California is changing. Californian’s typically take the role nationally of being the facilitators of change. Whether its race, religion, sexual orientation, politics or the environment, California typically leads the way - for better or for worse. Unfortunately, as we continue to evolve, governments have begun adopting onerous policies or mandates in an effort to achieve desired results and achievements without fully vetting the long term cost or impacts of the adopted policies. The lack of thorough analysis and forethought of consequences has left many of us confounded. There appear to be workable solutions readily available and awaiting implementation without the need for additional bureaucracy.
So, what’s the solution? Cities are driving agendas that demand a change in the way business, real estate and development are done within their boundaries. It is imperative that we engage ourselves in this process and provide the essential data and analysis needed for proper decision making and if necessary, policy change. But unfortunately this isn’t always enough. How do we adequately address local government concerns while maintaining proper boundaries in regards to our interests?
Providing incentives as a primary tool to facilitate change seems like a straightforward concept. It’s simple in its implementation and does not restrict or impose detrimental policy changes. In most instances, it actually provides a more efficient vehicle for delivery of the proposed solution. By incorporating incentives, you provide for the opportunity of voluntary gifting of the desired service. At the very core of this approach lies the true key to its success. It’s simply human nature to work progressively towards a goal when there is a benefit in achieving it. On the other hand, mandates for performance are generic and when doled out they usually elicit the minimum output. The private business sector exceeds in the areas of creativity and service delivery. So why not let business do what it does best? Providing incentives is the way to achieve success. We all want projects that will benefit our communities and this certainly seems like a better use of resources than a set of mandates that only half helps everyone.
The city of Monterey recently adopted a new set of Green Building Regulations. All new construction and remodels, both commercial and residential will be subject to either the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED for commercial) or the Build It Green (BIG for residential) standards with subsequent adherence to an adopted green point rating system. The new regulations will be phased in over a year with the first year being voluntary, incentivising adherence to the new policy with such things as: expedited permitting, flexibility in setbacks and receiving priority inspections. The incentives approach certainly makes the new level of reg’s somewhat more palatable, but what happens after the year long phase-in sunsets? All projects will require the new green standards and the incentives either disappear or lose their benefit altogether. The imagined panacea now has the potential to negatively impact the overall intent of those who originally conceived and subsequently adopted the policy. I’m sure you can imagine the desire of some to circumvent the new requirements only to pursue improvements void of the appropriate permitting process.
This is certainly not a judgment on either the LEED’s or Build it Green programs. Both have proven to be beneficial and have delivered levels of success in achieving energy efficiency and environmental benefit. This is however an opportunity to evaluate the level of success prior to the mandatory green building standards taking effect a year from now.
Powered by FireStats
Latest Comments
RSS