Frequently Asked Questions
Q. To meet 2030 Challenge guidelines (in the strict sense) is it necessary to include the embodied energy/GHG emissions created during building material production?
A. Although operating energy is the majority of energy consumed by buildings, the embodied energy of the materials that compose buildings is an important consideration to designers. Embodied energy is the energy used in production and distribution of a product or material. Presently the embodied energy of building materials contributes anywhere from 15 to 20% of the energy used by a building over a 50 year period. Designers have tremendous influence as to what material are used and can specify those materials with low embodied energy, thus reducing the amount of fossil-fuel energy used during production. Also, as the operating energy is reduced through efficient design and technology, embodied energy will become more and more important in reducing a building’s carbon footprint.
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See our Resources page for great resources on material selection based on embodied energy.
Q. If technology got us into this problem of global warming, what role do you see technology playing in getting us out of it? And to what magnitude?
A. Technology is definitely a solution. Efficient machinery and renewable energy technology are essential to combating climate change. However, we need to change our mentality about energy consumption. Fossil fuels have been so abundant over the past century that we have used much more than we really need. We know that we can design buildings to use 50% to 80% less energy through the use of daylighting, passive heating and cooling and other design techniques. This requires no new technology. To gain further reductions we can add technology: efficient machinery, photovoltaics, solar hot water, wind turbines, biomass, etc. And then lastly buy renewable energy. Therefore technology plays anywhere from 20 to 50% of a role, at least for buildings. Read more
Q. A great amount of world’s population lives in developing countries. China, India, Turkey, Iran, Brazil and others are among those that contribute to global warming, or are going to contribute in near future, with huge amounts of greenhouse gases. So the question is whether it is possible to achieve The 2030 Challenge without the support of so many people? If not, how can they be motivated to action as well (and also their governments)?
A. Yes, we need everyone to participate in the Challenge. Developing countries do not want to be left behind with old dirty technologies. As more developed nations take the lead in reducing their CO2 emissions and the prices for efficient technologies and renewable energy drop it will become more affordable for nations just developing to go Green (efficient and renewable). Read more
Q. Are there any governmental rewards or incentives for energy conserving designers, energy companies, contractors, or any other people directly involved with the construction of buildings?
A. Some states, counties, and cities provide incentives specifically targeted to builders and developers such as expedited permitting processes for green building, tax rebates and loans. Search by your state at the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency.