2030 Challenge
Buildings consume nearly half of the energy consumed in the USA and generate nearly half of the total yearly CO2 emissions according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). In Ontario, “the building sector remained the third largest GHG (Greenhouse gas) emitting sector in 2012, representing just over 17 per cent of Ontario’s GHG emissions, and was exceeded only by transportation and industry” (via).
The 2030 Challenge is important because it empowers individuals to take action to address climate change, (Toronto Star article, Wednesday July 9th, 2014 and the Environment Commissioners “Looking for Leadership, the Cost of Climate Inaction“). The challenge requires new buildings, developments and renovations perform at 60% below the regional (or country) average/median for that building type. This target increase to 70% in 2015, 80% in 2020, 90% in 2025, and Carbon-neutral in 2030 (using no fossil fuel GHG emitting energy to operate). These targets can be accomplished by implementing the sustainable design strategies found in LEED, on-site renewable power and renewable energy.
From the perspective of our clients and building owners, choosing to participate in the 2030 Challenge will not only reduce the carrying costs of their building, but also will ensure that as new legislation is introduced at the Federal, Provincial, and Municipal level, that the building continues to be compliant. For instance, in the Environment Commissioners report it is stated:
“A new or renovated building may last for well over 50 years. At the same time, technological innovations in such areas as on-site solar energy production (for electricity generation and space and water heating) and electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining momentum and could become mainstream technologies quite quickly if prices continue falling very rapidly. It makes sense, therefore, to prepare buildings in advance to take advantage of these innovations as they continue to enter the marketplace in greater numbers. In anticipation of these rapid developments, the federal and Ontario governments are assessing the technical implications of requiring that new houses be built solar ready to easily incorporate future connection of solar hot water systems or solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity panels.”
At Coolearth, we understand that we participate not only in the creation of buildings but also in the consumption of energy and the emission of greenhouse gas. The 2030 Challenge sets out goals for architects and builders to reduce these emissions. More information can be found at the 2030 Challenge website, or here.
We’re making this post today because of our firms commitment to the 2030 Challenge and because we have just submitted our annual progress update to the American Instute of Architects 2030 Commitment program.