Instead of continuing to pay massive energy bills, we should create GREEN TEAMS to retrofit existing buildings. It will create jobs- more insulation, new windows, energy-efficient lighting, LEED professionals , save energy in the future, and update the 1970's decor. This would combine electricia... more
Instead of continuing to pay massive energy bills, we should create GREEN TEAMS to retrofit existing buildings. It will create jobs- more insulation, new windows, energy-efficient lighting, LEED professionals , save energy in the future, and update the 1970's decor. This would combine electricians, contractors....many of the people who have seen no work since the housing boom.
Also, there should be more building standards so that LEED buildings become more popular. We don't need shoddy buildings- we need to make a big investment for a high return in the future.
Robert Pickett
This is an excellent idea! Its costly, but the high school I went to would be perfect for this plan. It was built during the cold war and has not been updated in terms of plumbing and heating. Great way to save money over the long haul, and get people jobs for the short term.
elsullo
There is a colossal loss in the heating and cooling of many public buildings. Retrofitting them with energy-efficient improvements would SAVE state money in the (short) long run. I once attended classes in a typical Oregon university building where the exterior "curtain" walls were half single pane glass and half sheet aluminum! ABSURD! And easily retrofitted to cut state costs.
Levin Nock
Most of the academic real estate in Oregon needs to be retrofitted to current greenbuilding standards. These same campuses are filled with students eager to learn 'green job' skills. Contractors who work together with student interns and apprentices should get preference, for retrofitting academic campuses.