The Yudelson Associates Blog: What's New
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Thunder along the Potomac
The change in control of the House and Senate to the Democrats bodes well for renewable energy and green building advocates. We can expect to see the 2005 Energy Policy Act, which sunsets at the end of 2007, extended for another three years at least, with expanded tax credits and deductions for solar and wind power systems and for energy conservation in buildings. We can also expect to see expanded Federal attention to upgrading the energy efficiency of buildings, most likely through regulation. There may also be tax credits for green roofs and other more expensive, but environmentally preferable, measures. However, with the Democrats announced “pay as you go” approach to tax law changes, there will be a fight to reduce current incentives and tax benefits for the oil, gas, coal and nuclear industries. Expect also a strong battle to increase fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, with the domestic auto industry fighting this every step of the way, supported, as in the past, by Democratic lawmakers from the Midwest. Increased support for mass transit is also a likely outcome of the change in Congressional control.
Posted by Jerry Yudelson on 11/09/2006 at 11:00 AM
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Wednesday, November 08, 2006
“Houston, we have a problem”
Houston green building folks generally lament the lack of interest in green building by the development community there. The reality is a bit different. A Houston based developer, Hines, is acknowledged as one of the leaders in the world of “spec” commercial real estate and is committed to building LEED Silver projects around the country. The Mayor and city government are lining up to make all of their future buildings LEED certified. The universities are gearing up for LEED buildings. What’s probably needed just as much is “capacity building” in the local architect, engineer, contractor and vendor community. Houston’s mainstream “oil company” culture works against a strong push for energy-efficient buildings, but that culture is changing as Shell, BP, and others embrace renewable energy.
Posted by Jerry Yudelson on 11/08/2006 at 03:25 PM
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Tuesday, November 07, 2006
The Eyes of Texas
Firms such as Overland Partners are growing at a measured pace by stressing a “values” approach to designing green buildings, looking to marry the sustainability aspects of their projects with good old-fashioned architecture. Two areas of special focus include the experience of people visiting and working in their spaces, and their efforts to enhance the business and public success of their clients, largely government, cultural, higher education and institutional clients. Overland’s experience shows the value of a design firm clearly standing for some important values, and having the clients you really want, find you. Their “classic” project is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas. As a Tucsonan now, I’m looking forward to their current work on the “Tucson Origins” project in the city’s “Rio Nuevo” cultural zone.
Posted by Jerry Yudelson on 11/07/2006 at 09:06 PM
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Monday, November 06, 2006
Stern Medicine
The Stern report to the Prime Minister by the former chief economist of the World Bank, Sir Nicholas Stern, predicts a 20 percent drop in world GDP by the end of the 21st century, from expected levels, if immediate actions are not taken to reduce the expected rapid rise of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel burning. The report concludes that “strong, deliberate policy choices by governments are essential to motivate change.” The Stern report underscores the need for governments at all levels to be positive participants in promoting green buildings, including requiring major energy-efficiency upgrades in all buildings, from current norms, both commercial and residential. There’s a good review on iNSnet.
Posted by Jerry Yudelson on 11/06/2006 at 09:51 AM
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