Like the AIA, environmentalists around the country are asking Congress to support the use of money from the economic recovery package to bring sustainable building and design to the forefront.
Last week, groups like the National Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club and Environment America cheered President-elect Obama’s request to use the money to double the production of renewable energy in three years, cut the use of fossil fuels by modernizing federal buildings and improve energy efficiency – but it’s up to Congress to not give in to special interests. These groups, like the AIA, believe this is the moment to bring green design front and center. This is either a great opportunity to leave a lasting, positive legacy on the built environment – or a great missed opportunity.