We’ve all heard about the carbon emissions of buildings, but where do they come from and how do we reduce them? Building expert and engineer Jeff Rios explains.
Send a message to your Senator telling them to pass climate provisions of Build Back Better
Lots of residential and commercial building incentives in version that passed the House
Potential Talking Points
Buildings represent nearly 40% of global carbon emissions
The climate provisions of Build Back Better provide a chance to change that
With our narrowing window to avoid catastrophic climate change, we need to act now
Senator Lookup Tool
U.S. Senate: Contacting U.S. Senators
If you're still looking for something more to do after messaging your Senator's on Build Back Better, consider getting a home energy audit.
An audit helps identify the best options for making your home more energy efficient.
Your local energy provider can be a resource for identifying potential energy audit contractors as well as incentives for efficiency upgrades.
Controversy in EU regarding labeling natural gas as sustainable
Sources
Climate change: EU moves to label nuclear and gas as sustainable despite internal row - BBC News
UK investment firm, Aviva, is turning up pressure on company leaders on climate
Plans to vote to remove board members of companies taking part in deforestation
Will be monitoring whether companies are making sufficient pledges and following through
Expanded its definition of sustainable to include biodiversity and human rights
The firm manages an equivalent of $356 billion U.S. in assets
Will vote against executive pay deals if firms are falling short
Sources
Major investor will target bosses at firms failing on climate - BBC News
Buildings represent 39% of global greenhouse gas emissions, including 28% in operational emissions and 11% in building materials and construction
Number of buildings is growing (equivalent of Paris in floor space is added every 5 days)
Majority of new construction set to take place in areas without strong energy codes
Number of countries with building energy codes is increasing
Many countries in Africa in process of developing building energy codes including Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania
82% of population growth by 2030 set to be added in areas with voluntary or no building energy codes
Climate change is going to magnify building energy use
Sources
Emissions by sector - Our World in Data
How to build smart, zero carbon buildings | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)
Chart: Air Conditioning Biggest Factor in Growing Electricity Demand | Statista
2021 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction | Globalabc