Sustainability/Climate Change

Abstract

Developing alternative energy sources, improving our energy ef-
ficiency, and protecting the environment have been central goals of a
variety of initiatives in the United States since the energy crisis of the
early 1970s. While many of these programs have produced noted suc-
cesses, our overall goals of becoming a more energy-conscious nation
won’t be met until both the public and private sectors fully embrace
the need to make a difference now to protect our future.
This is a key objective for the Obama administration. Early on in
his presidency, President Obama set aggressive goals for addressing
global warming, U.S. dependence on imported oil, and alternative and
renewable sources of energy. The U.S. economic stimulus plan passed
early in 2009 includes numerous provisions—and billions of dollars—
aimed at moving forward the energy and environmental agenda. Both
the president’s energy plan and the stimulus package specifically call for
greening buildings and communities. President Obama’s national plan
for energy and the environment is the most aggressive ever proposed
in the United States.1
Both the public and private sectors seem to agree that energy man-
agement and sustainability programs benefit their bottom line as much
as they do our planet. But sustainability goals are easier to announce
than to achieve, as the variety and number of opinions, objectives, and
providers can be overwhelming.