The argument against the obsession with efficiency

One of the most prevalent words in recent conversation has been efficiency.  Simply put, efficiency can be understood as the ability to accomplish more output with less input.  Seems like a good goal, but unfortunately it can be an illusion.  The root of the false impression is that efficiency means nothing unless it is within the context of a system.  For instance, an efficient eater would not be a good person with whom to share a meal. 

People in the green building movement have practically made efficiency a mantra.  “Efficiency first” is a rallying cry.  On the surface it makes sense to spend a little to save a lot.  However, few stop to ask if efficiency can lead to a shift in how energy is produced or if it will simply become an excuse to prolong burning toxic materials in remote locations so we can work and play far away from the people and places this system impacts.  An addict is still an addict if they use less to get higher.

Our current energy system is flawed to say the least.  To quote Bill McDonough, efficiency within the context of this system only means “doing less bad” instead of “doing good”.  We tend to think that if we increase the efficiency of a building by 20% we are making a big difference.  However, this view does not factor in issues of growth.  For example, many corporate social responsibility reports present the conundrum of increasing efficiency in all buildings but still having a net increase in total CO₂ emissions because the company grew.  Slowing growth would be imprudent, especially in the current economic climate, so our focus needs to change.  In addition, with predictions of the global population continuing to boom, efficiency will act efficiently.  In other words, it will have less impact more quickly.

An alternative is to begin focusing on effectiveness.  Effective systems will “do good” and lead to the actual “paradigm shift” that everyone sounds smart by saying, but no one witnesses.  Effective building does not declare that on-site renewable sources and smart control systems are too expensive, but rather deems both necessary for a successful project.  Efficiency is then used to amplify the actual change that comes from effective design by decreasing the buildings energy demand to where it can be met by the smart and renewable system.

To wrap it up, efficiency is useful within a good system, but it will never create a good system.  Effectiveness begins with a good system, and then asks how to make it efficient.  If we are to succeed in creating a more sustainable world we need to stop asking for energy-efficient building and start demanding energy-effective building.

About the Author
Lucas Johnson is Chief Sustainability Officer for Sun (re)construction. The company was founded to manage the design, implementation and financing of deep energy savings. Lucas holds a Master of Environmental Science and Management degree with a focus in Eco-Entrepreneurship from the Donald Bren School of the University of California, Santa Barbara.