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. “Combustion 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,” 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 states—most of which are in the Northeast— are responsible for 56% of those emissions.
Switching from fuel oil to gas reduces a home or business’s emissions by about 27%, or around 16% for propane. That’s 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 states’ climate goals are to be met.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 16, 2019
New Buildings Institute seeks entries for Zero Buildings Database
Listing illustrates feasibility of ultra low-energy buildings.
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2019
USGBC launches new tool to prioritize sustainability strategies
Highlights building design features that can lead to better performance.
Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2019
Coalition calls for consistent building data disclosure regulations in Canada
Major real estate firms are driving the effort.
Codes and Standards | Dec 10, 2019
Utilities rolling out more grid-interactive efficient building programs
Focus is on energy savings and demand flexibility.
Codes and Standards | Dec 9, 2019
Canada’s Zero Carbon Building Standard reports first 10 certifications
Projects include new and existing offices, schools, and warehouses.
Codes and Standards | Dec 6, 2019
New research examines flood mitigation policies in the U.S.
Thirteen states or cities have adopted effective measures; some restricting development in vulnerable areas.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2019
USGBC unveils vision for LEED Positive
Roadmap will lay foundation for a future LEED that is regenerative.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2019
Report shows reducing embodied carbon can save money and help mitigate climate change
Embodied carbon now accounts for 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2019
Dubai, London and New York are 2019’s ‘Construction Mega Cities’
From 2007 to 2025, GlobalData expects the cities’ combined gross domestic product (GDP) to increase by more than US$8 trillion to US$20.4 trillion.
Codes and Standards | Dec 2, 2019
New GBCI certification recognizes expertise in sustainability
Provides third-party verification of competency to ‘making the world more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable.’
