subject: The Challenges Of Building Green [print this page] It's getting hard to build green everywhere, but it is especially difficult in Malibu, which has traditionally been one of the most environmentally progressive areas in the country. Today, though, this storied section of coastline isn't just failing to lead the way. Malibu construction companies are caught between strict environmental regulations and homeowners whose expectations aren't anchored by environmental concerns.
Part of the problem is the changing dynamic of wealth in the Los Angeles area in general, and especially in Malibu. Whereas this idyllic stretch of seacoast between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara used to be dominated by the generally liberal and always idealistic elite of Hollywood, in recent years it has become a favorite of financial barons from around the world.
The old guard of Malibu included some serious money and some extremely famous people who have been among the nation's leading environmental advocates for decades. In addition to their day jobs as music or movie stars, they helped to create California's Coastal Commission, which governs all the building along the state's coastline. They pushed for strict state laws pushing environmental responsibility. They have consistently funded and advocated for the Santa Monica Conservancy, which is one of the nation's most aggressive (and effective) environmental bloodhounds.
In addition to advocating for progressive environmental policies, many of these stars practiced what they preached when it came to building their own homes. Yes, those homes are fine examples of luxury and style. But they are also dramatic showcases of just what can be accomplished when environmental goals are as important as comfort. With the means and the motivation to create homes that were both stunning and environmentally friendly, Malibu builders forged new ground, and in doing so they gave birth to green building as we know it today.
That partnership between progressive builders and visionary homeowners - many of whom had plenty of political clout - didn't just inspire other construction companies to build more sustainably. It also showed regulators and activists what could be done, and once it had been demonstrated the leading edge of environmentalism demanded that it be codified. As a result, California's environmental regulations on building are the strictest in the country. Malibu's building codes are the strictest in California.
But the new breed of clients building new homes in the Malibu area tends to be less interested in environmental preservation, green architecture, or sustainable building. If recent court cases and financial reports are a reliable predictor, those of them who come from the world of finance probably don't even care much for the rules. They want what they want.
And in today's highly competitive construction industry builders have a hard time turning away business on principle. Since the housing bubble burst in 2008 the number of new home starts has plummeted. Built homes have been sitting on the market, especially in the most expensive neighborhoods. Much as builders would like to create homes for their clients that are examples both of luxury and environmental preservation, the market and the attitudes of their clients compel them to do differently.
That forces Malibu construction companies to perform a difficult balancing act, and often it means that they have to trim their margins extensively in order to meet the demands of their clients while also living up to the letter and spirit of the environmental regulations governing building along their precious stretch of ocean..
