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A GREEN SURVEY
I am what I would term a realistic environmentalist, one who has been practicing sustainable building practices on large residential and commercial projects for almost four decades. I have endured the relentlessly and painfully slow pace by which we, as a nation, have come to this point in history. From that experience, I can understand the continued reluctance to engage green building practices by many contractors who can’t find enough work to keep their employees busy in this dreadful economy. Although many of us in the industry are fully aware that to build sustainably doesn’t need to cost any more than to build conventionally, and in some cases can actually be more economical in both the short and long term, there is a lingering and persistent idea out there that “green” is more expensive. To say more and try to argue the point here would only serve to bolster the opinions of some while not adding anything substantive to the discussion for others. The point this green survey takes here is that the perception (erroneous though it is) that sustainable construction costs more still persists despite all the very public evidence to the contrary. It clearly demonstrates the necessity for further educating the building community. Those that responded to the green survey said that they do consider sustainability but have to watch the costs indicate that those of us who know better have clearly not done a good enough job in making the facts accessible. What I truly can’t understand is the very large response from those that actually still believe that “sustainability is overrated.” This is very much like insisting that the world is flat, despite all evidence to the contrary. I strongly suspect that no amount of education would be persuasive enough to sway this green survey group. I can only think that the 35% who responded in this fashion are either hopelessly out of touch with reality, or are so profit-driven that they do not care (or consider) the long term consequences of their actions. I suppose that a third possibility also exists, but to voice it would be impolitic, impolite and futile.  Unfortunately for them, fortunately for the rest of us, those who have responded in this manner have fairly well taken themselves out of competition for any projects of reasonable size or merit. 34 states have legislated sustainable building practices in one form or another and the Federal government has tied TARP money tax incentives, credits and the like to the statewide adoption of sustainable energy policies. A builder or contractor ignores sustainability at his or her own peril. Whether or not one believes sustainability is overrated is immaterial. This country is now operating on the basis that sustainability is a major component to our future survivability, therefore it is here to stay. A builder that doesn’t understand this will not be in business much longer.As for the final group, I hope those that responded to the green survey this way are actually living up to that statement. From those of us who have fought this battle long and hard, we are very aware that it is much easier to say than to do. There are still a whole host of forces arrayed against those who would work toward a better, sustainable future. Human beings have an incredible resistance to change, although change, along with death and taxes, is inevitable. For those who selected this box, my thanks and support goes out to each of you. It wasn’t so long ago that I can remember when a question like this wouldn’t have been asked, let alone thought of. The responses noted above should give us all pause for thought. We invite you to share your comments and ideas on this green survey no matter what your opinion, as long as your comments are polite and tactful. We reserve the right to withdraw your comments if they are unseemly, profane or discourteous. Thank you, Tom Coalson green survey
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