I repeat the lesson of cultural change in the larger effort against global
warming so often that I reasonably could be accused of redundancy. It’s just
that important. So, when I note significant changes or tools to effect
significant change, I must share them.
The good news is that awareness of the need to conserve energy has undergone an
inspiring resurgence in recent months, coinciding, I’m sure, with the
inauguration of President Barack Obama. For example, the Sears Tower in Chicago,
Illinois, which already meets stringent requirements for LEED certification from
the US Green Building Council, has been targeted for a broad reduction in its
base consumption of electricity of more than 75%! Wow!
Here’s what John Huston of American Landmark Properties, representing the
partnership that owns the Sears Tower, had to say...
“Sears Tower, an iconic structure that defines the city’s skyline, will
undergo a groundbreaking transformation that creates economic growth with
positive impact on our environment, leaving a lasting legacy for future
generations. As the stewards of this icon, we take seriously our responsibility
to make it relevant and successful, and the changes made and benefits realized
through the bold sustainable initiatives at the tower serve as an example that a
sustainable future is more than a concept, it is within our reach.”
Adrian Smith, a partner in AS+GG, the architectural firm involved in the refit,
added...
“Our goal in the Sears Tower greening project is to create a holistic
approach that integrates high-performance building technologies and design
strategies for maximum energy efficiency. In the process, we hope to set a
benchmark for how high-rise buildings throughout the world can limit their
impact on the environment.”
So, how can we go about perpetuating the positive attitude toward conservation
which is exemplified by the Sears Tower project? Online tools such as
TogetherGreen.org from the Audubon Society can be very helpful. Assisting people
with projects in four categories, LeadGreen, GrowGreen, BeGreen and GoGreen,
TogetherGreen.org is a powerful source of information for people initiating
green projects and seeking green projects.
I extend a hearty round of thanks to the Audubon Society for creating and
maintaining this site. If you plan to start a green project or wish to volunteer
on one in your area, TogetherGreen.org is a solid place to begin.
Fomenting the Triple Bottom Line
Corbett Kroehler
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On behalf of everyone who breathes, I would like to congratulate the United
States House of Representatives for passing the American Clean Energy and
Security Act on June 26, 2009. Likewise, to every member of Congress who voted
against it, I cry Shame! Shame! Shame!
Given the name of this blog and its body of content, my attitude toward those
myopic congressmen who voted against clean air for future generations should
come as no surprise. However, there is a specific element of the argument
against this historic bill which I would like to address. When foes of progress
realized that the bill had a 50/50 chance of passing, they pulled out all the
stops. They organized a telephone campaign which brought the Capitol switchboard
to a halt. To that I have no objection, per se, as democracy is about assuring
that everyone has a voice. However, what bothered me greatly was the type of
misinformation which opponents convinced their mouthpieces on Capitol Hill and
beyond to spew.
Opponents of the American Clean Energy and Security Act had the unmitigated gall
to claim that the technology for widespread carbon sequestration does not exist
yet. Baloney! The opposite is true! In fact, since launching this blog in
2007, I have spent quite a bit of time covering reforestation and the varied and
variegated reforestation projects which span the globe. While planting millions
of acres of trees in order to return the carbon content of the planet’s
atmosphere to levels not seen since the Industrial Revolution may not be as
futuristic as burying tons of carbon in abandoned mines, I can assure you that
it is every bit as valuable to the larger effort of fighting global warming.
Moreover, projects which support the halting of deforestation, which has a
similar effect in terms of carbon sequestration as does reforestation, can have
a more direct benefit to humanity than simply planting trees. To wit,
I encourage you to read my recent thread on the Kyoto Box. You also may find
that you enjoy perusing the
reforestation category for additional inspiration and perspective.
In the coming weeks, as the United States Senate begins its work on the American
Clean Energy and Security Act, let’s all remember that carbon sequestration on a
mass scale can begin immediately. The only element missing from current projects
in order to expand their reach is money, funds which will be generated by the
passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act and enactment by President
Obama.
Fomenting the Triple Bottom Line
Corbett Kroehler
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