How the UK Makes Being Green Effortless
The US has made many strides in sustainability efforts, however we are still far behind the UK and the rest of Europe (sorry, Ed Begley!). I recently attended a presentation which outlined the reasons why the UK is so far ahead of us when it comes to making green part of our lives. According to Elena Michel, owner of green consulting business Second Eden Studios in Charlotte, NC and former UK resident, it comes down to a few basic concepts. Provide easy access to information via news outlets and other media sources, make sustainable living a way of life for the consumer, and provide perks to consumers and homeowners to help them in their sustainable lifestyle. And, national legislation on green building doesn’t hurt either. Here’s a little recap of each of the areas the UK excels in.
When it comes to easy access, the UK goes about it in several ways. There are multiple television series based on green living available which are broadcast on mainstream TV and radio, not just on HGTV and Planet Green. One of them even comes on before Big Brother and all are the topic of water cooler conversation at work the next day, the same way we talk about The Bachelor (well, not me, but you know who you are!). All of the major newspapers have an entire section devoted to sustainable living, not just a small article in the Sunday paper, and there are multiple government websites where people can go to get information. Sustainability is taught in public schools as well. Everyday there are opportunities for education presented in multiple outlets without having to look too hard.
Now for the consumer. Bringing your own bags to the grocery store isn’t just a good idea if you remember it. Where at some of our stores, you might get a small credit if you bring your own bags, at many UK stores, you stand a good chance of being charged if you don’t bring your bags. Oh, and you might get some dirty looks from the cashier and the guy standing in line behind you. VOCs are listed on every paint can, the carbon footprint is shown on food packaging, and the list goes on. No timber is allowed in or out of the country unless it has been ethically sourced, and there is a cap on material imports. Stores even compete to see who can be the greenest! At every step, it is almost impossible not to make healthy, sustainable choices in your everyday living.
Finally, there are additional benefits which are provided to consumers and homeowners and they don’t have to do anything to get them! Grants are available for a variety of green building components, free energy efficient light bulbs are given out regularly, renewable grid electricity is readily available. Homes come with something called a HIP, or Home Information Packet, which rates the energy efficiency and tells you how much better it could be with some minor (or major) improvements.
One of the major components missing in the US's sustainability efforts is a mandated green building code. Yes, we have LEED, GreenGlobes, and other green building programs, but we don’t have a law that says we have to build this way. The ICC has developed a Green Building Code, but currently it will only be voluntary, just like the other systems currently out there. California has come the closest with its CAL Green Code, but we still have a long way to go. In the UK, there are several national legislations requiring homes and commercial properties to be built in a sustainable manner, and there are required rating levels which must be met depending on what type of structure is being built. The requirements increase each year, with the ultimate goal being zero carbon by 2020.
In order for the US to catch up, we have to build on the growing desire of the consumer to learn more about green living and to provide the resources for them to do so. We’ve got to make it the norm and not just a suggestion, and we have to go from encouraging green building to requiring it. It’s got be thought of as something we can all achieve and we have to have the tools to achieve it. We’re getting there, but it’s going to take a lot more work and a big commitment on the part of everyone, from you and me all the way up to the federal government. Even though the UK is 10 years ahead of us, they’re probably about 10 years behind the rest of Europe! Guess we’ve ALL still got work to do!
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