-------- Original Message --------
Subject: EMERGENCY National Standards to Stop Dangerous Climate Change Before It's Irreversible
Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2006 10:55:08 -0400
From: Mike Italiano <Mike@SustainableProducts.com>
To: linda.monroe@buildings.com, jana.madsen@buildings.com, leah.garris@buildings.com, tony.dellamaria@buildings.com, tim.fixmer@buildings.com
CC: Steve Castellanos <SteveC@quadknopf.com>, Phil.Harrison@PerkinsWill.com, Lou Newett <LNewett@Knoll.com>, michael.bohn@bshg.com, Eric Corey Freed <eric@organicarchitect.com>, Ralph Bicknese <rbicknese@hellmuth-bicknese.com>, Niels Wolter <Wolter@msbnrg.com>, John Albrecht <JAlbrecht@cityofchicago.org>, Michi Pena <mpena@cityofchicago.org>, Dave Hudson <DHudson@rtkl.com>


Buildings' Leaders,
As you know, NASA and the UK concluded that we only have 5-10 yrs. to reduce 60% of global pollution/carbon to stop dangerous climate change or else it's irreversible and catastrophic global damages ensue.

The reason is that climate change, associated global damages, and climate change pollution have been accelerating exponentially for over the past year. 

The 14 Chief Reinsurance Risk Officers and Lloyds recently stated that the existence of private insurance is in jeopardy if these damages go unchecked since the industry suffered $40B in climate damages in 2004, $80B in 2005 and they expect similar future increases.  This transition of course will have dire consequences for the ability of governments to finance existing obligations.  Insurance is 10% of the economy and affects all of it.

AIA and MTS are conducting two National Public Meetings finalizing EMERGENCY Standards to stop dangerous climate change in the 5-10 year window:  Zero Energy Buildings & SMART© Sustainable Building Products covering the global supply chain - the announcement is at this link:  http://www.semaphoria.com/email/aia_080106
These Standards also help offset annually rising conventional energy costs that are having a damaging effect on the economy and energy security.

Since buildings generate about 50% of climate change pollution and use 75% of our electricity which is primarily from nonclean coal, we are in a very strong strategic leadership position to stop dangerous climate change in the 5-10 yr. window.  

Is it possible to let your readers know about these important National Public Meetings to stop dangerous climate change?  Copied are the leaders of these activities.  We also have a Capital Markets Program working to achieve the same goal.  Please let us know if you would like further information.  Thank you!  With best regards,



Michael L. Italiano
President & CEO
Founder/Director/CEO Board, US Green Building Council

Institute for Market Transformation to Sustainability
1511 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC  20007
202-338-3131 p
202-338-2800 f
http://mts.sustainableproducts.com



Accelerating the Global Market
Transformation to Sustainability


cc:      Steve Castellanos, FAIA, Director, AIA, MTS, Quad Nopf 
           Phil Harrison, CEO, Perkins+Will 
           Lou Newett, Knoll Environmental Director 
           Michael Bohn, Director, Bosch 
           Eric Corey Freed,  CEO, Organic Architect
           Ralph Bickness, Principal, Hellmuth-Bicknese
           Niels Wolter, Principal, MSB Energy Associates 
           John Albrecht, Assistant Commissioner, City of Chicago 
           Michi Pena, Commissioner, City of Chicago
           Dave Hudson, CEO, RTKL