More Interesting Information from the RESNET Conference
Posted By Carolyn on March 4, 2010
At the RESNET conference, even a representative from the United Nations showed up. She was from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and spoke about the UN’s efforts to create a low carbon society across the globe.
Some astounding facts:
- Greenhouse gas emissions increased 70% between the early 1970’s and the year 2000.
- Buildings utilize 1/3 of the world’s resources, and in the United States 76% of all energy is used for buildings. The top 2 cities in terms of energy consumption from across the globe are Denver & Los Angeles.
- In residential settings, heating & lighting are the top 2 users of energy.
In an effort to quell further increases and to control carbon emissions, the Sustainable Buildings Climate Initiative has been introduced by the UN.
Their means of accomplishing a low carbon society is primarily through policy, and as they see it, they have 5 policy options.
- Improve overall energy efficiency
- Mandate more energy efficient appliances
- Encourage power providers to support reduction of green house gasses through rebate programs
- Change building occupant behavior
- Substitute fossil fuels with renewable energy
They plan on accomplishing these policy goals by first benchmarking, then base lining & standardizing for target performance, and then perhaps most importantly MONTEIZING.
The monetizing could come in the form of rebates or incentives, but could also come in the form of taxes and penalties for non-compliance.
The European Union already has a mandate to have energy labels on ALL buildings, and by 2020 all new buildings built in the EU will have to consume “near zero energy.” This is mandatory compliance with penalties for non-compliance.
Currently these green/ energy efficient programs are optional in the United States, but with this worldwide pressure to increase building performance, it can’t be long until the US gets serious about competing in this global low-carbon arena.
For more information visit the UN’s Sustainable Building & Climate Initiative website at:
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