Buildings Can Play a Key Role in Combating Climate Change
Better architecture and energy savings in buildings could do more to fight global warming than all curbs on greenhouse gases agreed to under the UN’s Kyoto Protocol, according to a new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Sustainable Construction and Building Initiative (SBCI).
The built environment accounts for 30% to 40 % of global energy use, and the right mix of technologies, behavioural change and government regulation could make a huge impact on reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The report estimates that by 2010, more than one-fifth of present energy consumption could be saved by applying more ambitious standards to new and existing buildings.
Since 80% of a building’s energy consumption occurs after it’s built, building design and systems are extremely important. Some solutions include sun shading, natural ventilation, improved insulation, recycled building materials, intelligent lighting and ventilation systems, low temperature heating and cooling systems, energy saving appliances, and energy pricing and financial incentives.
Some countries are considering a phase-out or ban of incandescent light bulbs, which would save 470 million tons of CO2 - more than half the reductions called for by the Kyoto Treaty.
