Dan Kolbert’s op-ed “Maine Voices: Building trades offer fulfilling careers for those without college degree” (June 9) was most interesting, though he left many things out.

First and foremost, it isn’t building trades anymore but building science. Building science uses efficiency optimization in the equation of building. The science incorporates materials, thermal efficiency, air quality and site management, to name a few items, when erecting buildings.

Drafting has been replaced with building information modeling. HVAC now uses building energy modeling. Structural analysis, another component of building science, is crucial when discussing wind and snow loads.

Building isn’t just driving nails and cutting wood. The 21st century has brought structural insulated panel design, green building codes and energy efficiency codes, along with geothermal heating and cooling, water optimization and waste recovery.

It will take people with a long-term view to bring Maine schools into the 21st century of building science. I’ve seen conferences on science, technology, engineering and math, or new programs promoting engineering, but most leave out building science while they promote rocket science.

Building science involves a multibillion-dollar industry that has a waste stream that runs as high as 40 percent. Building science has an impact on climate change – the industry produces 38 percent of the CO2 added to our atmosphere.

So, where are these academics? Where are the leaders in education? Oh, that’s right, our governor sees education as an afterthought, and that is reflected in some of our institutions.

Harry Applin

North Waterboro