______________________________________________________________________________________________ Decarbonization
Facts are facts : the building sector is a significant contributor to carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas ( GHG ) emissions , both in the US and globally . Achievable solutions must be explored and pursued , as GHG emissions contribute to the widespread and worsening impacts of human-induced climate change . Emissions also have adverse effects on local environments and populations by compromising indoor air quality and exacerbating outdoor air pollution . Mitigating the effects of carbon emissions will take an economy-wide , all-hands-on deck effort . This spring , the National Institute of Building Sciences Consultative Council , an assembly of high-level building industry representatives , released a report detailing recommendations to policymakers regarding decarbonizing the US built environment . The 2022 Moving Forward Report breaks down the challenges to decarbonization and provides recommendations to accelerate reductions in both embodied and operational carbon in existing buildings and new construction .
Decarbonizing the built environment : recommendations
Decarbonization not only benefits society , but many potential benefits can accrue directly to building owners who invest in decarbonization . For example , energy efficiency improvements and onsite renewable generation capacity can reduce owners ’ utility bills and other related energy costs , while also increasing a building ’ s resilience to extreme weather events . In addition , buildings that are energy efficient and have low GHG emissions may be more attractive to buyers or renters , which can increase overall property values , and decarbonization investments can also improve a building ’ s indoor air quality , which can be beneficial for the health and wellbeing of building occupants .
The task of decarbonizing the building sector will be difficult , but there are multiple achievable , scientifically proven pathways to doing so . Drawing on the latest research and industry best practices , the recommendations below are designed to promote collaboration and information exchange , as well as the sharing of costs and benefits , to continue the important process of decarbonizing the built environment . These recommendations supplement , and should not replace , other necessary actions to adapt the built environment to a changing climate and make our buildings and communities healthier and more resilient to natural hazards .
Coordination across the building sector . Policymakers should prioritize and leverage the expertise of the private sector around decarbonization goals and continue to collaborate across sectors . This is especially important for agencies with regulatory missions and substantial private sector impact , including the US . Environmental Protection Agency , US . Department of Energy , and the US . Department of Housing and Urban Development . These agencies should continue to engage with building owners and portfolio managers to discuss the most effective incentives that can drive action to reduce operational emissions and embodied carbon in buildings leased by the federal government .
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