Another "green" post...

I found this article today in the Philadelphia Inquirer about the construction concerning the expansion of the Convention Center off Broad Street.

It brings up the controversial topic of “going green,” (yes, another post about “green” issues) and Philadelphia’s efforts towards sustainable construction practices.

The article highlights the Comcast Center and its new sustainable and energy saving wonders, while comparing plans for the Convention Center, and the noticeable lack of effort towards building an energy efficient building. The Convention Center, has argued going green is “too costly,” and it seems, “it will be the last non-sustainable government building to go up in Philadelphia,” according to Howard Neukrug of the Water Department.

Yet, the article also points out a few ironies, in that Mayor Michael Nutter, put forth efforts, campaigning for a greener Philadelphia this past year. But in 2005, when he was then serving as chairman, rejected the idea of a sustainable venue, as it was “costly and unnecessary.” However, he says he would never approve the same plans today.

Construction has not yet begun on the expansion of the new Convention Center, and the commission must approve a new roof design before. We will have to wait and see what the outcome will be.

So, with all things considered… Should the Convention Center be pardoned from sustainable requirements and an exception be made?