Environmental Groups Call for ‘Green’ Buildings on Campus
By Isabelle Gan
Corsair Staff Writer

Seeking to develop ecologically smart buildings, some environmental and public health groups have started a campaign to urge Santa Monica College to adopt a sustainable building policy.

The movement seeks to incorporate “green” building guidelines with the campus’ Measure U construction projects and establish a strict building policy.

It is spearheaded by the Coalition for Clean Air, the Sierra Club and Global Green USA.

Green buildings are especially constructed to establish a more positive coexistence with the environment and its inhabitants.

These buildings are designed to conserve energy, use renewable energy, protect local air and water, and support alternatives to fossil-fueled vehicles.

The occupants’ health is improved by reducing human exposure to noxious materials such as mold or toxic releases.

At last week’s Academic Senate meeting, Kevin Finney, of the Coalition for Clean Air and Scott Vineberg, of the Sierra Club, presented these arguments to an audience of SMC faculty and students.

Finney said that it is a win-win proposal that would benefit not only the environment but also the workers and students. He admitted that there would be a 7 to 8 percent additional up-front cost for the college.

“But because the buildings are more efficient, the benefits of the building provide actual tangible cost savings,” he said.
Ultimately, he claims, the lower energy and maintenance expenditures would compensate for the initial cost in five to seven years.

The lobbyists also cite other more substantial benefits that would result from green buildings. Vineberg focused on the healthier indoor environment these buildings would foster. According to him, there would be fewer faculty sick days and students would show better performances.

So far, the lobbyists have presented their petition to administration officials and have garnered a less than optimal reception. “We’ve been put off,” said Finney. Other pressing issues, like the budget crisis, had the administration preoccupied.

SMC spokesman, Bruce Smith, said, “It hasn’t been a major focus. It’s under consideration at this time.”

Smith also mentioned that the college already incorporates green building concepts in their construction projects. He provided the Science complex as an example of a building which uses energy efficient design.

Vineberg doesn’t dispute SMC’s green building efforts. However, he says they are asking for more. “What we’re asking administration to consider is a standard that buildings can be certified with,” he said.

Finney, who is a Santa Monica resident, points to the city’s policies as an example.

The city had adopted, in 1994, the Santa Monica Sustainable City Program – establishing building standards that are even higher than state and federal requirements.

“I was really surprised to learn that the college hadn’t adopted anything like this. So now, what we hope for is to have the opportunity to establish a dialogue with the school,” he said.