Impressions of the exterior (Politics of the Envelope, week 11)

We have discussed architectural regulations and policies in class throughout the semester, yet the politics of the envelope could be most important of all. Can the building envelope directly influence our behaviors, actions, beliefs, etc…? 

 The general public is typically blind to sustainable architecture, and in many cases will connect any building envelope that is associated with contemporary design as sustainable. Are we ‘tricking’ the public by giving out merits such as leed certified which are not accurate measures of performance?