Who am I? Is it fair to say that I am defined by my "core values"? OK, then what are core values? Core values are quite simply, what we really believe, what makes us tick. Beliefs that provide the basis of all our decision making. Actually, these core values "control" our decision making. So how do you identify your core values? And others values? I guess you could just ask someone and they would tell you their core values. Just ask any politician. They can tell you immediately. But are they accurate? Unfortunately, many times they are not. Because what really demonstrates someones core values is not their words, but their actions. Most people would identify a personal core value as honesty. But what do they do when the have a chance to get $10 worth of free gas because the guy at the gas station makes a mistake? Are they really honest, or is it simply words? What did your mother teach you? Something like "actions speak louder than words"?
Alrighty then, I will get to the point,kinda'. If core values are defined by actions, then how do core values relate to Green Building? Well, it reveals a dilemma: Green Building is all about "sustainability", and America is obsessed with "first cost". Need proof? What is the main goal of investors in the equity markets? Short term profits. They have little concern about long term, sustainable growth. Sustained growth that over time will result in much greater profits than any short term benefit. In talking to builders, there is a common thread that the typical buyer is willing to invest money into a kitchen or item that looks nice, but not in energy saving or structural items that will actually save money over the life cycle of the home by lowering maintenance and operation costs. And why is it that our net savings rate keeps declining? We are currently borrowing (on credit cards) to support our current life style, when we all know that by saving, and living off cash, we sacrifice some of today's luxuries for future benefits, i.e. sustainability.
Why are we so focused on first cost? Do we have no hope for a better future? Or just the opposite, we believe the future will be so great that we can mortgage our current lifestyle with the future? Or is it because the marketeers are so good at their craft that they have convinced us that no matter what the long term cost, the short term benefits are sooooooo great that we simply need to die to have it. I guess it does not really matter, because for whatever reason, we are lacking in making investments in our futures, both as a society, and as individuals.
We all know there are proven cost effective technologies and techniques (can you say Green?) in the home building process, including geo heat systems, on demand hot water heaters, enhanced insulation and sealing, that not only are good investments, but additionally add durability by increasing life cycle expectancy. We can build a better home. By building better homes, we can actually save your money. First cost may be higher, but over the life cycle of the home and its components, the pay back is demonstrated to be there. Especially when you add in the durability factor of the better quality components and systems. And for each better quality home we build, we are improving the "housing stock" of the country, adding to the sustainability of our lifestyle.
I know, I rambled again. Just to say that current technology does permit us to build better homes that actually make dollars (not just make sense). I guess I need to promise that my next post will be more succinct. Yea, right. Well, I'll see you again, hopefully soon.
Oh, don't worry about the picture. I just wanted to show that Muffin actually is a year old, and not still an 8 week old pup.
