More Greenwash?...

The Olympics in 2012 are in London. We all know that. So it's great to see that Lord Seb Coe, of I'm not sure what, is backing the sustainable energy green policies which the Government are trying to encourage and enforce by 2016. The aim is to make all homes carbon neutral, whatever that is, by that date. But are they doing enough? You can read the report on the Grauniad's web site HERE for fuller details of what they are up to and what the Green Party think of it. The general opinion seems to be that it is great that they are doing something, but they want to see much more. That seems to always be the way doesn't it because, obviously, many of these high profile projects have good intentions and want to be seen to be doing the right thing for the environment; but when they see the quotes for using the ethical, if that's the right word, materials they do a double take and then financial reality kicks in. Surely though this project, the Olympics, is the great exception; we simply have to not only be seen to get this right but to gather momentum and, if necessary go completely over the top to set an example to the world of what can be done with the right will. Maybe then smaller projects would follow suit, not wanting to be left behind, or at least because social pressure would make it too embarasing for them . On a more local scale there are large projects in our own back yard which could and should be setting an example to us all. The Tonbridge School Swimming Pool and sports complex, a £10 million building, is doing some but no where near enough; and the Harvester Tower, with huge financial backing from the States, would seem to be hardly scratching the green paint off the surface. Why not? Because it would take about 35 years to make back the money that they would save in energy bills that's why? Simple economics. But is that good enough? I certainly don't think so...