By reducing power plant pollution, energy efficiency yields health benefits, according to research by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
The ACEEE report, “Saving Energy, Saving Lives: The Health Impacts of Avoiding Power Plant Pollution with Energy Efficiency,” estimates the health and environmental benefits that would come from a nationwide 15% reduction in annual electric consumption. Power plant pollution contributes to heart attacks, respiratory conditions, asthma attacks, and premature death, the study says.
Nationwide, a 15% cut in electric consumption would result in more than six lives saved each day, up to $20 billion in avoided health harms, and nearly 30,000 fewer asthma episodes. The complexity of the electric grid, the location of power plants, wind patterns, and other factors influence where energy efficiency’s greatest health benefits would be realized.
A 15% reduction in electric demand is readily achievable, the report says.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 30, 2021
Facebook’s new $800 million Arizona data center to save big on water
Will restore more than 200 million gallons of water per year to river basins.
Codes and Standards | Aug 26, 2021
California may require solar on new high-rise residential and commercial buildings
State energy commission approves proposal; Could become law in 2023.
Codes and Standards | Aug 25, 2021
Study finds racism, discrimination common in construction industry
NIBS to share best practices with industry leaders to improve worker treatment.
Codes and Standards | Aug 24, 2021
White paper addresses insulated metal panel specifications for roofs and walls
Pertains to provisions of the National Building Code of Canada.
Codes and Standards | Aug 24, 2021
KTGY releases free resource to reduce carbon footprint in multifamily developments
Helps navigate Denver Green Code measures—a series of voluntary codes.
Codes and Standards | Aug 19, 2021
Massive infrastructure bill includes hundreds of millions for building energy efficiency
Funds allotted for updated code implementation, construction technology, K-12 efficiency programs.
Codes and Standards | Aug 18, 2021
Fannie Mae green bonds program could be greenwashing
Analysis shows significant number of green bond properties become less efficient.
Codes and Standards | Aug 17, 2021
Three Texas cities head list of most environmentally vulnerable
Hazard analysis includes natural disasters and government response categories.
Codes and Standards | Aug 16, 2021
Bill would reform New York’s public contracting process
Council on Public Contracting Reform to have contractor representation.
Codes and Standards | Aug 12, 2021
AGC pushes for more environmentally friendly construction
Contractor trade group supports government investment, tax incentives to reduce carbon footprints.