As President Barack Obama gets settled into the White House, his push for an economic stimulus package has taken form. In an effort to reshape the economy into one that is greener, cleaner and more sustainable, the new economic stimulus package includes $71 billion for energy and environmental initiatives and another $20 billion for green tax incentives. But does it include cleaning?
Green provisions to Obama’s stimulus package include energy investments, infrastructure improvements, transportation, clean water investments and scientific research. But, there is no mention of chemical usage, occupant health or maintenance. At the same time, daily announcements flood the newswire announcing green-certified buildings, but it is a rare occasion when cleaning or maintenance is a focus.
Since the early stages of green, buildings have received a heavy focus because of energy costs, water usage and building materials. I agree that it is important to preserve our environmental resources by building green, but what happens once that “green” building is built? To continue its minimal impact on the environment, maintenance and custodial issues must be addressed.
Posted
03-03-2009 8:42 AM
by
Corinne Zudonyi