Clean Energy News

According to a new white paper released today by Environment Georgia the country's energy consumption could be cut by 11 percent from today’s levels through simple building efficiency measures.    “Building an Energy-Efficient America: Zero Energy and High Efficiency Buildings” describes the many opportunities for increasing energy efficiency in buildings and makes recommendations for what local, state and federal officials can do to secure huge energy savings in new and existing buildings.

“Nearly half of the energy we use in the United States—10 percent of the energy in the world—is consumed powering the buildings in which we live and work and much, if not most of that energy is wasted,” said Jennette Gayer a Policy Advocate with Environment Georgia.

“Building an Energy-Efficient America” describes policy steps that states and the federal government can take to significantly cut that waste and realize our technological potential for energy efficiency. Highlighted in the report is a movement to improve model codes by 30 percent.

Adoption of stronger building codes hinge on an upcoming vote in September, when officials from towns and cities across the country will be coming together to create the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) – the national model code most states use to shape how new homes are constructed.  They’ll be voting on whether to include the 30% Solution, which would require new houses to be 30 percent more efficient.

In June, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin co-sponsored a resolution at the US Council of Mayors in support of the 30 percent Solution. The resolution passed unanimously.

“With global warming looming and energy prices soaring, we need to be doing all we can to save energy,” said Mayor Shirley Franklin. “That is why I co-sponsored a resolution at the conference of mayors to increase building efficiency by 30%--we have the technology to slash our energy use in buildings, or even eliminate fossil fuel use altogether.  We need to take advantage of these innovations and bring our homes and businesses into the 21st century.”

“This is one of the most important energy votes of the year,” said Gayer.  “We applaud Mayor Franklin for her support of the 30% Solution and urge her to send a full delegation to the meeting in September; success will not only save Atlantans money but will help the entire country reduce our energy waste and global warming emissions.”

Other solutions outlined in “Building an Energy-Efficient America” include:

· Building energy codes should be improved and enforced and state codes should match or exceed the model codes.

· Federal, state, and local governments should adopt policies that encourage building far beyond code and retrofitting existing buildings for increased efficiency.

· Policies should be designed to encourage on-site renewable power.

· Political leaders should set the goal for all new buildings to be zero net energy by 2030.

The energy savings that can be achieved through these cost-effective policies cannot be understated.

· By 2020 we could reduce annual United States energy consumption by 11 percent through simple building efficiency measures such as more efficient lighting, water heating, and appliances, and by designing new buildings to be more energy efficient.

· Strong energy codes alone, adopted nationally and adequately enforced, would reduce national energy consumption by 2 percent by 2030.

· One quad of energy gained through building efficiency would cost $42.1 billion. This much energy would cost three times as much gained through new coal plants, and five times as much through new nuclear plants.

“Gas and electricity bills could be obsolete by the middle of this century, and we can start by taking advantage of the large savings that are already at our fingertips,” said Gayer.  “We need to make a commitment and work towards that vision of clean, efficient, homegrown energy by making the most of the opportunities in front of us right now.”