Ecomunicipality.com

Part of what is happening in the sustainability movement, as we speak, is a general thrashing about for the right language and concepts, or at least, common and effective ones, that will move us forward--LEAD US-- toward smaller carbon footprints.

Already the terms and concepts have evolved quite a bit in the last couple years, to the point where we sometimes step on each other trying to do the right thing.

I bring this up in regard to a couple terms listed in the title--all of which can be pronounced "leed" in common speech, though LED is most often called L-E-D.

LED, an acronym for "light emitting diodes", are a new application in lighting that show great promise for their reduction in overall energy costs and their greater longevity, thus reducing overall production costs.  They have great appeal for individual consumers and particularly, for municipalities and other governmental units because, with a little up-front capital expenditure, they offer tremendous savings over the long term.  Check out this project going forward in Germany.

LEED, is an acronym for "lighting and energy efficient design" that is rapidly becoming the de facto certification in the building and architectural communities.  Consumers can be assured when they see the LEED certification that a product or technique has been approved by very thoughtful, experienced and trustworthy individuals. But, along with LEED, new terms are emerging like Regreen, a worthy effort by the Society of Interior Designers that works in concert with LEED, but in some ways, includes a conceptual component to building redesign.

And, of course, none of these is to be confused with "lead", which I put in the title just for fun, though let's face it, it may be the poster-child for unsustainable applications of materials from the past.  Lead was widely used in old paint, and today, when children, especially, pick up paint chips and put them in their mouths, they are susceptible to brain debilitations. 

I know.  Not funny at all.  But, it does serve to prove a point.  Getting the language right, if acronyms or buzzwords or cutting edge technologies as in the cases of LED and LEED makes a real difference in the lives of human beings.  And, getting it wrong, as in the case of "lead", can have tremendous costs for all of us.

This website, ironically enough, hopes to "lead" us all in a good direction.   So, start posting, everybody, I can't change the world by myself.