David Hollister: Going green could bring in the green
David Hollister
LA Daily News
08/18/2010
FOUR years ago, in a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, the governor and Legislature enacted legislation to put California on the path to a clean energy future.
The law, Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which received strong support from both business groups and environmentalists, is designed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade. With its passage, Californians recognized that sustaining our environment and our economy, ideals that were traditionally pitted against each other, are mutually beneficial.
Today, California is slowly recovering from one of the deepest recessions of any state. As political and community leaders look for ways to boost the state's economic growth, a handful of Texas oil companies has bankrolled a measure onto the November ballot to undo AB 32. The initiative, Proposition 23, deceptively suggests that this law is hurting the state's business community and its implementation burdens struggling businesses with unnecessary environmental regulations.
However, the Texas oil companies are ignoring the positive impacts of our state's policy, which are benefiting businesses around the state. In fact, I believe that supporting our environment, through measures such as this law, is lifting our state out of its economic rut.
As a leader of a global architectural firm that specializes in planning, design and delivery solutions for buildings and communities, I have a firsthand perspective of the tangible benefits of integrating sustainability into buildings and interior spaces - from office buildings, to hospitals, to airports, schools and courthouses.
Through our experience, we've recognized that sustainability is more cost effective and economically beneficial in the long run. We were among the first firms in our field to recognize that we could make our customers happier, and save them more money, by helping them become more sustainable in their building design and operations.
The benefits of a more sustainable economy extend far beyond what we've done in the architectural sector. Over the past 10 years, numerous studies have shown how much businesses gain when they take steps towards reducing their impact on the environment. By reducing greenhouse gases, water consumption and energy use, a company's operating costs will decline significantly. A work space where employees have access to more sunlight and natural settings can reduce lighting costs and increase employee productivity. Environmental improvements can also lead to better employee health, which means fewer sick days and more opportunities for employees to produce quality work.
And consumers, especially California consumers, take notice. Several studies suggest that businesses can improve their brand by marketing their efforts at being more environmentally friendly. Ultimately, good businesses see a move towards sustainability as an investment, not a burden.
