Hawaii green strategies change as recession hits home
The recession has taken its toll on the move by Hawaii companies to go “green.”
Today, going green is all about saving money, not necessarily contributing to sustainability. In contrast to the local and national green rush of 2007 that saw new interest in pricey roof-top photovoltaic systems and LEED certification, the new green reality is more about the small stuff, like switching out light bulbs and turning off air conditioning.
The number of projects that have applied for LEED certification in Hawaii in 2009 stands at 36, down from 48 last year. That includes 25 new construction projects, down from 35 last year.
Nationally, the U.S. Green Building Council, which certifies LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) projects, says that with construction “at a virtual standstill” applications for many kinds of certification “have not increased at the levels previously expected.”
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I genuinely believe project teams are seeking LEED certification for sustainable reasons. I’m sure saving money plays a role in there, too, but I think people are genuinely interested and concerned about the environment. Those who pursue LEED accreditation are generally those with careers in this field; thus, they probably are sincere about their attempts to build green.