If you already didn’t know it, the building industry is the largest US consumer of energy, clocking in with a whopping 48% of the total US consumption. Buildings are also the largest source of greenhouse gas emmisions, worldwide. From a positive perspective, this information gives us the most concrete place to have an incredible impact on reversing global warming. And Ed Mazria and his non-profit based Architecture 2030 proposes just that with their 2030 Challenge. The proposal states that by the year 2030, to prevent “catastrophic†climate change, the building sector must become carbon neutral. Architecture 2030 reminds us that “these targets are readily achievable.” To accomplish this, they have set forth the following goals:
All new buildings, developments and major renovations shall be designed to meet a fossil fuel, GHG-emitting, energy consumption performance standard of 50% of the regional (or country) average for that building type.
At a minimum, an equal amount of existing building area shall be renovated annually to meet a fossil fuel, GHG-emitting, energy consumption performance standard of 50% of the regional (or country) average for that building type.
The fossil fuel reduction standard for all new buildings shall be increased to:
60% in 2010
70% in 2015
80% in 2020
90% in 2025
Carbon-neutral in 2030 (using no fossil fuel GHG emitting energy to operate).
These targets may be accomplished by implementing innovative sustainable design strategies, generating on-site renewable power and/or purchasing (20% maximum) renewable energy and/or certified renewable energy credits.
An interesting interview with Ed Mazria is featured on inhabitat dot com, exploring the issues of climate change, sustainable design, architectural education and the 2030 Challenge.
I am also excited to report that the Savannah Chapter of the USGBC and SCAD are sponsoring An Evening with Ed Mazria October 9th at the Trustees Theater. It is free and open to the public, but space is limited. I’m not sure exactly what that means, really, but I guess it means get there early to scavenge a seat.
[via Martin Melaver]