment, then there will be a point in which they no longer care about
it, for nothing they do, no amount that they pay, will ever be perceived as enough
to help the environment.
As we consider how to
make homes more energy efficient and how to build them in a renewable manner,
we need to do so with people as the number one priority. And as we consider people we need to consider
their personal, hard-earned resources. Many
are already willing to pay a premium for anything labeled “green,” “organic,”
or “eco-friendly.” They want to do what
is best for their families and also good for the environment. But in order for green building to be
sustainable, it must be practical and
affordable (without subsidies – next week’s
topic!)
I would suggest that if
we have the first two priorities, people and money, in their proper order then
the environmental benefits will naturally follow, and do so in a way that can be
sustained.
No comments:
Post a Comment