January 22, 2009

CHANGE-A leader giving green building some clear direction

by Environmental Building Strategies in Energy, Green Building, LEED 381 Comments

Obama is in office and already teaming up with the USGBC on setting a goal to have all federal buildings become carbon neutral 2025. What does that mean? achieving net zero carbon emissions by balancing a measured amount of carbon released with an equivalent amount sequestered or offset. Obama also stated that he wants all newly constructed federal buildings to increase initial energy efficiency by 40 percent within five years, and existing buildings would have to increase efficiency by 25 percent.

Here is the best part. The plan for federal buildings is similar to the one proposed for all new buildings in the United States. President Obama is going to follow the guidance of Architecture 2030 and their carbon neutral challenge for new buildings and a 25 percent increase in existing buildings. New grants will reward the adoption of sustainable building codes by states and localities and provide matching funds toward retrofitting.

As someone that is obviously very active in the green movement it’s great to have a leader that understands the value that green buildings can bring to our lives. It’s great that President Obama has gone to the most recognizable green building organization, the USGBC, and asked them for assistance in implementing a plan. Smart decisions like this got President Obama into the office and are going to help him succeed in straightening out our economic situation.

–The EBS Team