The International Energy Agency (IEA) published its first comprehensive roadmap to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Many governments use IEA’s modeling and conclusions as input for policy decisions. Much of the document’s focus is on energy generation and a transition to cleaner forms of transportation, but building efficiency is also included.
The net zero vision would have emissions from buildings drop by 40% by 2030 and more than 95% by 2050. That goal would require that by 2030, about 20% of the existing building stock worldwide be retrofitted and all new buildings comply with zero‐carbon‐ready building standards. A zero‐carbon‐ready building is defined as highly energy efficient using either renewable energy directly or from an energy supply that will be fully decarbonized by 2050.
The roadmap also calls for minimum energy performance standards and replacement schemes for low‐efficiency appliances to be introduced or strengthened in the 2020s in all countries. By the mid‐2030s, nearly all household appliances sold worldwide should be as efficient as the most efficient models available today.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 11, 2016
New York governor makes emergency design-build authorization
The declaration was issued in response to Winter Storm Jonas which dumped over 18 inches of snow in parts of the state.
Green | Jan 29, 2016
USGBC names top 10 states for LEED green building
Illinois leads the list for the third straight year.
Codes and Standards | Jan 25, 2016
Dept. of Energy releases decision guides for plug and process loads
Plug and process loads consume about 30% of the primary energy in U.S. commercial buildings today.
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2016
ConsensusDocs releases new multi-party IPD agreement and joining agreement
The documents serve as a comprehensive revision of previous IPD agreement
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2016
State Savings Calculator analyzes savings associated with energy codes
The calculator breaks down the cost-effectiveness of energy codes on a state-by-state basis.
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2016
Metal Roofing Seaming Guide published by Metal Construction Association
The free document is specifically tailored for metal roof installation.
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2016
Treasury Dept. will start crackdown on illicit money in luxury real estate
The move is expected to impact high-end condo development.
Resiliency | Jan 13, 2016
LEED credits on resiliency expected to influence future of building design
Post-disaster survivability is a key goal.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2016
Batteries are the next step in raising sustainability standards
Battery technology will reduce electricity costs and promote a more stable, flexible grid.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2016
Denver broadens its use of design reviews as construction booms
Support strong, but some wary of giving more say to review boards.