http://www.environmentalleader.com/2008/07/14/green-architectures-new-goal-affordable-but-stylish-sustainability/ The Executive's Daily Green Briefing Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:30:36 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2008/07/14/green-architectures-new-goal-affordable-but-stylish-sustainability/comment-page-1/#comment-62126 Susan Di Giulio Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:36:25 +0000 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2008/07/14/green-architectures-new-goal-affordable-but-stylish-sustainability/#comment-62126 Edward Mazria's "2030 Challenge" proposal is great, and, I beleive, eminently do-able. The article itself is somewhat misleading, in it's reference to aesthetic and financial "downsides" of sustainibiity. Inexpensive and attractive options for greening up lower cost projects are everywhere. The example given of Bamboo flooring is erroneous: even a cursory comparison on the Home Depot and Lumber Liquidator's websites shows that in the area of pre-finished hardwood flooring, bamboo is comparable to or cheaper than oak. And this is only natural, as there is a major cost savings associated with faster-growing material. In similar fashion, decisions which save energy also save money. Choosing Energy Star rated appliances and materials, providing a bit more insulation, light color roofing, orientation of the building and windows, all go very, very far in increasing the "green" quotient of a project at little or no additional cost. In addition, there are lots of rebate and incentive programs available to finance these enhancements. It's really time to "get to yes" on sustainable development, and stop being held back by oft-repeated objections from the past. Edward Mazria’s “2030 Challenge” proposal is great, and, I beleive, eminently do-able. The article itself is somewhat misleading, in it’s reference to aesthetic and financial “downsides” of sustainibiity. Inexpensive and attractive options for greening up lower cost projects are everywhere. The example given of Bamboo flooring is erroneous: even a cursory comparison on the Home Depot and Lumber Liquidator’s websites shows that in the area of pre-finished hardwood flooring, bamboo is comparable to or cheaper than oak. And this is only natural, as there is a major cost savings associated with faster-growing material. In similar fashion, decisions which save energy also save money. Choosing Energy Star rated appliances and materials, providing a bit more insulation, light color roofing, orientation of the building and windows, all go very, very far in increasing the “green” quotient of a project at little or no additional cost. In addition, there are lots of rebate and incentive programs available to finance these enhancements.
It’s really time to “get to yes” on sustainable development, and stop being held back by oft-repeated objections from the past.

]]> http://www.environmentalleader.com/2008/07/14/green-architectures-new-goal-affordable-but-stylish-sustainability/comment-page-1/#comment-61910 Dag Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:27:05 +0000 http://www.environmentalleader.com/2008/07/14/green-architectures-new-goal-affordable-but-stylish-sustainability/#comment-61910 "Orientate" is not a word. The correct usage is 'orient'. The house will be oriented towards the south. “Orientate” is not a word. The correct usage is ‘orient’. The house will be oriented towards the south.

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