The first visioning session closed on Earth Day, April 22, 2021. You are still welcome to add more comments. Edits to the vision are underway and will be followed by another visioning period.
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This section combines buildings with electricity (or "energy") production.
After transportation, buildings - at 22% - represent our next-largest source of "activity-based" emissions.
Getting to net-zero or carbon-neutral buildings requires a three-step process:
- Energy efficiency measures (insulation, LED light bulbs, etc)
- Fuel-switching from fossil fuels to electricity
- Supplying 100% clean and renewable electricity (on-site or grid-supplied)
Across building types, the majority of building energy use goes for water heating, space heating and air conditioning. These uses, therefore, result in the majority of heat-trapping emissions from buildings. This understanding suggests a good place to start.
As costs for solar photovoltaic and wind energy systems declines steadily, 100% clean and renewable electricity is becoming normal.
DISCUSS
