Why Green Buildings Cannot Save The Planet

16 May 2007 - 2:00pm

Building environment-friendly structures alone won't help; the real issues are much more complicated argues Jane Powell.

"'Green building' is the feel-good trend of the moment. Cities stipulate it, builders market it and home buyers supposedly demand it. Who could be against it? It's the panacea that will combat global warming, prevent sprawl, revitalize our downtowns, contribute to the region's economic growth and keep California on the leading edge....The reality is far more complicated....'Green building' is an oxymoron..."

"How many legislators does it take to change a lightbulb?"

"We do what we can -- turn down our thermostats, try to recycle, drive less. We do that because we feel powerless against the real issues: overpopulation, a government that protects corporate profits, an economy based on continually escalating consumption."

Full Story: Green Envy
Source: The San Francisco Chronicle, May 7, 2007
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Most planning education providers are self-supporting and operate literally hand-to-mouth from course revenues. Because planners are not as wealthy as lawyers or doctors, we have to keep our costs down which makes our margins thin.