Though their mission ironically embraces “sustainable development,” the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP) is trying to scuttle efforts to improve building energy efficiency. Maybe this is good news. Coby Beck identifies 5 stages of climate change denial:
- It’s not happening
- It’s happening, but we don’t know why
- It’s happening, but it’s natural
- It’s happening, it’s not natural, but it’s not bad
- It’s happening, it’s not natural, it’s bad, but we can’t stop it
Just as we’re coming to terms with the fact that buildings are responsible for over half of our energy use in the US (and the associated emissions), the NAIOP has clearly embraced Stage 5: it’s bad but we can’t stop it.
Architect Ed Mazria lambastes NAOIP’s recently released study in an article titled, “A Hog in a Tuxedo is Still a Hog, the NAIOP Disinformation Study.” Mazria points out how the NAIOP study cooked the books, by leaving out no cost, low cost, and cost-saving energy efficiency strategies.
“Clearly, this study is meant to confuse the public and stall meaningful legislation, insuring that America remains dependent on foreign oil, natural gas and dirty conventional coal.”
Check out Mr. Mazria’s recent testimony to the Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources to learn more about how building energy efficiency can create green collar jobs, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, address global climate change, and save money. (a win-win-win-win)
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