EcoBuild 2008: Building Caucus
9 12 2008One of the most relevant and interesting events to come out of this years EcoBuild at the DC Convention Center this week is the meeting of the recently established High Performance Building Caucus (HPBC). Pictured below is an example of a high performance “green” building.
The HPBC was established by Congress to inform policymakers about the major impact buildings have on our health, safety and welfare and is meeting in DC for the first time.
This is really topical considering all the recent regulatory emphasis that has been placed on stricter environmental standards for new buildings. In order for the federal government to meet standards set forth all current and future construction, it is going to have to take the lead on high performance building. Some of the major issues addressed this week include how to fit these new requirements into current projects as well as what mandates and standards will most likely be the focus of the incoming administration.
What do you guys think? Is the HPBC just another layer of talking heads in our government, or are they in a position to really initiate change?
i think it would help if you described to us how this is a high-performance green building (other than the awful color).
Building color aside… a high-performance building is a building with energy, economic, and environmental performance that is substantially better than standard practice. It’s energy efficient, so it saves money and natural resources. It’s a healthy place to live and work for its occupants and has relatively low impact on the environment.