Going Green Santa Fe Style #1
Going Green in Santa Fe is all about creating a sustainable Santa Fe. The City of Santa Fe has been working overtime to reduce greenhouse gases and make the city more resilient to climate change and peak oil.
The Sustainable Santa Fe Commission prepared a community centered Sustainable Santa Fe Plan. This approach includes: 1. mandatory green building codes; 2. increasing renewable energy in the city; 3. energy efficiency and solar loan programs. 4. green job training; 5. green business development; 6. food policy to reduce food insecurity; 7. ecological adaptation to climate change.
The 2030 Challenge asks builders to immediately make their next project 50% more energy efficient. than their last, and to make every subsequent project ever more energy efficient until the goal of net-zero energy homes becomes the standard of construction by the year 2003. Local Santa Fe architect Ed Mazria has brought this resolution to worldwide attention, see Architecture2030.org.
The Santa Fe Area Home Builders Association was one of the first home builder associations in America to adopt the 2030 Challenge. Net-Zero energy homes are seen in many of the newer Santa Fe subdivisions. More green ideas evolve from the Green Building Summit.
Keep in mind, sustainable Santa Fe living requires lifestyle adjustment as well as a green building. Next time you think green, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I use compact fluorescent bulbs?
- Do I recycle?
- Do I conserve water and utilize grey water systems?
- Do I plan and manage my automobile use?
- Are my appliances energy efficient and do I manage them efficiently ?
- Do I use solar energy to sell back to the utiliies?
- Do I use native plants, mulch and drip irrigation in my landscaping?
- Am I aware of the city, state, and federal tax benefits of going green?
- Are my friends aware how to make a smaller footprint on our planet?
Anthony Atwell, ABR, CRS
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