The Design Standard

I came across a great piece in Slate this morning that I think is emblematic of how people think about standards and codes. We in the green building community tend to think about standards in very technical terms. At heart, we're all wonk and we like to dive into the pros and cons of a given technology or point out the failings of a given building code or program.

But pull back and read this article; it's author, Daniel Gross gives us a a picture of how those who don't necessarily think about green building every day see the movement and see new regulations. While Gross is a proponent of stronger standards for the built environment and consumer goods, he also does a great job laying out all the arguments against tougher legislation or standards.

But what's lacking in his discussion of these standards is nuance, and while he's talking about how engineers will make better products if forced to (I agree), he also unconsciously raises the need for designers to step in and make better use if energy efficient tools. Take his discussion of CFL lighting...

"Fortunately, higher standards are on the way. The Bush administration set into motion the phasing out of incandescent lightbulbs—which is pushing more people to use more-efficient compact fluorescents and is pushing bulb-makers to make incandescents more efficient. The Obama administration is continuing the trend, with the Department of Energy issuing new standards for water heaters and the Environmental Protection Agency promulgating standards that require monitors to be more efficient."

And

"I was slow to install compact fluorescent bulbs. But when the energy-assessing Moldovan brothers did swap a bunch out, I adjusted. And, voilà, my electricity costs are going down."

There's an opportunity there for a lighting designer to help mitigate the negatives of CFLs with better specification and design. In short, reading this article reinforces what I think we intrinsically understand. People want change, but sometimes they need a nudge to get there. We as building pros need to make sustainable choices more appealing, because we alone stand as the mitigating force between higher energy standards and an unhappy public. 

Week in Review

Missed some of our content this week?  Here's a quick snapshot:

The number one issue that resonated most with you was that Your Office Sucks. We love seeing how many people identify with the issues we raised.  We'd love to hear a bit more about your experience in workspaces and what exactly you hate about the space you work in now (or have worked in the past).  The comment section awaits!

We also challenged you to think beyond Mediocre when it comes to the building stock of this country.  Because no one wants to be mediocre.

Holding fast in third place is my post from last Friday about The Trouble In Going At It Alone: a commentary on my experiences and observations at an Education Facilities Forum.

And if you're new to us, be sure to check out our Podcast and let us know what you think!