I think that it is generational in the sense that younger folks are more focussed on the excesses of the past. This is true always. I also think that showing the bottom line savings found in green building (both present and future) is the best and possibly only way to move forward. Without this, no amount of moving deck chairs on the titanic (read huge government spending) can sustain this needed action.

Interesting post... I just finished a conversation with a friend about "Green," and what it means.

Great read, if you are interested: Everyday Survival: Why Smart People Do Stupid Things by Laurence Gonzales.

Also, for anyone reading this post: http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/weblog/index.htm

Live Green, Stay Young,

K'

Well undeniably the word Green is everywhere, in every isle of the supermarket, so those tortured by the thought of it cannot escape it.

I sometimes wonder if the brand “Green” is not losing value and integrity due to over exposure. Every time I see the word now it is accompanied by a whole host of secondary thoughts which have nothing to do with conservation.

Perhaps this is one of the drawbacks of being alive during the first generation of a major shift in thinking. Maybe all of the hullabaloo will just level out over time.

I agree with Rich, green is more a separation of acceptance than any sort generational obstacle. With any emerging trend, I think you'll find the older generations less accepting of change, which is what green really is, change.

Great comments! I find the post about overbuilding especially interesting. How often have to heard an older individual such as your parents remark that a house with solid framing, cross braces, and redundant framing be referred to as a fortress or solidly built? Well built green houses, often appear to be flimsy, look how the corners are framed or how the roof meets the walls. Green building is generational in the sense that older people do not understand the new technology and until they do they will be biased as a result of their preconceived notions of what a "good" building should look like. Builders in today's economy have a simple choice, they can either learn to be green and embrace it or they can close up shop and enjoy an early retirement.

Many colleges and universities are adopting environmental policy as a part of the institutional mission statement. As a result, the students are being educated in green, sustainability issues. I think we will find that as time goes on, those moving into the leadership positions in business will see green as not just good policy, but as a standard. Many other leaders have adopted green policies, but these people still stand out in the crowd.

Barry,

No trouble at all. Your take is interesting. I found myself in a room full of pros most older than I, who seemed simply terrified at the thought of being forced to go green. It was all about what they had to give up, not what they were able to embrace.

Sorry James,

I just realized I mixed up your name with the commentor before me.

-b

Hi Chris,

In the last several years a new method of building has been given some attention wherein redundant framing members are being done away with and the whole structure is comprised of less material. When I look at a wall framed in this way it simply appears substandard and yet the research supports that this frame is plenty strong.

I think a nation of builders has compensated for their lack of training by over building and that this has become the standard. Pride in our work has induced us to proclaim that we build houses the right way. Change is being met with resistance because in order to adopt many of these new practices we must take a good hard look in the mirror. I think, as a general rule, this gets more difficult the older we get so I yes, I do believe that there is a generational component in play.

On the other hand thinking ahead and how our actions will impact our immediate and distant future does seem to be a concept which comes more naturally to some than others.

Best Regards, Barry

I would go with the latter. Those that can make green building work financially embrace it. Those that can't figure out the business model avoid it.