The Angle

This morning in a speech laying out his goals for the proposed economic recovery package, President-elect Obama expressed his support for making federal buildings more energy efficient; retrofitting homes; modernizing school classrooms, labs and libraries; and funding “smart, well-planned infrastructure projects.”

It’s extremely encouraging that the next president is showing his commitment to the design and construction of buildings and communities that are more sustainable and livable - .but certainly not surprising considering he once wanted to be an architect

The tough part comes next – what kinds of energy efficiency upgrades? Replacing light bulbs is a good start, but there is so much more than can be done to make buildings truly sustainable. Modernizing classrooms, labs and libraries is needed, but we need to design entire schools, from roof to floor, to be more sustainable and healthier places to learn. And how do you determine what is a “smart, well-planned” project and what is just, well, pork?

In this tremendous opportunity to upgrade our national infrastructure and built environment, these projects must be undertaken with the utmost attention to smart design and planning, rather than just rushing to get bulldozers moving.

The specific AIA policy recommendations for the stimulus package focus on the design of 21st century schools, green building investment, historic preservation, and   transit projects. They will create 1.6 million jobs and can leave lasting legacy through greener, healthier, more productive communities. We welcome President-elect Obama’s support for funding buildings in the recovery package. Now let’s work to make sure we not only build, but build better.

Additional information can be found on the AIA Rebuild & Renew Web site.