While the cultural and infrastructural changes necessary to eliminate carbon emissions from the transportation sector still seem far-fetched, scaling up a net zero building boom is “eminently possible.”
An article by James S. Russell for Bloomberg reports on the emissions reductions available almost immediately if efficiency measures are prioritized in buildings.
According to Russell, an “ever-growing panoply of efficiency measures” such as better insulation, improved heating and air-conditioning, less-polluting appliances could rapidly decarbonize the building sector. “By 2030, almost all new buildings could consume zero net energy — net meaning there’s some give and take from the grid to equal zero use.”
According to various experts cited in the article, all the building sector needs is an economy of scale to achieve massive reductions in energy use.
“Acting at scale is so eminently possible.” -Lindsay Baker, CEO of the International Living Futures Institute (IFLI)
The article cites examples provided by organizations like IFLI, multiple architects and engineers, and concepts like the passive house to show the way to net zero buildings everywhere.
“There’s no shortage of compelling reasons to encourage emission-cutting tools and tactics such as these, whether to conserve cash, save the planet or undermine petro-tyrants,” writes Russell to summarize the case for building efficiency. “Here’s one more: The race to net zero would trigger a U.S. green-job-building boom.”
FULL STORY: It’s Time for a Net Zero Building Boom
Will Developers Slow the Path to Net Zero?
Cities around the world are demonstrating that net zero carbon buildings—including net zero low-income housing—can be built cost effectively.
Oregon to End Sales of Gas-Powered Vehicles by 2035
There must be something about having a coast on the Pacific Ocean that makes states set policies to accelerate the end of the internal combustion engine.
New Scoping Plan Sets Carbon Neutrality Goal for California
California has long led the nation in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A law approved in 2006 still provides direction for the state’s efforts.
The Right to Mobility
As we consider how to decarbonize transportation, preserving mobility, especially for lower- and middle-income people, must be a priority.
Early Sharrow Booster: ‘I Was Wrong’
The lane marking was meant to raise awareness and instill shared respect among drivers and cyclists. But their inefficiency has led supporters to denounce sharrows, pushing instead for more robust bike infrastructure that truly protects riders.
Push and Pull: The Link Between Walkability and Affordability
The increased demand for walkable urban spaces could make them more and more exclusionary if cities don’t pursue policies to limit displacement and boost affordability.
U.S. Transit Agencies Face a Financial Crisis
Transit providers around the country are scrambling to find new sources of revenue to replace lagging ridership and reorienting their systems to a future less dependent on daily commuters.
California Rejects Six-State Colorado River Plan, Proposes Its Own
State officials claim a proposal agreed upon by the other six states using Colorado River water disproportionately impacts California farmers.
Washington Focuses Road Safety Efforts on Individuals, Neglecting Design
Legislative efforts to reduce traffic deaths could move the needle toward Vision Zero, but state leaders failed to commit infrastructure funds to making structural improvements.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Sonoma County Transportation Authority
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