Kevin Daniels
Kevin Daniels
Trustee
National Trust for Historic Preservation
What is preservation's role in promoting sustainable development?
It is one of the most critical roles simply because of the size of the existing building stock. We have no chance of building ourselves out of global climate change (in fact, we’ll likely make it worse) with energy efficient buildings, so assisting in the renovation and/or restoration of the existing building stock is critical. Sustainability begins with preservation. Preservation is the foundation that all of our sustainable efforts must be based upon.
What is your personal vision for the Preservation Green Lab?
My vision for the Preservation Green Lab is that it will be a place where the best energy saving approaches, ideas and concepts from across the U.S. will be thoroughly vetted and researched, with the resulting data being shared with everyone. A place of scientific research that reflects the true costs involved with our buildings.
What do you hope the Preservation Green Lab will accomplish within its first year?
I hope the Preservation Green Lab will bring awareness to the issue that we need to have smart regulation, not necessarily the most restrictive. Also, I hope it will make people understand the amount of embodied energy we already have in existing structures, as well as the importance of using them as a part of a solution to the crisis.
In its first five years?
Having communities throughout the country – big and small – adopt and implement the great ideas that will be generated from the Preservation Green Lab. For the Preservation Green Lab to establish itself as a reservoir of the most current and advanced thinking on sustainability in America, and be a place where everyone goes to get impartial information on solutions that they can use in their everyday life.
What lessons do you hope elected officials and local decision-makers will learn from the Preservation Green Lab and its initiatives?
Following along with my previous comments, I hope these leaders will look towards the Preservation Green Lab as a source of current and impartial information that they can use to base their community’s approach to global climate change on.
What about the general public?
Same. Having a database that can be shared throughout the country with real-time, unbiased information is critical. To be able to provide the information to the person in Buhl, Idaho, or wherever, that they need to educate their community and their leaders in best practices. To be a shining beacon so others will follow.
Submitted by seasalt at: March 25, 2009
I echo your words. They are right on target. Keep on keeping on. thanks, you give me hope that someone is headed in the right direction.