Most of the 10 states that rely the most on natural gas or propane for heating and cooking have ambitious climate goals.
Some aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as an 80% by 2050. āCombustion emissions produced within these jurisdictions suggest it will not be possible to meet climate goals without immediate and durable action on building fossil fuel use,ā according to an article by the Rocky Mountain Institute.
Natural gas along with smaller amounts of oil and propane in buildings accounts for 10% of total US economy-wide emissions. Just 10 large statesāmost of which are in the Northeastā are responsible for 56% of those emissions.
Switching from fuel oil to gas reduces a home or businessās emissions by about 27%, or around 16% for propane. Thatās not enough to reach carbon emission reduction goals. That means homes and businesses will have to switch to electric heat pump technology powered by electricity from renewable sources if statesā climate goals are to be met.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 18, 2017
Energy modeling yields accuracy within 4%, says new study
Results of the study support theĀ usefulness of the practice.
Codes and Standards | Jul 13, 2017
Net Zero Energy rebranded as āZero Energyā
ILF aims to make new certification the sole standard for highest performing buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jul 13, 2017
New York City creates $10 million fund to help women- and minority-owned firms win construction contracts
The money is earmarked for up to $500,000 surety bonds per contract.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2017
New International Building Code allows weather-resistive barriers above 40 feet
Danger of propagating flames now deemed negligible.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2017
New mass plywood panel project moves ahead with federal grant
New material is substitute for concrete and steel in multi-story projects.
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2017
Trump ups ante on apprenticeships, gives private sector more room to design them
Initiative aimed at alleviating construction industry worker shortage.
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2017
Flawed modeling to blame for green buildings failure to live up to hype on energy efficiency
Explains energy performance gap from expected savings to actual savings.
Codes and Standards | Jul 5, 2017
Research study examines tall timber buildings worldwide
Industry group developing criteria for categorizing wide range of construction approaches to tall timber buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jun 30, 2017
AAMA releases new document on aluminum fenestration and energy efficiency
The free download addresses entrances, storefront framing, curtain walls, windows and skylight fenestration systems.
Codes and Standards | Jun 29, 2017
Fire codes prevent cladding used on Grenfell Tower from being used in U.S.
Reports suggest an extra $6,300 for fire-resistant cladding could have prevented the tragedy.
