flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Ambitious but realistic increase in clean energy would cut GHG emissions by 80% in the U.S.

Codes and Standards

Ambitious but realistic increase in clean energy would cut GHG emissions by 80% in the U.S.

NRDC report says goal can be achieved with existing tools.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | October 4, 2017
A solar array
A solar array

The U.S. can cut its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% percent by 2050 with an “ambitious, but realistic, increase in clean energy,” according to a National Resources Defense Council report.

America’s Clean Energy Frontier: The Pathway to a Safer Climate Future says that such a reduction could be achieved almost entirely with tools available today. Recommended steps are:

More ambitious investments in efficient and/or electric vehicles, appliance, buildings, and industrial plants to cut energy use by almost half.

Dramatic expansion of renewable energy so that wind and solar power represent at least 70% of the nation’s electricity mix by 2050. This near-zero-carbon electricity would displace direct use of fossil fuels.

Lower-carbon fuels such as clean biofuels produced from sustainable biomass would be used for remaining uses that are currently hard to replace with electricity (e.g., airplanes, trucks, and steel manufacturing).

A stronger, modernized electricity grid would have to be built to better support renewable energy resources and energy efficiency.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Jun 13, 2018

United States Resiliency Council announces support for Calif. earthquake resiliency bill

Measure would help cities identify structures that could fail in major quake.

Codes and Standards | Jun 12, 2018

Congestion pricing for cars is effective in reducing traffic, but a difficult sell

After three years, traffic congestion declined by 30% in London.

Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2018

First RFP requiring modular construction on New York City housing project issued

Part of Housing 2.0 modular construction initiative.

Codes and Standards | Jun 6, 2018

Buffalo, N.Y., contractor exec pleads guilty to fraud for bid rigging on $750 million contract

LPCiminelli stops functioning as GC in fallout from the case.

Codes and Standards | Jun 6, 2018

LEED should be updated to combat climate change

Hasn’t kept pace with urgency of problem, says clean energy investor.

Codes and Standards | Jun 5, 2018

Sports stadiums and arenas showcase sustainability features

Green venues save owners money, gain positive publicity.

Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2018

L.A. must transition to cleaner energy, boost transit to reach sustainability goals

City aims to reduce GHGs 60% by 2035 and 80% by 2050.

Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2018

Washington D.C.’s flattened skyline can be a virtue

Zoning ordinance that ties building heights to width of streets dictates form.

Codes and Standards | May 30, 2018

Silicon Valley cities considering taxes aimed at large employers

The aim is to offset the impact on housing costs and homelessness by tech companies.

Codes and Standards | May 30, 2018

OSHA proposes new crane operator safety rule

Would provide long-term clarity on certification requirements.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021