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How Green Is The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act?
Signed into law on February 17, 2009 by President Obama the Recovery Act does include measures to enhance energy independence but exactly how far does the stimulus package go towards a Greener economy? By some accounts only $60 billion of the allotted $787 billion dollars will support shovel-ready traditional and “green technology” water, wastewater and energy infrastructure needs at the state and local level. Under the specific heading of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy $16,800,000,000 will be divvied up by the Department of Energy into various energy programs. A sizeable portion ($3,200,000,000) will be made available for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants. These grants must adhere to the criteria set forth by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Specifically defined as implementation of programs authorized under subtitle E of title V.
While this is a sizeable amount of money - proportionately speaking - is it enough given the task at hand? In large part energy technologies in this country haven’t changed since Thomas Edison designed the Pearl power plant in Manhattan in 1882. Can 125 years of complacency be turned around with a mere 2.5% of the stimulus package directed towards the solution? Stay tuned.
Our government does appear to be on the right track to a certain extent. It seems they do see value in achieving efficiency for their own buildings. The Real Property Activities Federal Building Fund has set aside $4,500,000,000 to convert GSA facilities to High-Performance Green Buildings. Green-retrofits are also on the agenda for other government housing programs including the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The statement “Energy is Wealth” has never been so true. If we accept this statement then the logical conclusion drawn from it is; managing energy usage is wealth management. Sustainability then becomes the name of the game and while government policies define the rules it’s individuals that make the difference. I say the built environment is the area we need to focus on. Reforming our energy policy in this county means improving our energy efficiency. Do you realize that by 2037, four times as many buildings and structures will be on the planet than exist today? Our generation is in a unique position to specify change and ensure these new structures adhere to sustainable guidelines.
By implementing Green Building standards such as LEED, maximizing the efficiencies of building envelopes, water and mechanical systems we can make a difference. The old approach to building design and construction will no longer suffice. Thanks to President Obama we’ve been given the tools for change in the form of the Recovery Act of 2009. Billions of dollars are waiting for innovative thinkers to apply for the grants that’ll change the way we use energy and build.
Look at Connecticut’s solar leasing initiative http://www.ctsolarlease.com. It’s the nations first rate payer supported residential leasing program for solar energy. Or look at the Advance Building Envelope Technology developed by kama-EEBS™ www.kama-eebs.com . It’s capable of reducing a building’s energy consumption by up to 60% while adding little to no additional cost to the construction process. The bottom line; there is no silver bullet. The solutions lie with many different companies, agencies, governments and in the hearts of those who care. Ultimately it’s up to us, the American people, to identify and implement sustainable solutions. Yes we can!
While this is a sizeable amount of money - proportionately speaking - is it enough given the task at hand? In large part energy technologies in this country haven’t changed since Thomas Edison designed the Pearl power plant in Manhattan in 1882. Can 125 years of complacency be turned around with a mere 2.5% of the stimulus package directed towards the solution? Stay tuned.
Our government does appear to be on the right track to a certain extent. It seems they do see value in achieving efficiency for their own buildings. The Real Property Activities Federal Building Fund has set aside $4,500,000,000 to convert GSA facilities to High-Performance Green Buildings. Green-retrofits are also on the agenda for other government housing programs including the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The statement “Energy is Wealth” has never been so true. If we accept this statement then the logical conclusion drawn from it is; managing energy usage is wealth management. Sustainability then becomes the name of the game and while government policies define the rules it’s individuals that make the difference. I say the built environment is the area we need to focus on. Reforming our energy policy in this county means improving our energy efficiency. Do you realize that by 2037, four times as many buildings and structures will be on the planet than exist today? Our generation is in a unique position to specify change and ensure these new structures adhere to sustainable guidelines.
By implementing Green Building standards such as LEED, maximizing the efficiencies of building envelopes, water and mechanical systems we can make a difference. The old approach to building design and construction will no longer suffice. Thanks to President Obama we’ve been given the tools for change in the form of the Recovery Act of 2009. Billions of dollars are waiting for innovative thinkers to apply for the grants that’ll change the way we use energy and build.
Look at Connecticut’s solar leasing initiative http://www.ctsolarlease.com. It’s the nations first rate payer supported residential leasing program for solar energy. Or look at the Advance Building Envelope Technology developed by kama-EEBS™ www.kama-eebs.com . It’s capable of reducing a building’s energy consumption by up to 60% while adding little to no additional cost to the construction process. The bottom line; there is no silver bullet. The solutions lie with many different companies, agencies, governments and in the hearts of those who care. Ultimately it’s up to us, the American people, to identify and implement sustainable solutions. Yes we can!
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Comment by Jesse H. on October 16, 2009 at 1:26pm - Good read. You sound like an Obama supporter. The government can help point us in the right direction but ultimately its on us and the private industry.
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