September 8, 2008—As they met over the last two weeks to nominate their candidates for president and vice president, the Democratic and Republican parties adopted platforms that espouse the importance of well-designed buildings and increased infrastructure investments, said the American Institute of Architects (AIA). For a full analysis of the platforms, see the AIA Web site.
The Republicans approved a platform that that calls on the country to “construct better and smarter buildings, use smarter thermostats and transmission grids, increase recycling, and make energy-efficient consumer purchases.” The GOP platform also calls for Americans to have more conservation options.
Meanwhile, the Democrats approved a platform in Denver that also backs green building. “Building on the innovative efforts of the private sector, states, cities, and tribes across the country, we will . . . install a smarter grid, build more efficient buildings, and use the power of federal and military purchasing programs to jumpstart promising new markets and technologies.”
Both platforms express support for the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies, like wind, solar, and geothermal, says AIA. They differ, however, on climate change; the Democratic platform endorses a mandatory cap-and-trade program while the GOP platform supports voluntary measures.
