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
Green | Jun 2, 2016
USGBC offers new LEED pilot credit: Building Material Human Hazard and Exposure Assessment
For assessing human health-related exposure scenarios for construction products.
Resiliency | Jun 1, 2016
Federal agencies boost standards for more resilient construction
HUD, FEMA, GSA, Army Corps of Engineers make policy changes.
Green | May 31, 2016
Miami Beach requires developers to meet green standards or pay a fee
Applies to structures larger than 7,000 sf.
Codes and Standards | May 27, 2016
Better enforcement needed for successful implementation of energy efficiency policies
Commercial buildings the focus of recent code initiatives.
Codes and Standards | May 25, 2016
LEED Dynamic is worth the effort, says commercial real estate executive
San Diego office tower is California’s first office building to receive LEED Dynamic plaque in recertification.
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2016
Ontario planning to spend $7 billion on wide-ranging climate change plan
Includes financial incentives to retrofit buildings.
Codes and Standards | May 23, 2016
Facility managers say Internet of Things, analytics will impact maintenance soon
More reliable data needed for optimal results from the technology.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2016
Industry leaders call for wider use of bamboo as a building material
Benefits include seismic resiliency and sustainability.
Codes and Standards | May 19, 2016
Asphalt roofing group publishes updated shingle installation guide
Technical manual provides best practices for roofing professionals.
Codes and Standards | May 16, 2016
EPA proposes new stormwater discharge regulations for construction sites
Would apply to sites of one or more acres.