This post appeared in a previous blog and is here for posterity’s sake.
Stacks, originally uploaded by Jim Frazier
Senator Clinton and Senator Kerry are co-sponsoring S. 1059 (pdf) the Zero-Emissions Building Act of 2007 (Thomas link) which would require all new or renovated Federal building to be “carbon neutral” by 2030. Design methods and energy efficient technologies to reduce energy use & demand, on-site renewable energy generation and any additional strategies not mentioned. The GSA already mandates that all new construction to achieve, at minimum, LEED Silver level certification.
This is excellent news and tracks with what the AIA has petitioned been asking Congress for the last few years. Unfortunately, there are only two co-sponsors now, and both are Democrats. If this has a chance to pass (either standalone or part of the Omnibus Energy Bill) it needs more support. Contact your Senator!
Carbon Neutral is such a crock. It is so western/american. Basically, the premise is that I can pollute to my hearts content as long as I pay someone else to create clean energy? Why not use our creativity and all that money to reduce our carbon dioxide output. Such a cheap way out.