"HPD should be training these developers," said Derwin. “Not everything that's sustainable costs more, but you have to know how to do it." Crauderueff further suggested they offer free structural analysis and work with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to develop a New York City-based technical assistance program.
Meanwhile, many industry insiders think the LEED certification system needs significant tweaking. The first and most obvious problem is a lack of sensitivity to context.
“What works in Phoenix or Chicago may not work in Manhattan because of what it costs,” said Mary Spink. “It’s one thing if I can sell energy back to Con Ed, but right now that’s not possible. So I have no incentive to use solar paneling. Water recycling is not feasible here, and using 80% recycled material costs too much. My buildings were designed according to what works in Manhattan.”
Back at the symposium – which was sponsored by Bank of America, The Rockefeller Foundation, and The Next American City, an urbanism magazine based in Philadelphia – another worry was whether the LEED system puts too much emphasis on technological innovation when old technology coupled with new consumer habits might do just as well, or better.
Kath Williams, former president of the World Green Building Council, the organization that created the LEED system, agreed with that worry and suggested everyone would do well to read “Platinum Buildings In Ancient India,” a forthcoming book on how ancient Indian construction methods meet the sustainability standards of the highest LEED rated buildings. Amid drinks and cheese trays, she commented: “But, look, we’re all learning here. LEED is a work in progress. With a little luck and ingenuity it’ll improve with every new year.”
