It was a truly an inspiring moment to witness Al Gore speaking to the 30,000+ participants at Greenbuild 2009. He began by mentioning that the “Green” movement is a non-partisan initiative and that he is a retired politician – possibly as a disclaimer or possibly to engage those still living in the mindset of 1999. The sustainable movement has evolved greatly in the in the last decade and this “disclaimer” voiced to me a rallying cry that speaks to all that make simple daily decisions based on creating a better tomorrow.

I wish I could relay the message as eloquently as Gore, so I have included a clip of his speech.

It shares a comparison of old building habits and practices that he relates to the old technologies and methods used by coal burning power plants and combustion engines. The waste of energy and inefficiencies in these designs had a place in time where the importance of the ol’ mighty dollar reigned supreme. He mentions how the focus is currently being placed on the inhabitants of those designs and commends our profession for creating an organization which adds to the knowledge and opportunity for new technologies and financing practices that are incorporated in sustainable design.