This week, advisory board member Chris Hill weighs in on government regulation as it pertains to green building and why it is advantageous to get in ahead of the curve.  You can find out more about Chris on the B2S team page.

Sustainable building is on its way.  Or at least that’s what various cities are trying to tell us.  These various governmental units have taken to “green” like a pit bull to a juicy steak bone.  You’ll build sustainably, or else.  (Yes, I realize that my bias toward private action will show through in spades in this piece, so bear with me)

Of course, this is nothing new, and not all bad.  However, as is often the case, these policies have not been well thought out and involve a headlong run into the breach in hopes that we can all catch up.  What these “I know what’s best for you” types do not seem to realize is that we’re moving in the right direction with or without them, and this is even better news.

An article in the latest issue of Constructor Magazine, the publication of the AGC of America, makes a point that I have been making for a while--namely that sustainable building is here to stay.

The article quotes several contractor members of the AGC and essentially concludes that

"Green is the new gold"

Not only is such activity a moral imperative, but it makes good economic sense. For this reason construction professionals must learn how to "talk the talk" of sustainability. To miss this train could mean bankruptcy or worse, given current trends. What this means is that the pump is primed for Build2Sustain and other companies to move forward. 

As is evident on an almost daily basis, if the private sector does not internalize these practices and move toward change, government will require a “one size fits all” approach that may not fit any particular project or economic situation, whether through building codes or LEED certification requirements.

A one size fits all approach cannot take into account risks inherent in blazing a new trail and taking on new ideas. Only through well thought out and well managed projects (from contract to completion) can we even come close to accounting for uncontrollable human interaction with a building in a way that will induce contractors and subcontractors (a risk averse group of individuals in my experience) to do what is necessary for a sustainable building future.

In short, lets get ahead of the curve and show that we can change without the cattle prod of government action.  Without such action, the choice will be made for us.