There is some controversy around the new prerequisite, EA PR 2, but I would like to thank the USGBC for recognizing that the current ENERGY STAR mandate does not further the organization's core mission: Market Transformation. There are so many worthwhile projects that have been halted by the 2009 requirement. When the idea is to change behavior, the USGBC is 100% making the right decision in opening the system up to projects that can show a 20% and implement a variety of energy saving measures + practices. Instead of setting an unreasonably high bar for entry, especially for those of us working in the Southeastern United States, the USGBC is encouraging meaningful behavior changes that will ultimately reduce pollution and mitigate Climate Change...the big picture is more important than the stipulation that this option in some way degrades the integrity of the system. In the O+M community where I live, all of the APs I know are for this change...most of the comments from the first period have been negative, but I cannot help but to think that this feedback represents a small, loud minority...I will continue to support this forward thinking, big picture move on behalf of the USGBC - it's the right move to make - thank you for making it and for keeping the option in. I look forward to seeing it in the final draft.
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Marcus Sheffer
LEED Fellow7group / Energy Opportunities
LEEDuser Expert
5906 thumbs up
September 28, 2011 - 11:33 am
Music to my ears Elizabeth. I have been pushing for USGBC to head in this direction for years now. I am heartened to see that you recognize that the mission should be the driving force and not some nuanced concern regarding Energy Star. The technical committees are in alignment on this issue but as you say there are some vocal folks who don't agree. Hopefully this option survives the rest of the process.
Elizabeth Crenshaw Hammitt
Environmental CoordinatorEPB
75 thumbs up
September 29, 2011 - 10:10 am
So glad to hear that - I am really excited about the direction the technical committees are going with 2012, the EA section in particular. Thanks so much for your response!