Opportunity to Reduce Energy Consumption at a
Publicly-subsidized Private Development:
A Case Study of the Providence Place Mall

Anton D. Nicholas

There is no denying that energy use at the Providence Place Mall will be responsible for some environmental damage. By decreasing its overall consumption and increasing its use of efficient and cleaner alternatives, the mall can at least limit these impacts. At the same time, taking measures to conserve energy can also result in long-term economic benefits to the developer.

The current decision process of private mall developers conflicts with these goals. The number of stakeholders makes it impossible to implement an integrated, comprehensive approach to energy use. Priorities are geared towards keeping initial investment low, managing costs and completing the project as quickly as possible. In the end, the lack of incentives for greater efficiency causes an unnecessary use of energy. Without immediate economic benefits or a vested interest in efficiency, the fundamental values and perhaps, ignorance of individual decision-makers affect the ultimate decision to spend the time, effort and investment in adopting efficient technology and methods. The only current mechanism to affect these decisions is the state building code, which is antiquated and lenient.

I propose in return for public financing a State, City and private sector cooperative process to review salient issues with environmental impacts such as energy use. The oversight of a public committee, and the developers desire for positive public opinion, would guarantee that private development is looking at all the issues. Rather than be a burden of costly regulation the purpose of this energy review committee would be to examine opportunities to implement energy efficient and cleaner alternatives.

In identifying cost-effective and more efficient technology and practices an energy review committee protects the public’s interest in maintaining a clean and economically sound society while achieving economic benefits for the developer as well. If given proper time and consideration, a series of review workshops like these may encourage energy decisions at future publicly-funded developments like Providence Place to reflect a balance between economic growth and reduced environmental impact.