I took this photo 4 years ago in Denver. It shows a building ledge with a device installed to prevent pigeons from landing on it. It also shows a pigeon using said device on which to build its nest.
I chanced upon this photo recently after having a few discussions about our new energy code update. The discussions and the photo reminded me of growing up on the farm and my father complaining about ‘highly educated do-gooders coming in and inventing new problems that don’t exist and making existing problems worse’.
To give due credit, I believe that building codes are written with good intentions. However, there is also a saying, ‘The path to hell is paved with good intentions.’
On a positive note, our building code is performance based, so we have the facility to propose a strategy that actually works if the code pathway provided is problematic or not fit for purpose. To this end I will not be promoting dark wall colours with less insulation and less shading. The recent discussions I have had with builders have been very fruitful. Active dialog with all parties is very beneficial. Good things can come out of bad situations. We all want to do a good job, and we can achieve this together.