- Enact Incentives for Energy Efficient Buildings (extend tax incentives to promote energy efficiency + to cosponsor legislation that will provide incentives for home builders and homeowners to design, construct, and renovate energy-efficient homes and neighborhoods)
- Eliminate Retainage Rules on Architects and Engineers (pass legislation to eliminate the 10% retainage fee on architects and engineers who contract with the federal government)
- Promote Healthy and Safe Communities Through Transportation Funding (oppose proposals to raid the Mass Transit Trust Fund to shore up the Highway Trust Fund and support provisions in next year's highway bill that provide incentives for projects that build safe and prosperous communities)
OK- so this is all good news, long and in depth (I bet you skipped the part in parentheses), but good for US- you/me/North Carolina. So I felt like bringing this to our attention with the first bullet point advocating obviously for sustainable design. I know some people are skeptical about the new "because it is popular" "green movement." But before you categorize sustainable design, buildings, and product as "just another green thing" look at what it is really doing, how is it "working" for you and for the community. I know that sustainable design is beneficial, I've experienced it. As I sit here typing you (from my office) I can attest for the day lighting (the 5'-10" x 6'-0" window I have) and its benefit to my mood, my productivity, and to saving money on energy. To really understand how sustainable can benefit us, our community, and our environment- I challenge you to find a space that feels good to you and identify what it is you like about that space, what you would change to make it better, and how it is working for you instead of costing you money. I think you'll find that "sustainable" isn't a just a fad.
It's a Friday and time to enjoy the weekend!
Always,
The Intern
No comments:
Post a Comment